As finals are approaching, we are all prone to regressing some bad studying habits...including procrastinating by cleaning your room, napping to avoid the idea of finals, and simply forgetting finals exist. But don't let the stress of finals get to you! It is a time and an opportunity to prove that you have spent the quarter learning something useful. Here are some tips to help your studying!
Good luck on finals everyone!!
- Make study guides. Trying to simply re-read the entire textbook or lecture notes will prove to be an extensive task that will only leave you more drained. Instead, take note of the main points and details you tend to forget. Compile all this information in a study guide, one that you can review the day of or the day before the test.
- Join or make a study group. As people say, you don't know what you don't know. Joining a study group is a great way to be reminded of things you might have forgotten to study about. Quiz each other on the material to make sure you don't just know it through reading your notes, but truly know it off the top of your head.
- Prioritize your finals. Some finals may be more difficult than others, while some may also be less points. What class do you really need to raise up your grade in? Have you been doing well on the tests so far? Sometimes, it's ok to put less time and effort into a final that may not be as urgent. If you are pressured for time, focus on the finals that are most important to your grade.
- Make drawings, charts, and figures. Sometimes it's hard to remember every detail of what you learned. One easy way to compile this kind of information is to put it in a visual form. For example, say you are study different psychology theories and need to know the main people, ideas, and methods of each theory. Put each of these points in a chart to easily compare and contrast each one.
- Be sure to stay well-rested. Though it may seem contradictory to spend time resting when you have so much to study for, your body works best when it has enough sleep and healthy foods to eat. While you may think that cramming will help you remember that extra bit of information, it may, in fact, do the exact opposite. Did you know that eating berries and whole grains can help your memory recall? Stay on a healthy diet to keep up that energy so you will be able to enter that final not only feeling well-rested, but also energized to start and finish the test.
Good luck on finals everyone!!