Study Tips for Finals

Finals are just around the corner, so it's a stressful time! The pressure of all these final projects and tests due during one week can be very overwhelming, so we often push things off until the last minute. Do you want some tips to avoid that last minute rush? Read on for some study strategies for finals…

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1. Make a game plan for finals

Planning out study sessions for all your finals can be overwhelming, but it can be really helpful to have at least some sort of game plan. Instead of cramming last minute, setting aside spaced out study session can immensely improve your retention. Try putting them in a planner or calendar. You could even set alerts or reminders on your phone.

2. Start early (if possible)

We are all busy. Sometimes it's difficult to avoid last minute studying, but going along with the last tip, try your best to start studying for finals early. Maybe a few weeks in advance even. Try to figure out which classes you may struggle with more, so you can determine which classes you need to spend more time on.

3. Make use of academic resources (we have a whole post on this blog on how to access a bunch of different resources Coe has to offer!)

It's not too late to get extra academic support when it comes time for finals!

• Visit the writing center or schedule an appointment with a Speak Out consultant for a final paper or project.
• Make an appointment with a tutor. While regular tutoring is helpful to make use of throughout the semester, it's still not too late to request a tutor.
• Visit your professor's office hours for any questions you may have about a final or any other confusion about the class.
• If your professor gives you a study guide, be sure to make use of it.

4. Form a study group (but with people who won't distract you!)

Study with a group of people who can help hold each other accountable. Talking out loud and explaining concepts to others helps with memorization and full comprehension. Also, remember you can visit the Learning Commons study hours if you don't want to study alone. They are virtual on Sundays from 6-8pm (zoom link) and in the Stewart Memorial Library, Lower Level on Wednesdays from 6-8pm.

5. Use a variety of study aids

• Create dynamic flashcards for concept memorization
• Four quadrants on card: definition, sentence, question, and image
• Draw mind maps
• Create a quiz for yourself and take it
• Use mnemonic devices or acronyms
• Look through textbooks for:
• Review questions
• Chapter preview, outline, or objectives
• Chapter summaries
• Key terms/definitions
• Look at suggested readings or references
• Review old notes or lectures

6. Take breaks!

Study breaks are very important to refresh your mind and prevent study fatigue and burnout. They can:

• Restore your ability to focus
• Help you regain attention and motivation
• Improve creativity
• Restore your energy

Some ideas for study breaks:

• Take a walk
• Go outside
• Have a snack
• Exercise
• Draw, color, paint
• Meditation/yoga
• Call a friend
• Listen to a short podcast

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7. Remember self-care!

Don't forget to take care of yourself when you're under all the stress of finals. Remember to do things that make you happy to lower your stress levels, and don't forget to eat healthy and drink plenty of water.

8. Make sleep a priority!

Don't stay up all night studying before a final. This will not help you get a better grade. When studying like that, you just don't retain as much information, and lack of sleep only makes your brain not work at full capacity.

Sources:

“How to Study for Finals”

https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/how-to-study-for-finals

“20 Study Strategies for Finals Week”

https://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/the-20-study-tips-for-finals