best inspirational exam quotes for student success

51 Best Inspirational Exam Quotes For Student Success

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Last Updated on November 10, 2023 by Alexandra Markin

This post is a selection of the best inspirational exam quotes every student should read before taking their exam.

Writing exams is one of the hardest and most stressful parts of being a student. Finding the inspiration to keep studying is tough.

The inspirational quotes in this post will help you prepare for your exam, boost your test taking confidence and overcome any exam fears.

As an online diploma graduate, I’ve written countless exams. Referring back to my favourite quotes always helps me do well on my exams.

Click in the table of contents below to jump to any section you need most for exam motivation!

Table Of Contents
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Motivational Quotes To Help You Achieve Your Exam Goals

Find inspiration with the quotes in this section to help you achieve whatever your exam goals may be. You can do this!

1. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it

The late Mae West knew what it took to become a famous actress and singer – her career spanned over seven decades. Heed one of her most well-known quotes to help you achieve your exam goals:

“I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.”

– Mae West, American actress and singer, 1893-1980
i never said it would be easy, i only said it would be worth it

2. Establish a “you can do this” mindset

Henry Ford’s mindset was the primary reason that lead him to success when he invented the Model T, as demonstrated in the book Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend that you do!

You will do well on your exam. Make this your primary mindset and you’ve won half the battle.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”

– Henry Ford, American inventor and businessman, 1863-1947
Quote overlay by Henry Ford on image of desk with book, textbook, laptop and bowl of oatmeal.

3. Learn while they party to live like they dream

I found this inspirational quote on Pinterest years ago and its been one of my favourites ever since. Stay on track, work hard, crush your exams and be that person who actually lives a life others only dream of.

“Work while they sleep. Learn while they party. Save while they spend. Live like they dream.”

– Pinterest, original author unknown
Work while they sleep. Learn while they party. Save while they spend. Live like they dream. Pinterest author unknown

4. Nothing is impossible

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”

– Audrey Hepburn, actress 1929-1993
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'! Audrey Hepburn

5. Do the work others are not willing to do

Getting a formal education is hard work. If getting a degree was easy, everyone would be doing it. The fact that you’re willing to take the exam is what will make you successful.

Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.

– Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur, 1930-2009
Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don't wish it were easier; wish you were better. Jim Rohn

6. Make your dreams a reality

If you can dream it, you can do it.

– Walt Disney
Quote “If you can dream it, you can do it.” by Walt Disney over an image of a female graduate in a cap and gown facing away from the camera.

7. Don’t just dream of success, get up and make it happen

Time waits for no one, so make studying for exams a priority in your mornings.

If you need help setting yourself up for a productive day, check out The Best Morning Routine for Online College Students post.

“Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen.”

– Wayne Huizenga, American Businessman, 1937-2018
Quote “Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen.” Wayne Huizenga

8. Your willingness determines the hight of your achievements

“The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”

– Michelle Obama, Former first lady of the United States
The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them. Michelle Obama

9. Be the one that’s hard to beat

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”

– Babe Ruth, former professional baseball player, 1895-1948
It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up. Babe Ruth

Some Encouraging Words For An Exam

Worried about an upcoming test? These encouraging words will help calm your nerves before your next exam.

10. Show up and do your best

Showing up counts for more than you might think. Get yourself to the exam and do your best! Remember – you chose to make this opportunity for yourself while others did not.

“80% percent of success is showing up.”

 – Woody Allen, American film director
80% of success is showing up. Woody Allen

11. Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

John Wooden, American Basketball coach, 1910-2010
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. John Wooden

12. Believe you can and you’re halfway there

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

Theodore Roosevelt, Former US President, 1858-1919
Believe you can and you’re halfway there. Theodore Roosevelt

13. If writing an exam is not your strong point

Not everyone is good at writing exams, even if they do well on all the course assignments. If this sounds like you, do your best and don’t beat yourself up if you get a lower grade than you wanted. Remember, your ability to do well on exams does not define your intelligence.

“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist, 1879-1955
Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. Albert Einstein

14. Don’t compare your journey to others

“Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.”

– Jon Acuff, actor
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Jon Acuff

15. Don’t stress

This is another Pinterest quote I found long ago that I still live by, especially when writing exams! The original author is unknown.

