The semester is almost over, and if you’re like me, you’ve felt like you were dying since midterms. Now we students are faced with another mountain to climb: finals. It’s a stress induced time plagued by an inner desire to surrender to laziness. You’re mind says study but you’re heart says Netflix. Here are some tips on how we can all buckle down and power through the next two weeks.
1. Make A Study Plan
When the test date is announced is when you should start making flashcards for everything that has been covered in class. Yes, you don’t have the official study guide yet, but some of the stuff you study ahead will definitely be on the exam, so it’s not a waste of time. Once you start making study materials, it is also time to get critical about your time management. The calendar app on smart phones or an actual calendar is all you need for this part. On the calendar, mark the days of the exams and then divvy up the studying you have to do for the remaining days, that way it absolutely gets done. This a good idea for those of you who are like me and tend to wait till the last minute. A strict study plan will help you stay on task and avoid the dreaded cram session.
2. Review Every Single Day
In addition to sticking with a strict study plan, you have to review the previous day's material after you are done studying. This is finals time, so we can not mess around about this guys. We have to ingrain the information into our heads and memorize those flashcards to the point where we don’t have to completely read the question to know the answer.
3. Use The Study Strategy That Works For You
This is not the time to test out some new study method you saw online. You have to stick to what you know works for you, because that method advertised online could work great for one person and the could fail. Everyone studies different stick to what works best for you.
4. Make Necessary Changes
If you know you’re job has long shifts that often time eat up valuable study time, take time off. If you know you’re extra curricular responsibilities are going to eat up your study time, plan ahead. If you know that the amount of homework you get is going to get in the way of you’re studying, do as much as you can ahead of time and stay on top of your homework.
5. Stay On Top Of Your Homework
( yes, I did steal that from the one above) College moves fast, you fall behind in one thing you are behind in everything. In order to manage it all I recommend doing your assignments due the next day first, then study, and then, if you have time, do the rest. It’s important that you don’t let your grades slip because you are too overwhelmed.
6. Take Breaks And Don't Stress Too Much
I know some of you are reading that and screaming “DON’T STRESS?! IS THIS GIRL CRAZY?!” Trust me, I’m the same way, but seriously if you break it up and stay on top of everything you are going to be fine. Yes, as much time as possible should be spent studying but it’s ok to take a break and watch Netflix or go to dinner with a friend. As long as you can discipline your time and your commitments, you are going to be just fine. Of course always remember that once that last final is over it’s Christmas break. We have to get through the worst to get to the best.
