Preparing for Finals

 

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1. Check on your final projects/papers' due dates and exam times

You can find the Fall 2023 final exam schedule at this link. Remember that if you're scheduled for more than two exams in one day, you can get that changed if you want. Reach out to the instructor of the course with the highest course number you're taking this semester, and they will move the exam to a mutually convenient time.

2. Make a study schedule and pace yourself

Start studying and working on your finals as early as possible, so you don't end up cramming the night before an exam or due date. Consider making a schedule with times blocked off to work on certain assignments or classes to help avoid procrastination. When creating your schedule, avoid devoting an entire day to one class; breaking up your schedule into multiple shorter study sessions can improve retention of the material. 

3. Choose the best location for you

Consider if you work better in silence or with some background noise. Ask yourself what has worked in the past. Staying in your room? Going to the library or to a cafe? If you're not sure, feel free to try different places and move around if you start to get distracted in one location. 

4. Reach out for support

Consider utilizing the many different academic resources available right here on campus such as tutoring, supplemental instruction, and the writing center. It can also be helpful to get support from your peers by forming study groups with people that'll help hold you accountable rather than distract you. And remember to reach out to your professor if you're struggling with course concepts or you want to ask more questions.You can always stop by their office hours. 

5. Try to get enough sleep and schedule breaks for yourself!

Missing too much sleep can negatively impact your memory and reasoning skills. Rather than pulling an all-nighter right before an exam, try to schedule enough time for sleep. Also, don't forget to give yourself breaks throughout finals. When you're feeling frustrated, tired, overwhelmed, and/or can't seem to focus, it's okay to take a step back from your work. Go for a walk, take a nap, play a game, or do something that helps you relax. 

Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming Procrastination

 1. Awareness and Self-Reflection

Consider the potential reasons why you procrastinate and what function it serves for you. How does procrastination make you feel? When did you start to fall into these habits or has it always been a struggle? Are there certain things that you procrastinate on more than others? Getting insight into the root of the problem through self-awareness can help you come up with an effective solution later on. 

2. Time Management

Figuring out which time management and organization techniques work for you can be a long process, but they are worth it in the long run.

Here are some ideas (they may not work for everyone!):

• Start on assignments as early as possible. Even if you just work on something for a little bit, you’ll be closer to getting it done later on. 

• Put due dates on your calendar and schedule time to work on those assignments before those dates.

• Minimize distractions and find an environment that is best for you to focus.

• Set reasonable goals by breaking big tasks down into smaller parts and creating manageable lists of things to do.

• Have people hold you accountable by asking someone to check in on your progress. You could do this by studying with a group of people.

• Allot time for things you enjoy as rewards for getting work done.

3. Motivation

Work on finding productive reasons for engaging in tasks. This may include setting and focusing on attainable goals then monitoring your progress. Try to re-frame your to-do lists from obligations to things that will help you achieve your future plans. Also, consider your personal reasons for enrolling in a specific course or pursuing your major(s) or minor(s). Knowing these reasons may help you find more motivation to complete a task.

4. Engagement

Stay actively engaged in your courses Try to:

•  Seek out what’s interesting and personally relevant in your course material. 

• Set your own purpose for projects and assignments. How can they help you right now and/or in the future? 

• Ask yourself: what are you learning from the class and the assigned tasks? 

Resources:

https://mcgraw.princeton.edu/undergraduates/resources/resource-library/understanding-and-overcoming-procrastination

https://www.gcu.edu/blog/gcu-experience/how-stop-procrastinating-college-student

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/better-than-perfect/201703/11-ways-to-overcome-procrastination