New Zealand Scholarship Biology exam-day guide
New Zealand Scholarship Biology · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission slip and photo ID
Print or download your admission slip and bring a current photo ID (e.g., passport or driver licence). Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether digital copies are allowed.
Approved stationery
Bring several black or blue pens, pencils, an eraser, and a ruler. Check the provider's stationery rules; some sessions restrict pencil use for certain answer booklets.
Clear water bottle
Bring a clear, label-free water bottle if permitted. Confirm with the provider whether water is allowed at your desk.
No prohibited devices
Leave phones, smart watches, and any other electronic devices at home or switched off and stored as instructed. Confirm with the provider where devices must be placed.
Know your session time and venue
Re-check the start time, room, and reporting time on your admission slip. Arrive early enough to complete any check-in process.
Review the exam format
Confirm the number of questions, sections, and whether there is a choice of questions. Know how many marks each section carries so you can allocate time.
Bring a simple watch (if allowed)
A non-smart watch can help you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Confirm with the provider whether watches are permitted.
Plan transport and backup
Plan your route and have a backup (e.g., a contact number for the venue). Aim to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before the reporting time, or as advised by the provider.
Prepare for a long written paper
Eat a proper meal and bring a snack for after the exam if allowed. The paper may require sustained writing; confirm the duration with the provider.
Read the instructions carefully
On the day, read all instructions on the front of the paper and answer booklet. Check for any updates or announcements from supervisors.
Plan the day
Review your summary notes for key biological concepts, especially areas you find difficult. Practice writing structured answers to past or sample questions under timed conditions, focusing on explanation and linking ideas. Do not try to learn new topics; consolidate what you already know. Check your admission slip, ID, and stationery. Confirm the venue and start time. Get regular sleep.
Do a light review of key terms and processes. Prepare your bag with admission slip, ID, stationery, and water bottle. Charge your phone but plan to leave it stored. Set an alarm and arrange transport. Avoid intensive study late at night; prioritise rest.
Eat a balanced breakfast and hydrate. Arrive at the venue with time to spare. Check in and follow supervisor instructions. Use the time before the exam to settle, not to cram. Visit the restroom before entering the room.
Read all instructions and the question paper carefully. Allocate time according to marks: roughly one minute per mark is a common guide, but confirm the paper's structure. Start with questions you are confident about, then return to harder ones. For extended answers, plan briefly, use biological terminology accurately, and link structure to function or cause to effect. Watch the clock and leave time to check your answers, especially for multiple-choice or short-answer sections.
Rules to check
Bring your admission slip and approved photo ID; you may be refused entry without them. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted.
Electronic devices, including phones and smart watches, must be switched off and stored as directed. Do not keep them on your person during the exam.
Follow all instructions from supervisors. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not look at others' work.
If you need to leave the room (e.g., for a restroom break), raise your hand and wait for a supervisor. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are permitted and how they are supervised.
Write your answers in the required format and in the spaces provided. Answers outside designated areas may not be marked.
Do not bring unauthorised materials such as notes, textbooks, or formula sheets unless explicitly permitted. Confirm with the provider what reference materials, if any, are allowed.
If you believe there is an error in the paper or you have a problem, notify a supervisor immediately rather than discussing it with other candidates.
Scoring is based on the quality of your answers, including depth of explanation and use of biological evidence. Confirm the weighting of sections with the provider so you can prioritise accordingly.