The Final Countdown: A Study Guide

If you’re anything like me, thinking about summer is hard to avoid. Despite the unpredictable weather, daydreams of beach trips and sleeping-in are a comforting distraction. However, there’s just one major hurdle standing between us and vacation: finals. Except for the seniors, that chaotic week of deceptive half-days often brings more stress than relief. As exams creep closer, students are swapping sleep for caffeine and flashcards. But is pulling an all-nighter really the most effective strategy? How are Needham students tackling the challenges of cramming formulas, dates, and vocabulary, and which study methods actually work?

It’s no surprise that Quizlet topped the list of study tools mentioned by students. It’s efficient and quick, while also being a perfect way to study on the go, especially between classes. With classic flashcards, games, and practice tests, it’s designed to make studying feel a little less tedious. But there’s a catch: Quizlet leans heavily on memorization. That’s great for things like history dates or vocab, but not as helpful when it comes to solving math problems or understanding complex concepts.

Another study method gaining popularity among students is known as blurting. The idea is simple: before or after reviewing your notes, write down everything you can remember, and blurt out all the information without peeking. It’s a fast way to check what’s actually stuck in your brain, and it reveals what you truly know versus what you’ve been telling yourself you know. It’s similar to reviewing old tests, just with a notebook, pen, or even a whiteboard. That said, blurting can get repetitive, and it’s not ideal for subjects that involve step-by-step problem solving. Plus, if you don’t double check your answers afterward, you might end up memorizing incorrect information.

For classes that require problem solving, like math, deliberate practice seems to be the most effective and common strategy. After all, practice makes progress, and problem solving is a skill that improves with repetition. However, another response also stood out. Some students brought up the process of teaching the concept to someone else, explaining the steps and solutions out loud to friends, family members, or even to themselves. Breaking down complex concepts into simple terms helps ensure a deeper, more complete understanding. If you can explain calculus to a ten year old, it becomes more  guaranteed that problem solving will become much easier.

Even with such different methods of studying, every student came to the same conclusions: most subjects are unique in their own way, and studying varies depending on the course. Additionally, each student is different, and what works for one person might not work for someone else. Finally, let me repeat myself: cramming the night before will never work. Miracles happen, but you are much better off creating a study plan and starting at least a week in advance, especially for those tougher subjects. Good luck on finals!