Every year, millions of candidates sit for the JAMB UTME, but only a fraction score high enough to secure admission on the first attempt.
The difference is often not intelligence or how long someone studies. It usually comes down to preparation habits,
With profile creation for the 2027 UTME set to begin on December 10, 2026, the time to fix those habits is now.
Here are six mistakes JAMB candidates should watch out for.
Mistake 1: Starting too late
JAMB covers four extensive subjects, and cramming rarely works.
Candidates are advised to start preparing at least three to four months before their exam, not four to six weeks.
Use the JAMB 2027 syllabus and study plan to break each subject into weekly targets.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Use of English
English makes up 25 percent of the total score, yet science students especially tend to neglect it.
Consistent practice with comprehension passages and grammar questions should not be skipped.
Mistake 3: Practising without time limits
Understanding a topic untimed is very different from answering questions at real exam speed.
Candidates should practice under timed conditions as early as possible to build genuine exam readiness.
Mistake 4: Never taking a full simulation
Practicing subjects individually does not prepare candidates for the experience of answering 180 questions in one sitting.
Regular full simulations help build the mental stamina needed for exam day.
Mistake 5: Aiming for the minimum cut-off only
Targeting a score of 140 to 180 is a risky strategy, especially for competitive courses.
Candidates are advised to aim for 250 and above to give themselves a safer margin when competing for highly sought-after courses like Medicine, Law and Engineering.
Check the JAMB 2027 cut-off marks guide to see what your dream course may require.
Mistake 6: Neglecting health
Sustainable three to four hour daily study sessions consistently beat exhausted ten hour marathons.
Rest is not a luxury during exam preparation. It is part of what makes consistent, effective studying possible.
Avoiding these six mistakes will not guarantee a perfect score, but it puts candidates in a much stronger position heading into exam day.
Before registration opens, read the JAMB 2027 registration guide and confirm your NIN details.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
