That's right! Final time is here again!
You would think, by my third semester of college, I would be used to the huge amount of work that is piled on in the last three weeks of the semester. You would be wrong. I am currently up to my knees in last minute tests and final study guides. I have a lab practical and microbiology test this week, and 6 final study guides floating around in my mind, but I am excited.
I am excited because this marks the second to last semester of my associates. I am almost one semester away from having my Associates of Health Science, and that is what I have to focus on.
Everyone is looking for study tips around this time of year, and so I'll share my own personal tricks to making the grade. The most important thing to remember is that I am a science student, which means most of my tips revolve around memorization.
My first tip is for concepts, this will come in handy for classes that revolve around literature. The most important thing to do is review the major themes you guys have been discussing in class, and then sort your readings into those themes. Do not go and reread everything from the whole semester; it's not going to help you at all. Learn the themes, and be able to give a brief description of how the stories go along with the themes.
A study tip I use frequently is color-coding. I wouldn't really call it color-coding, it's more like sprucing up your study guides. If you write out your study guides in color; you're more likely to remember it. At least that is what science has suggested, and I feel like it has helped me a bit.
Related to the color tip, I would highly suggest writing your study guide out. Science shows that writing something is the equivalent of hearing it seven times; so for every question and answer you write down, it's basically seven lectures.
Flashcards are your best friend. They really are; they can be used anywhere anytime. You have time in between classes? Flash cards. You're waiting in a long line? Flash cards. Your mom is talking about her day at work? Flash cards. They are your mobile study guide.
My last tip is don't study too hard. Take it easy on yourself. Take study breaks, they have been proven to help you focus more during your study time. Listen to music, it can help jog your memory. Don't stress yourself out to the point of not being able to enjoy the many other aspects of your life. Take deep breaths, and try your hardest; but also know that everyone has their limits. Science majors may have trouble on English tests, and Art majors may have difficulty with their government class; just remember that everyone has areas they are strong at. Something everyone should remember, and something that my mom reminds me often, "C's get degrees." Study, and try your hardest; leave it all on the table so you can walk away knowing you did your absolute best.
