How to Prepare for University Entrance Exams: Practical Tips to Organise Your Study Routine

The university entrance exams in Spain —known as EBAU, EvAU or PAU depending on the autonomous region— are often considered one of the most challenging moments for high school students. However, beyond the initial stress and uncertainty, these exams should also be seen as an opportunity to showcase everything you have learned throughout your academic journey. Achieving good results is not about luck, but about following a well-planned and effective preparation strategy.

At CETT-UB, a leading university centre specialising in tourism, hospitality and gastronomy, we understand that this stage represents the beginning of your future professional path. That is why we have created this comprehensive guide to help you understand how to prepare effectively for the university entrance exams and achieve the score you need for your chosen degree.

1. Understand the Exam Structure (EBAU 2026)

Before diving into your study materials, it is essential to understand how the exam works. The university entrance exams are generally divided into two main sections:

• Compulsory Phase: This includes the core subjects that all students are required to take, such as Spanish Language and Literature, a Foreign Language, History of Spain or Philosophy, and one subject linked to the student’s academic pathway.
• Optional Phase: This part allows students to improve their final score up to 14 points. Choosing subjects that carry a 0.2 weighting for the degree you want to study is especially important.

If you are planning to apply for CETT-UB undergraduate degrees, make sure to carefully review the weighting criteria for each subject. Investing time in the right exams can make a significant difference to your final admission score.

2. Planning Your Study Schedule: Create an Effective Revision Calendar

One of the main differences between stressed students and those who perform successfully is effective organization. Studying randomly each day without a clear plan is rarely the best approach.

Review and Assess the Syllabus

Start by making a complete list of all the topics for each subject. Then, organize them using a simple color-coding system:

• Red: Topics you find difficult or do not fully understand.
• Yellow: Subjects you understand partially but still need to improve.
• Green: Areas you already feel confident about and can review more quickly.

A 4-Week Study Schedule

Ideally, intensive preparation should begin at least one month before the exams. Organize your study days into morning and afternoon blocks: use the mornings —when concentration levels are usually higher— to focus on the most challenging “red” topics, and dedicate the afternoons to reviewing “yellow” and “green” subjects.

It is also important to reserve one full day each week, such as Sunday, for proper rest. Giving your brain time to disconnect helps consolidate information more effectively and improves long-term performance.

3. High-Performance Study Techniques

When preparing for the EBAU, simply reading and repeating information is not enough to manage the large amount of content involved. To study more effectively, it is important to use techniques that strengthen long-term memory and improve knowledge retention.

Active Recall Method

Instead of reading your notes repeatedly, try reading them once and then writing down everything you can remember on a blank sheet of paper. The information you struggle to recall will immediately show you which areas need further revision. Active recall is considered one of the most effective study techniques supported by cognitive science.

Spaced Repetition

Avoid trying to memorize an entire subject, such as Spanish History, in just a couple of days. A more effective approach is to study one section today, review it again after a few days, and revisit it one week later. This method helps strengthen memory retention and reduces the effects of the “forgetting curve.”

4. The Importance of Practicing with Previous Exam Papers

If we had to give just one key piece of advice for succeeding in the EBAU, it would be this: practice with mock exams. University entrance exams often follow similar structures, question formats and marking criteria year after year.

Download exam papers from the last five exam sessions in your autonomous community and complete them under timed conditions. This will help you:

• Improve your time management for each question.
• Learn how to write concise and well-structured answers, especially when space is limited.
• Identify recurring question patterns and common topics that frequently appear in the exams.

5. Take Care of Your “Hardware”: Sleep and Nutrition

Your brain is a biological organ that consumes around 20% of your body’s energy. If you do not take proper care of it, your academic performance can quickly decline.

• Sleep Matters: Sleep plays a fundamental role in memory consolidation and cognitive performance. Getting fewer than seven hours of sleep before an exam can significantly reduce concentration, reasoning skills and overall mental agility.
• Nutrition for Better Performance: A balanced diet can also make a difference during exam preparation. Foods rich in Omega-3, nuts, blueberries and other nutrient-dense ingredients help support brain function and concentration. Staying properly hydrated is equally important.

It is also advisable to avoid excessive caffeine intake. While coffee may provide a temporary energy boost, it can later lead to fatigue and reduced focus.

6. Managing Anxiety: The Psychological Factor

Many talented students see their results affected by exam nerves during the EBAU. Feeling pressure is completely normal, but learning how to manage it effectively can make a significant difference.

Relaxation Techniques

Simple breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve focus during the exam. If you suddenly feel blocked or anxious, pause for a moment, put your pen down, close your eyes and take three slow, deep breaths. This helps calm the nervous system and allows you to regain concentration more easily.

The Day Before the Exam

Avoid intensive studying the day before the exams. Instead, use that time to relax, organize everything you will need —such as your ID, exam materials, pens and water— and mentally prepare yourself with confidence.

At this stage, resting properly and maintaining a positive mindset will be far more beneficial than spending the night trying to memorize additional content.

7. Exam-Day Strategy: Small Details That Can Boost Your Score

Sometimes, the difference between an average mark and an excellent result is not only about knowledge, but also about presentation and exam strategy.

• Read the exam carefully: Take the first few minutes to read the entire exam calmly before starting. Choose the option or questions you feel most confident answering, rather than simply selecting the shortest ones.
• Presentation matters: Examiners often correct hundreds of papers, so a well-presented exam can create a positive impression. Clear handwriting, organized structure, neat margins and correct spelling all contribute to a more professional and readable paper.
• Always leave time to review: Avoid handing in your exam early. Use the final minutes to carefully review your answers, check spelling and grammar, and make sure every part of each question has been answered correctly.

8. After the University Entrance Exams: Choosing Your Future Path

Once the final exam is over, and you put your pen down, one of the most exciting stages of your life will begin. Your admission score is simply a gateway to new opportunities, but the decision about which path to follow is entirely yours.

If you are passionate about tourism and hospitality, culinary arts and gastronomy, or marketing and events, CETT-UB offers a unique learning environment where academic knowledge and practical experience go hand in hand. Our wide range of programs is designed to help students transform their dedication and effort into successful international careers.

Preparing for the university entrance exams is a long-term challenge that requires consistency and commitment. Instead of searching for shortcuts, focus on studying efficiently and strategically. With good organization, regular practice using past exam papers and a positive mindset, you will be well-prepared to achieve your goals. Best of luck — we hope to see you soon at CETT-UB!