The Finals Study Plan You Need
Dreaded finals week is only two weeks away… but don’t panic yet! The Board of SASS is here to provide some useful tips for studying for your final exams. Good luck!
Make a study schedule and stick to it
Since you will usually have several final exams happening in one week, evaluate each class and think about which will need the most of your attention. Then, plan your study schedule accordingly.
Split the material into chunks and assign one, or a few depending on the amount of material in each chunk, to study each day.
Use the calendar on your phone, computer, or desk to set up alerts and reminders to make sure you stick to your study plan.
Determine what an hour's worth of work looks like for you and use that to judge how long an essay or other assignment should take. Judging time by 'amount of work completed' rather than time spent allows you to make better judgments regarding how long assignments should take you.
Use practice tests
Science has shown that highlighting and re-reading the material for a test are not the most effective ways to study. Practice tests, on the other hand, are highly effective.
Make flashcards or work through practice exams. This will help you identify weak spots as well as gain confidence in recalling the material and actually working through questions similar to what will be on the exam.
Create your own study guide (or add to a pre-existing one)
Even if you have already been given a study guide in class, make your own or add to the one you already have. Make a list of concepts and fully explain them, writing as much as you can about the topic. This not only helps you retain that information (from the finding, recalling, and writing), but you will also have all the important concepts in one place.
When figuring out which concepts to take note of, move beyond the study guide. Use previous quizzes, homework, or tests to identify what concepts you should add to the study guide. This makes sure you are studying what you need to study most, by identifying what you have struggled with in the past.
Get creative. Figure out how you learn best -- for example, if you are an auditory learner, try recording yourself talking about the concepts and listen to the recording. Or, if you are a visual learner, give yourself visual aids like colorful diagrams or pictures to help you retain the information.
Organize a group-study session
Practice fully explaining concepts to others. Take turns taking on the role of teacher.
Others might have different ideas or ways of phrasing concepts that you can add to your own notes.
Also, there’s nothing wrong with a little peer pressure! It could motivate you to study enough to be ready for the study sessions.
Study to the exam
Is the exam going to be MC, short answer, essay, etc.? For MC, learn definitions and concepts. For short answer and essays, focus on understanding key concepts, causes/effects, and examples.
Also, think about what will a) definitely, b) probably, and c) might be on the exam. Then, study the concepts in that order.
Start early
Start ahead of schedule, and you won’t be cramming the night before.
Starting early will allow you to take breaks, which then allows the material to sink in, and you’ll find you can recall information easier.
It will also allow you to avoid all-nighters. Getting a good night’s sleep the night before the exam, as well as in the week or two before the exam, will help you stay focused and alert as you study or take the exam.
Pace yourself
Study in intervals of 20-50 minutes and take breaks in between -- watch some YouTube, play a round of ping pong, or take a cat nap. Your brain consumes glucose as it studies, so taking five-to-ten minute breaks every hour or two will allow your body to produce more study fuel.
Don’t burn yourself out! Studying for moderate amounts of time over a longer period helps with long-term retention more than cramming everything into a short period of time.
Do some cardio
Get active! Staying stuck at your desk or kitchen table leaves you lethargic and exhausted. 20 minutes of cardio -- whether that be jogging, dancing, or taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood -- can improve memory, increase your energy level, and lower stress.
Though it may seem like exercising uses up valuable study time, it could make your studying more effective.
Choose the right diet
Eat lots of superfoods, anti-oxidants, and healthy meals/snacks as you study and on the day of the test.
High-carb, high-fiber, and slow-digesting foods (like oatmeal) are best for day-of-the-exam breakfast.
It also matters, though, what you eat a week in advance of the exam. A balanced-diet with fruits, vegetables, almonds and yogurt can benefit your attention and thinking speed abilities. Avoid high-fat, low-carb foods like eggs, cheese, and cream.
And, of course, drink plenty of water!