Now that we have all recovered from our turkey coma, it's time to plunge into our books and start studying for finals. Some people only have two weeks until their finals, and with break on the mind, it can be even harder to focus.
The most important thing to do before finals is to check the dates of each test. If you write down the test dates on a calendar, it will help prepare you for when you need to start studying. Now, if you typically study two days in advance for a normal test, you may need to study for finals many more days in advance. Another important thing to look for on the class syllabus is whether or not the final is cumulative.
If you happen to have a final that is cumulative, then yes, this does mean you will be tested on the entire semester’s worth of material. If you are lucky and your final happens to only be over a few chapters, you should feel less stressed. However, do not feel depressed if all of your finals are cumulative — you will just need a bit more coffee and 5-Hour Energy shots than everyone else. You will survive this madness.
Another important thing to remember is to not over-work yourself. Everyone has an image of college students staying up to the crack of dawn every night during Finals Week studying for their tests. Okay, this might be true for a majority of students. However, this does not have to be you. Many times students over-study and work themselves to the point that they become run down. It is especially important during finals to get plenty of rest and to take care of yourself. Staying up to three in the morning to study is much less effective than staying up to twelve and waking up early to finish studying.
Once you have figured out when exactly your finals are and what your finals will cover, it is time to start uncovering those books that are still cellophane wrapped. If you have no idea what your professor is talking about during lectures, your next best friend is your book. Almost 99 percent of the time, what your professor is talking about in class will relate to the huge book you have been avoiding all semester. Reading the chapters in the book is the best place to start studying. The book will help give an over view of the subject that is being taught in class, and while you are reading you can take your own notes.
Many times the hardest part about studying for any type of test is making sure to study the correct material. Professors may tell the class that a test is over chapters 10, 11, 12, and 13, but they do not specifically say exactly what it covers within the chapters. A lot of students tend to over study unnecessary material and end up doing poorly on a test. That is why it can be helpful to focus on the information that stands out the most to you in the notes and in the book. If during a lecture the professor constantly talks about a diagram or certain vocabulary, then the diagram and vocabulary will most likely be on the test. This is when going to class really matters.
There is no need to totally freak out when it comes to finals. As long as you stay relaxed and confident, you're bound to do fine. The way I look at it, if you are aiming for an A on the test, than an A you will get. However, if you are negative and keep telling yourself you will fail a test, then a failing grade you will receive. It is really as simple as that. So stay confident, study hard, and aim for your A.
Get Fresh Tips:
- Check the dates of your test; you don’t want to miss a final.
- Check to see if your final is cumulative or not; that will become very helpful when studying.
- Do not over work yourself when studying; it is important to be fully rested during finals.
- Read through your books and the material that will be covered on the finals.
- Make sure to study the correct material. Even a study group might be beneficial.
- Most importantly, stay confident.
