There are exactly TWO weeks until final exams start here at the University South Carolina.
I CANNOT believe that my sophomore year of college is drawing to an end, but first I have to pass final exams!
I’m not sweating and you shouldn’t be either. Today I am sharing my five tips for studying and preparing for final exams. These tips do not ensure A+ on finals but this is what I find is helpful for me. I love hearing new tips so if you have any be sure to share them in the comments!
1. Know when your exams are
The very first week I get my syllabus and I write all of my exam times down in my agenda. Usually on class syllabi finals are already listed with the time and date. When it’s already written down, it just seems like another test in the class. Some of the pressure is relieved because I already knew of the final date and time.
2. Organize your course material
By this point, you should know if your final exam is cumulative or not. If it is cumulative, try to start going through any notes, presentations, tests, projects from the semester to begin studying. If it isn’t cumulative, gather your notes from the last test to current. Most professors are very open with what’s on the final. I know they can be different for everyone, but if you start getting organized now it will benefit you in the long run. When it comes time to buckle down and study, your notes will be ready for you and you won’t have to play find and seek with them.
3. Study somewhere new
When the time comes to begin studying, I’ve found that sometimes it’s better to go somewhere you don’t usually study. For me, I usually study in my room, but I like to get out of it and go to the library, a coffee shop or study room. That way distractions are minimal and I won’t be tempted to crawl into bed. When taking the exam and when I come to material that is familiar I can even remember, oh I studied this while drinking that delicious latte. Does anyone else’s brain work like that?
4. Take breaks
This is so important while studying. I like to study one subject and then take a short break and move on to the next. This way my brain isn’t on information overload. I’m not saying take breaks for 5 days but take an hour break, watch an episode of something on Netflix or go out for a quick dinner with friends. While you are on your break still keep a mental mindset of going back to your study place and finish studying. This break will relieve some stress but also be beneficial in the long run.
5. Don’t cram
Cramming is NOT possible. If you are cramming and do well on a test you either already know the material or just did a good job guessing. Along with not cramming, make sure to get plenty of sleep! If you are tired and not sleeping then your studying will be affected. The worst thing you can do is show up exhausted to a final exam. Get your studying done ahead of time so you can get a good night’s sleep before hand.
It’s never too early to start studying. I plan on organizing all my material this weekend in preparation for exam week. I hope these simple tips will help you with exams this year. As always, I would love to hear any tips and tricks you have when it comes to final exams. Leave them below in the comments!
