It is that time at the end of the semester when, surprise, finals happen. The room gets torn apart, no one keeps regular hours, and you realize that your coffee supplies are not infinite. It is the week of studying like there is no tomorrow. Here are some tips to study well and to insure that that last weeks are not too insane.
1) Know your strengths and weaknesses for your classes.
For your final exams, do not just know what subjects you are better at than others, also know where in each subject you had no difficulty and where you struggled. Review the units in your classes that you struggled the most in the most and insure that you understand them. You will not need to spend as much time on what you were sure you understood, but try to master what you did not understand.
2) Know how you learn and study best
Reading over notes is not the best study method for many people. Some people learn best by reading their notes aloud, and others find movement while studying to be helpful. It is important to know the best way that you absorb and retain information. It is also important to know whether you study best alone in a group with noise or with absolute silence.
3) Study in increments.
It is unlikely that a five-hour single study session for a single subject will be the best way for you to study for the session. Studying for a few minutes each night will be more productive. Additionally, switching subjects throughout a study session can be productive to insure that you do not lose the ability to focus on one subject.
4) Take breaks
Sitting and studying for several hours at a time is tedious and boring. Additionally, it can be easier to lose focus without breaks. Breaks can stimulate you and help you focus better when you resume work.
5) Sleep. Actually Sleep.
Having regular sleeping patterns is a necessity. Your brain functions better with more sleep. All-night study sessions become self-defeating if you are unable to think coherently during your test. Get enough sleep so that you will be thinking coherently and not falling asleep during your exams.
6) Eliminate Distractions
If you are struggling to stay on task while studying and keep playing on your phone, then either turn off your phone or keep it out of sight. If you keep wandering on Facebook, then turn off the Internet on your computer. Kick your loud friends out of your room. Whatever. Make it so you study as productively as possible without being incessantly distracted.
It is possible to make it through finals without dying and not sleeping. Do not lose confidence and get to work.
