As the end of the school year is rapidly approaching, finals are right around the corner. Around this time you may feel the increasing pressure to ace your exams, unable to decide the most efficient way you should study. There are many different strategies and tactics to help you prepare yourself for finals by ensuring your confidence in your knowledge of all the subjects you have an exam in.
You might be wondering, ‘how do I begin to study?’ Well, the answer is simple; break the material down into smaller, more achievable steps. Take on the material one day at a time, piece by piece, and build onto it each day. Remember that the sooner you start studying, the more prepared you will feel for the exam. By doing this, it helps to reinforce the information into your memory in a greater manner rather than cramming it all the night before the test. Additionally, it helps reduce your stress and ease you into the final rather than having it hit you all at once.
The main element to ensuring your confidence in your course’s final is by studying and reviewing all the material you learned throughout the year in each subject. The best way to do this is by beginning to organize your materials leading up to the exam, reviewing past quizzes, tests and worksheets by unit in a folder or binder to look back at when you need to. You can also organize your notes in an online folder in your drive if you find that easier.
Once you break the material down into a little bit of studying per day, you now need a study method to use. A great way to study is by utilizing active recall. Active recall is a study technique where you intentionally retrieve information from memory without looking at notes or another source. This involves actively trying to remember information instead of passively rereading it. Active recall includes quizzing yourself on information, or answering questions to help commit the information to your memory. By using active recall, you will better strengthen your memory and effectively brush up on topics from earlier in the year. Another great way to study for finals is by studying in a group. By setting a time to study with others, you are able to hold each other accountable and quiz each other on topics. You also have a support system and a stronger motivation to tackle the study materials.
Reusing old quizzes, worksheets, and tests is also a great way to study for your finals. By looking over these past assignments, you are able to tell which areas you need to review. This technique helps you look back on what mistakes you made over the school year. It also shows you which areas you excelled in which you don’t have to go over in depth. They can also be a guide to strengthen weaker concepts that you may need to work on as well as narrowing down your focus on things you actually need to review rather than briefly going over everything. Utilizing this technique can be a helpful way to save time and make your studying experience more efficient and effective.
Lastly, it’s important to remember to ask for help when you need it. Setting aside a study period, or coming in during intervention or after school to meet with a teacher can be really helpful to clear up any confusion or questions you had while studying. Taking this initiative can also show your teacher that you are committed and take your grades seriously.
The morning leading up to your exam should be spent focusing on your mental clarity. Meditation is a great way to clear your mind and relax before the big day. If you followed the previous steps, then you won’t have to worry about cramming the materials. Instead, focus on reviewing and briefly look over the notes you took while studying. Prioritize getting enough sleep and eating a filling breakfast. This will ensure that you won’t feel tired or hungry while you are taking the exam.
Overall, the preparation you put in for your final exams determines the performance you will show on the final. Don’t stress too much and good luck!
