Make a game plan and start early!
Allot more time to study for your hardest classes.
Review material in this order: definitely be on the test, probably will be on the test, might be on the test.
Review material each week all semester
Review information from earlier in the semester that you may have forgotten if final exam is cumulative.
Avoid all-nighters and cramming it all into one day.
Set time each day to study a little and review what you’ve studied
Eat a well balanced meal (include carbs for brain fuel) and have healthy snacks & water on hand so you don’t get interrupted by hunger or thirst.
Good sleep improves our ability to focus
Sleep also consolidates memories - making it easier to retrieve information.
If you’re currently struggling to get quality sleep, you’re far from alone. Make an active effort to improve sleep hygiene:
Removing TVs and mobile devices from your room
Getting on as consistent of a schedule as possible
Avoiding caffeine late in the evening
Environment matters, having a clutter free space dedicated to studying can help the mind be most productive.
If possible, set up a nook exclusively dedicated to studying, should include: A desk, ergonomic or comfy chair, quality lighting, any materials you might require during your study session.
Let your roommates, family members, or other fellow residents know that, when you sit down at your desk, you are not to be disturbed.
The right music can make your study sessions both more enjoyable and more effective.
Music can boost retention and reduce anxiety.
Create a playlist or find Playlist on Spotify or YouTube with music like:
Classical music
Isochromatic tones
Instrumental songs
Focus (Deep Focus, Focus Flow, Focus Music, Focus Beats, etc.)
Study (Intense Studying, Instrumental Study, Study Session, etc.)
Find the type of music you enjoy that can keep you motivated to study.
Keep the TV off
Keep your phone off or out of reach during study sessions
If you must have your phone, put it in Airplane Mode or turn on Do not Disturb
If you feel you will be tempted, turn it off, put it in your book bag or place it in another room all together (when safe).
Develop and answer questions that might realistically be found on your exams.
This method provides a variety of benefits.
First, it forces you to boil down weeks of learning into a few basic takeaways.
Details matter, of course, but it’s equally important to understand the big picture.
Writing sample questions also allows you to think like an instructor.
This thought process may benefit you when the actual exam arrives.
Finally, self-created tests help you determine where your main gaps in knowledge lie for a clear indication of the topics that warrant closer review.
No one study method works equally well for everyone or for every subject. Some Study tactics are:
Reading notes out loud
Rewriting your notes
Creating and quizzing flashcards
Create mnemonic device to memorize a phrase or acronym (Roy G. Biv)
Highlighting important material
Studying with a group and quizzing each other
Re-listening to a lecture
Utilize a study guide if provided by your instructor. If no study guide was provided, you could use the syllabus as a guide.
Review old quizzes and midterm for possible questions that may reappear on the final.
Experiment with several approaches until you find a strategy that best addresses your unique needs.
Don’t be afraid to switch things up as soon as your approach appears to deliver diminishing returns.
Start a study group as soon as possible when possible
Better late than never, commiserating over test prep may ease your stress if you join a group a few days before a final.
Group effort in creating study tactics could be beneficial. For example:
Everybody in your group can be tasked with creating flashcards from a specific lecture or chapter in your textbook.
Participants could develop sample questions to be compiled and used in a practice exam - Different points of view in creating sample questions broadens your practice of the material.
Group can be just you and a friend.
Study Groups don’t have to be studying the same thing, its helpful to just have someone else studying along side you.
Exam prep may feel lonely at times, but you can take solace in knowing that you’re never truly alone. Numerous resources are available to help you conquer difficult material and deal with pre-exam stress (Student Health Services is here for you!)
Begin by turning to your fellow classmates or study group members for assistance. Even a brief chat could trigger valuable insights or provide the motivation needed to push through when the going gets tough.
Don’t hesitate to seek help from your instructors. Office hours exist for a reason.
The sooner you get over this discomfort, the better. Not only will increased interaction with your instructor prove helpful for short-term test prep, you could build a strong relationship to form the basis of your college networking efforts.
10) Keep the Big Picture in Mind
The journey is more important than the destination.
The act of studying for your finals ensures that you fully engage with the extensive material covered throughout the duration of each course.
If you take exam prep seriously, you’ll come away with a richer understanding of key concepts.
Ensures that you retain the knowledge you’ve worked so hard to gain.
As you move forward with upper-level courses, graduate school, or your eventual career, you’ll thank yourself for putting in the effort.
Stand up and stretch every hour or so
Don’t forget to take breaks as needed
Try the Pomodoro Technique for breaks & productivity
Take deep breaths
Take a walk outside for fresh air
Do a quick exercise to release stress and give your mind a break