PREPARING FOR FINALSApril 21, 2010
Finals are right around the corner! If you start preparing NOW, you can allocate
your time efficiently, work effectively, and ease your stress
Finals can be crucial to your grade so don’t blow them off, forget to study, or consistently choose to do other activities with your time
Finals Preparation
Do you know when your finals are? Double check times, locations, and
materials needed ASAP to verify that you don’t have to move any
First and Foremost
Count how many days until your finals and calculate how many days you have left to complete work for class AND study for your finals
Keep in mind other responsibilities or commitments you may have during dead days or finals week
Plan Your Time
Make a detailed study guide for each course (handout on BlackBoard)
Organize all materials (notes, reviews, quizzes, past exams, study guides) NOW so you are aware of how much studying you need to do
Create a day by day study guide that includes goals for each day. Be strict with yourself but also leave room for the unexpected
Check off things as you accomplish them! Progress feels good!
Start Preparing
Study each day in a location where distractions are minimal and you can focus
Study in 45-50 minute blocks. If you study for more than 2 hours straight (no break)- your retention rate drops below 60%. Take a 5 min break every 45-50 minutes to let your brain sort out the information
Follow your daily study guide and make adjustments when necessary
Reward yourself for progress!
Studying
GET SOME REST Eat healthy meals and snacks Take a walk, exercise, or just be outside for
a few minutes Set multiple alarms Lay out everything you’ll need the night
before (calculator, book, paper, pens) Arrive early, allowing for parking, finding
the classroom, etc
Before The Exam
Stay calm Practice deep breathing and mentally
envision yourself doing well (because you are so prepared)
Avoid talking about the exam, content, or fear with others before the exam
During The Exam
Reward yourself!!! Treat yourself as a reward for all your hard work and preparation
Then, continue studying for your next exam!
After The Exam
Professors Teaching Assistants, Supplemental
Instruction Leaders Other students Success Center
◦ Tutors◦ Studying help◦ Counselors
Resources
“For every minute spent in organization, an hour is earned.”
“Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.”
“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”
Remember….