“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” -Jim Ryun
Finals week requires a lot of motivation, and you may be able to get far with motivation, but habit will help you study in the long run. Make a schedule for studying and stick to it. And, don’t forget, take a break once in a while. You don’t want to fry your brain with all the information you’re soaking in.
“Enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat. Concentrate on your strengths, instead of your weaknesses… on your powers, instead of your problems.” -Paul J. Meyer
When going into studying, recognize the best ways you learn. Whether it be flashcards, reading from the text, or studying out loud, find a way that is comfortable for you and will help you absorb the information. If one way doesn’t work, find another. Don’t give up on studying, it’s the only way you’re going to get through all those finals.
“Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.” -William Arthur Ward
Hard work pays off, and working hard before and during finals week is your best bet in getting through those pesky exams. There may be some people who do not take studying seriously or act as though they will ace the exams without studying. Surround yourself with a study group that will not distract you, take studying seriously, and hold you accountable. A little extra time in the books never hurt anyone.
“The will to succeed is important, but what's more important is the will to prepare.” -Bobby Knight
Preparation is key. Make a schedule, grab some snacks, find a quiet spot, and get studying. If you prepare, you will be more likely to focus.
“Never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.” -Edward Young
Talking from experience in my first semester of college, procrastination will be the death of you (but for some reason we still continue to do it). For finals week, procrastination can be the worst thing you do to yourself. Rather than cramming to study 24 hours before your exam, make a study schedule that starts one to two weeks earlier. Spreading out your studying and taking your time will ensure you are concentrated and absorbing information. Don’t let procrastination steal your time.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go!” -Dr. Seuss
This quote is self-explanatory. If you read and study, you will gain knowledge, no doubt about it. College is meant to expand your mind. You’ll learn more if you put in time to actually read material. Skimming can be acceptable at times, but remember, it can only get you so far. And the more you learn, the better you will do in your future.
“Keep in mind, studying doesn’t suck nearly as much as failing.” -Anonymous
Would you rather study or fail? If you don't study, do me a favor and don’t expect an A. You may think you know all the information, but taking some extra time to study won’t hurt. It may be stressful to set aside time to study when there’s a bunch of last minute festivities going on before break, but do yourself a favor and take that extra time. You’ll ultimately be happy with your decision when you read that first question on the exam.
“Do or do not! There is no try.” -Yoda
Go into your test with a positive attitude. Do your best. As Yoda says, there is no try.
“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”–C.S. Lewis
Finals do not define us. Remember that. We have things ahead of us that are much more important than an exam, although exams are important in our education, and we must take them seriously. But if you don’t do well, remember: it’s not the end of the world!
“Just do it!” -Shia LaBeouf
My final words…just do it. Study and get through those exams. You can do it with a little effort and confidence in yourself. Although finals may not be your favorite thing, they're a necessary part of college. Work hard and you efforts will show.
Good luck to all for finals week!
