The Racquette

Issue date: 5/8/09 Section: College Life

Media Credit: Jenn Tuifel Avoiding a mess like this one may help you get organized to study.

Media Credit: Sara Fernandez When preparing for finals, you should try to avoid looking like this guy.

It's that time of the year again, ladies and gentlemen. Like it or not-final exams are almost here. While most of us are preparing to sleep with our textbooks under our pillows (osmosis, people!), I've compiled some final examination tips to help out.

Find out what you will be tested on.

Some final exams are cumulative, which means you will be tested on material you have learned all semester. Others are non-comprehensive, and test you on information you have learned since the last exam that was given in the class. Make sure you are clear on what to study for. It is imperative that you know if your exam is multiple-choice, answer fill-in, essay or any other testing format. You can even meet with your professors to discuss what you should do to prepare for the exams.

Make a study schedule.

Procrastination is not something you should be aiming for before finals week. You might become overwhelmed and mix up information. It is best to start studying as soon as possible. Give yourself equal time to prepare for each final exam. Of course, allow yourself more time to study for the first exam but keep up with your study schedule. Even though final exams take place over a week, you will need to start studying before then. The more time you give yourself to prepare, the more information you will retain. Don't wait until the last minute or you won't be happy with your scores.

Create a study-safe space.

Let's face it: sitting at your desk with the computer up might not be the best place to study for finals. Facebook is too tempting and most of us can't resist our mini-feed. Try going to the library for a quiet place to review your material. There you won't have televisions, computers or cell phones to keep you distracted. You won't be interrupted by roommates or friends knocking on your door. In the library, you can create your own personal study space that allows you to fully concentrate without being sidetracked. Bring only what you need so that you don't feel overwhelmed.

Find power in numbers.

Group study sessions could help you get other perspectives on the materials being tested. Everyone learns differently and other students in your classes could have picked up on things you might have missed. Make sure the students you are studying with are students that have been present at most of the classes and are serious about the final exam. (You don't want to invite the kid who missed two weeks of class into your study group.) Getting together with a small group of fellow students to compare notes is something to consider.

Utilize your learning style.

Are you a visual learner? Draw out graphs, charts and word webs to get your mind going. Hands-on learners could use index cards to retain information. Reciting facts is key to audio learners. Find out which learning style is yours and maximize your memorization potential. If you normally make flash cards, see if reciting helps you as well. Mix and match these styles to create one that works for you.

Don't forget to sleep and eat!

Chances are you won't do well on exams if you are pulling all-nighters constantly. (Hence, the reasons why you should be planning ahead.) If you are well rested you will find that it is easier to concentrate and that you won't want to pass out during your final. Try to get at least five hours of sleep each night. Avoid foods with high sugar content and junk food because they could add to your stress. It is advised to snack on fruits and veggies to calm yourself and keep your energy levels high.

Realize that every moment counts.

As you're taking showers or brushing your teeth, go over facts in your head. Review your index cards while you're waiting in line for lunch or during television commercials. Look at your notes in-between classes when you are in a quiet academic building. Each time you allow yourself to study you retain more information.

Let yourself relax.

After working hard and using these study tips, allow yourself to take a deep breath. Make some time each day to unwind and reward yourself. Watch your favorite television show or lie down and listen to music. Working yourself into a frenzy isn't good. It's an easy way to get intimidated by final exams. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you need a bit of time everyday to yourself.

Finally…

Be at least ten minutes early to your examination room. This allows you time to get your pens, pencils, exam booklets and bubble sheets situated. Listen carefully to the oral directions and don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you carefully read each question and don't leave any answer blank. If you don't know the answer to a question, move on to the next one but mark the question you missed. Also, you should prioritize the questions. Spend more time on sections that are worth more points. Plan your time wisely because you want to leave yourself enough time to double check your work and answer those questions you might have missed.

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