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….