Making It Count – Nine Final Exam Study Tips

Make a Plan – Work backwards to determine a timeline for studying. For instance, if the final is on Thursday, then know that all of the prep materials should be finished by Sunday so that you have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to review and study the materials. Give yourself deadlines for each subject, and don’t cram!
Organize Materials – Give yourself some space and separate papers, quizzes, and tests into a pile for each subject. Set aside anything that you think is not helpful or won’t be on the final, but don’t throw anything away in case you decide you need it later.

Make Study Guides – Many teachers give study guides, but go beyond that and make your own. Use double column notes so that you can study directly from your guide. The process of determining what is important and then writing it again is an essential part of the study process. It is not busy work, so don’t do it while watching TV and take it seriously.

Find the Perfect Spot – Make sure that you have a place that works for you for studying, whether it is your room, the library or some other place. Be aware if you tend to get distracted easily and make necessary adjustments so that you can focus.

Alternate subjects – The most effective way to study is in shorter bursts with periods of rest in between. It is not very helpful to spend hours on the same subject because your brain gets tired and you will lose focus. Try studying one subject for 30 minutes or an hour, take a break, and then study another subject. Make sure that your breaks aren’t several hours long!

Enlist Others – Find someone to help quiz you for material that you need to memorize. For more complex concepts, find someone who will let you “teach” them the material and explain what you know. Find someone who you can work complicated math and science problems with so that you can check each other’s work to help find simple mistakes.

Take a Practice Test – Find out the format of each final so that you can practice taking mock tests on your own. For instance, if you have a map test of Africa, make sure that you know whether you will have a word bank or not and then practice on blank maps until you know that you can do it perfectly on test day.

Ask for Help – If you aren’t understanding a concept, find someone who can explain it. Try asking the teacher for a little extra time or find a classmate who could help. There is always someone who understands the concept well. Make sure you find that person!

Go in Strong on Test Day – Make sure to get a good night’s sleep. You are almost finished so don’t decide that the night before finals is the best time to binge watch you tube videos! Eat breakfast in the morning, and bring some snacks with you in case you get hungry later. Have a water bottle so that you stay well-hydrated. Relax, focus, and keep your eye on the prize!