“Don’t stress. Do your best. Forget the rest.”

– Unknown
Don't stress. Do your best. forget the rest. Unknown

16. You are capable of more than you know

“You are capable of more than you know. Aim high. Behave honorably.”

– E.O. Wilson, American biologist, 1929-2021
You are capable of more than you know. Aim high. Behave honorably. E.O. Wilson

17. You are smarter than you think

Take a cue from Winnie-the-Pooh, who always demonstrated the will to get through any situation.

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”

– A.A. Milne, British author of Winnie-the-Pooh, 1882-1956
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. A.A. Milne

18. Everyone has to work hard to achieve their goals

To conclude these encouraging words for an exam, even the most influential figures of history experienced hard times before they achieved their greatness.

“Genius is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration.”

Thomas Edison, American inventor, 1847-1931
Genius is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration. Thomas Edison

Inspirational Quotes To Boost Your Confidence Before Taking An Exam

19. Knowledge is your most valuable asset

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

B.B. King, American singer-songwriter, 1925-2015
The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. B.B. King

20. Everyone starts at zero

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.”

Helen Hayes, actress, 1900-1993
The expert in anything was once a beginner. Helen Hayes

21. Anything worth having has no shortcuts

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

Beverly Stills, operatic soprano, 1929-2007
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Beverly Stills

22. Believe you can

“In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.

– Nikos Kazantzakis, Greek writer, 1883-1957
In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can. Nikos Kazantzakis

23. A successful tomorrow belongs to those who prepare today

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

– Malcolm X, American minister, 1925-1965
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. Malcom X

24. You don’t have to be great to start

 “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

– Zig Ziglar, American author, 1926-2012
You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Zig Ziglar

25. You can predict your future if you create it

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

Abraham Lincoln, 16th US President, 1809-1865
The best way to predict your future is to create it. Abraham Lincoln

26. Live for the experience of today

“Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow.”

– Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist, 1879-1955
Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow. albert Einstein

27. You are going places

We can’t get through a list of inspirational exam quotes without including some from the great Dr. Seuss. He’s spot on with this quote – reading (and textbooks count!) opens you up to a whole world of opportunity!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

– Dr. Seuss, American author, 1904-1991
The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. Dr. Seuss

28. Believe in your dreams

As a student, the would is your oyster. Dream big!

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt, Former first lady of the United States, 1884-1962
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt

Inspirational Exam Quotes To Help You Overcome Your Fears

Save these inspirational exam quotes to help you overcome any exam fears. Recall these during an exam for an instant stress aid.

29. To succeed, never give up

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

– Thomas Edison, American inventor, 1847-1931
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. Thomas Edison

30. Know no excuses

“I attribute my success to this – I never gave or took any excuse.”

– Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing, 1820-1919
I attribute my success to this - I never gave or took any excuse. Florence Nightingale

31. Make the excitement of winning greater than the fear of losing

“Don’t let the fear of losing be greater than the excitement of winning.”

– Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad
Don't let the fear of losing be greater than the excitement of winning. Robert Kiyosaki

32. Greatness does not come from within your comfort zone

All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.

Michael John Bobak, American contemporary artist
All progress takes place outside the comfort zone. Michael John Bobak

33. Failure is not fatal, nor is success final

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister, 1874-1965
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Winston Churchill

34. Remove your doubts

Don’t fear failure on an exam. Remind yourself you have the courage to continue through any outcome.

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President, 1882-1945
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Franklin D. Roosevelt

35. Put down your fears and go forward

Failing an exam or not getting the grade you want is always disappointing, but both success and failure are valuable learning experiences.

“All men have fears, but the brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death, but always to victory.”

Dale Carnegie, author of How To Win Friends And Influence People  
All men have fears, but the brave put down their fears and go forward, sometimes to death, but always to victory. Dale Carnegie

36. Trust your abilities

Sometimes, especially in an exam situation, we tend to be our own greatest enemy. Trust yourself and your abilities.

“Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do.”

Benjamin Spock, American pediatrician, 1903-1998
Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do. Benjamin Spock

37. The only person who can stop you from success is yourself

“Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. Most of all, other people can’t stop you. Only you can stop you.”

