Cambodian Top Students Advise Upcoming Graduates: Prioritize Health, Avoid Excessive Pressure

As students in Cambodia prepare for the upcoming Bakdoup (high school exit) examination, two former top-scoring students, known as 'Nites A', are strongly advising them to prioritize their health and manage stress, in addition to their academic efforts. Their message to students gearing up for the 2026 exams is that beyond studying material and solving problems, maintaining good health and avoiding excessive self-imposed pressure are crucial. Tit Pisey, a former Nites A student in the science stream and now a first-year student majoring in Business Administration at Paragon International University, told Kampuchea Thmey, "In the short period of two months or even one month before the exam, students must study hard, practice exercises, and most importantly, pay close attention to maintaining their health. Health is a key factor after memorization. Students should avoid staying up too late at night, as it can negatively impact their exams." Pisey elaborated, "What should be avoided in the short period of one or two months is staying up all night because health is the primary concern. If we study hard during that period but fall ill on the exam day, our year-long effort is not entirely lost, but a part of it will be. We may lose time if we are sick during the exam." She added that if candidates lack sufficient physical strength, their memory may decline even if they understand the material well. Tam Sreylok, a former Nites A student from the social science stream and currently a first-year student in International Relations at the University of Cambodia, echoed Pisey's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of health management for the Bakdoup exam. Sreylok advises students to balance their study time with adequate rest, stating, "When it's time to study, study, and when it's time to rest, rest." She noted that while the social science stream requires extensive memorization, excessive cramming without sufficient rest is detrimental. "Therefore, by doing so, we can get enough rest and take care of ourselves sufficiently. Even though the exam date is approaching, health is crucial, and resting the brain is very important," Sreylok emphasized. Furthermore, she suggested that to avoid excessive pressure, exam candidates should set a study plan and goals a year before the examination. Sreylok herself did not put excessive pressure on herself, as she had been preparing for the exam systematically for a full year prior, overcoming fears and believing in her abilities. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself, because when we put pressure on ourselves, our brain is less cooperative and cannot absorb as much information," she said. Regarding pre-exam study techniques, both Pisey and Sreylok offered similar advice: try to review lessons, such as by doing old exams, practice exercises, or questions from textbooks. They cautioned against studying material that is too far removed from the Bakdoup exam or the Grade 12 curriculum, stressing the importance of focused learning. Pisey also mentioned that encouragement from family, siblings, friends, teachers, and those around them is highly beneficial, providing comfort and boosting confidence for the candidates. Meanwhile, Sreylok appealed to parents and guardians to support their children during this period and avoid pressuring them, acknowledging their children's best efforts. Both former top students urged all students preparing for the Bakdoup exam, scheduled for August 10, 2026, to believe in themselves and take good care of their health. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local