We are back. You’ll enjoy a much-deserved break from the semester in a few weeks, but there is something that will stop you from saving yourself: final exams for a week.
This week is stressful, and for many, it’s the most stressful week of their year. Your classes are ending. Finals are the last barrier between you, some time off, or for some, it’s the end to college and the beginning of a new career. Here are some tips to help prepare you for the final step of your studies.
- What are finals? Finals week is a major change to your semester’s routine. Make sure you know what time they are due. Online and proctored exams allow students to be more in control of their study schedules. You can plan your study schedule for each exam, regardless of whether you make it. It is important to plan your study time for each test. You can prioritize which tests you take early in the week and which ones later. This allows you to study in order and gives each subject its own study time.
- Remove distractions This one may seem obvious, but momentum is crucial. You have to start somewhere. Start small. It takes just turning off your TV or locking your phone, and removing anything that isn’t helpful in test preparation. Easy, right? It’s not easy, but it is possible. It can be difficult to get rid of distractions while studying. But once you do it, you will build momentum and reduce stress.
- Make sure to change your notes. Getting used to a rhythm is a good thing. This helps you build momentum and stay on track, but it can also cause problems. Beware! It’s possible to be memorizing the answers and order of the questions. It’s not the best time to find out if you have done that. To be safe, you can surprise yourself by changing the order of your notes each time you go through them. This will eliminate the need to repeat the same order, and you’ll be given random questions. You can pass the test by answering the question without giving any hint. It’s possible to take the test one step further by asking different friend questions each time you go through them.
- Teach someone Learning a lesson takes time. It’s necessary to research at least some of the topics, but once you can explain it to someone else, you will know that you have it down. You can study with your classmate and go all in. You can find a place with a marker board and draw diagrams. Ask questions. You can gain a fresh perspective by listening to what your classmate says.
- Sing it. Yes, sing it. It sounds strange, but it will help you remember information better than a catchy tune. A clever parody of a catchy tune is even better. “Gangsta’s Paradise”, a hip-hop song from the 90s that is still popular, will be remembered forever. But once you hear “Amish Paradise,” it will change your mind about the original. You can channel your inner “Weird Al Yankovic” and alter the lyrics to your favourite song. You can also start singing and watch what happens. Do you have neighbours who aren’t impressed by your talents? Jokes are just as effective. You can make chemistry less scary by making it a collection of puns. It would help if you eased the tension.
Bonus. Additional Points. There are many ways to prepare for finals. Maybe you have your method. No matter what you do, remember that effort is all that’s required. It doesn’t matter how hard you try. As long as you put in the effort, it doesn’t matter. Your final exam stress will disappear as you gain confidence. Remember, once the exam is over, you can take a vacation from school. This is possible!