Jeffrey Gitomer – author of the Little Red Book of Selling
Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. Most of all, other people can’t stop you. Only you can stop you. Jeffrey Gitomer

Inspirational Quotes To Help You Study For An Exam

The hardest part is often getting started. Find you favourite quote in this section to help you get motivated to study for your exam.

38. Habit is what keeps you moving forward

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

– Jim Ryun, Former US Representative
Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. Jim Ryun

39. Learn to protect yourself with the pen, and not the gun

“You must get an education. You must go to school, and you must learn to protect yourself. And you must learn to protect yourself with the pen, and not the gun.”

– Josephine Baker, dancer, singer and actress, 1906-1975
You must get an education. You must go to school, and you must learn to protect yourself. And you must learn to protect yourself with the pen, and not the gun. Josephine Baker

40. Hard work begets luck

If you want to create more “luck” for yourself, you actually need to put in the work. Manifestation books such as The Secret, The Power and Think And Grow Rich are not just about believing your dreams can be reality, but putting your plans into action to make it happen.

Opportunities only present themselves through action.

I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.

– Thomas Jefferson, 3rd US President, 1743-1826
I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have. Thomas Jefferson

41. Studying is all about having the right attitude

“Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.”

– Augustine “Og” Mandino, American author, 1923-1996
Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new. Augustine "Og" Mandino

42. Overcome procrastination

“Never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.”

Charles Dickens, British author, 1812-1870
Never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time. Charles Dickens

If you’re struggling with procrastination or just getting started studying for your exam, read the post how to study when you don’t feel like it.

43. Literally – do your homework! Genius lies within

“A genius is often merely a talented person who has done all of his or her homework.”

– Thomas Edison, American inventor, 1847-1931
A genius is often merely a talented person who has done all of his or her homework. Thomas Edison

44. Preparation is the key to success

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

– Alexander Graham Bell, scientist and inventor, 1847-1922
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. Alexander Graham Bell

45. Time waits for no one

This is my all-time favourite quote. Time waits for no one, no matter who you are. The time to achieve your exam goal is now.

“You may delay, but time will not.”

Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States, 1706-1709
You may delay, but time will not. Benjamin Franklin

46. Learn to rest, not quit

Even the allusive Banksy has valuable advice to aid in your study efforts. Breaks are important for memory retention when studying for an exam.

“When you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.”

– Banksy, anonymous British-based street artist
When you get tired, learn to rest, not quit. Banksy

Motivational Quotes To Help You Do Your Best On An Exam

47. Education is a privilege

Not everyone has the opportunity to get an education. In the moment, writing an exam may not seem like a privilege, but remind yourself that it is.

“The man who does not read books has no advantage over the one who cannot read them.”

Mark Twain, American writer, 1835-1910
The man who does not read books has no advantage over the one who cannot read them. Mark Twain

48. Open doors are only yours to enter

“Teachers can open the door, but you must enter it yourself.”

– Chinese proverb
Teachers can open the door, but you must enter it yourself. Chinese proverb

49. No one can take away your knowledge

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

– B.B. King, American singer-songwriter, 1925-2015
The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. B.B. King

50. Expect problems and crush them

Problems will always arise no matter how prepared you are. The exam conditions may be less than ideal – the room might be too cold or too hot, you might not have slept well the night before, etc. Find a way to overcome these small annoyances and do your best on the exam. Anticipating problems and finding a way to deal with them is part of having success.

“Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.”

– Alfred A. Montapert, author, 1906-1997
Expect problems and eat them for breakfast. Alfred A. Montapert

51. Good luck on your exam!

I know exactly what you’re going through because I’m going through it too! We’re in this together. Best of luck on your exam!

“When you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Wishing you the best of luck on your exam!”

– Online Student Life
When you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Wishing you the best of luck on your exam! Online Student Life

I hope this roundup of inspirational exam quotes helps calm exam nerves, gives you a confidence boost to achieve your exam goals and gets you motivated to study and do your best!

Want even more inspirational quotes? Read the post Motivational Quotes For University Students to help you do your best throughout your education journey.

Share in the comments below what your favourite inspirational exam quote is!

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