By Kelsey Corley
Finals week is fast approaching, and many of us are starting to feel the panic that often follows those dreaded exams. There is no reason to fear, however, as there are several simple steps that can ensure a better understanding of each subject. These include:
1. Develop a Schedule
. . . and stick to it. Planning is key when heading into the final weeks of classes. Be sure, however, to set realistic goals, just scheduling to study for an exam entirely the night before you take it does not make it the most effective method. Outline and space out how much time will be spent studying for each class, block it out in your calendar or planner, and prioritize the subjects that you find most difficult or that have larger final assignments.
2. Find A Study Space
It could be as familiar as your dorm or anywhere you can find a place that works for your unique study habits. Of course, you’ll need decent WiFi and a relatively calm environment, some well-known spots nearby include our own King Library, Blackbird Bakery, and Bloom Café.
3. Create A Study Guide
First, go through the course outcomes section of your syllabus and determine from that the main ideas and purposes of the course. Then, going through your notes, make sure to outline the explanations of those ideas and set them aside into an organized format of a study guide.
4. Talk With Your Professors and TAs
Go to the set-aside office hours of your professor and clarify any further questions you may have on the material. Get in contact with the TAs for the class, schedule some tutoring hours, and go over any topics you are still unsure about with them. Make sure to triple check your exam schedule. In short, take advantage of your every resource in order to prepare.
5. Never Underestimate the Power of Sleep
It may be easy to want to push yourself too hard when it comes down to the wire, but arguably the best way to prepare yourself for an exam is by basic healthy habits such as getting plenty of sleep, exercising, and eating right. In fact, according to recent studies by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, or AASM, “Students getting adequate amounts of sleep performed better on memory and motor tasks than did students deprived of sleep.”
Following these steps will prepare you for each of your exams. If perhaps, you do start to feel overwhelmed, just think of the break that will follow your last test.
