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Preparation for Finals


Strategies for Taking Finals

Two Weeks Before Your Exam
No later than two weeks before final exams you should plan a review schedule:
  1. Evaluate your priorities
    • Which classes will need the most review time?
    • How much weight will be given to each exam?
    • What percentage your total class grade?
  2. Sketch a rough schedule of the weeks ahead:
    • Plot the umber of hours which you have available to study on your schedule.
    • Proportion your study time for each class. Remember to schedule the most difficult material during the peak time of your biological clock.
    • Be realistic about how long it will take
    • Vary your studying - study one subject no longer than 1 ½ hours then switch to another
    • Stick with your schedule as much as possible
  3. Review Actively:
    • Rework class notes and textbook underlining into an outline, chart, or diagram of main topics.
    • Heading
      1. Main points related to heading
      2. etc.
    • Review chapter headings and subheadings
    • Test yourself as you review - turn headings into questions
    • Cover up the headings on you outline and try to remember the main points under it - recite these points!
    • Anticipate the exam questions.
    • Be alert to emphasis instructors put on certain topics throughout the semester
    • Study old tests
    • Ask your professor what topics you should concentrate on in your study
    • Group reviewing
      • It can be helpful but don't let it take the place of individual study
      • Study as a group for 1 to 2 hours with no more than 4 or 5 people
    • Avoid cramming.
      • If you review on a regular schedule you won't need to cram.
      • If you do have to cram, be selective. Don't attempt an exhaustive review!

The Day Before Your Exam

  1. Expect a certain amount of tension. It is normal for the exam period, and some anxiety enhances your performance.
  2. Plan to study a maximum of 3 hours, interspersed with study breaks. If you feel prepared for your exam, use the night before to relax.
  3. Remember to question yourself as you review your notes. Recite the main points.
  4. Stick to your usual routine during the exam week. Eat and sleep well so that you are refreshed the day of the exam.
  5. Beware of taking drugs such as NO-DOZ, diet pills, amphetamines (speed, Benzedrine, Dexadrine).They may help you stay awake, but your information retention goes down.
  6. Avoid all-night cramming sessions. This will only make you exhausted for your exam and you will be unable to concentrate. Study as much material as you can and go to bed early. Your test results will be better.

The Day of Your Exam

  1. Get up early to avoid rushing on the morning of your test.
  2. Take shower, have a good breakfast, do some exercises, or take a walk. Try to relax.
  3. If it helps you, look through your summary notes or outline, but avoid them if it makes you nervous.
  4. Be sure to bring any necessary supplies such as paper, pencil, pens or erasers with you to your exam. Buy them ahead of time; there is nothing as anxiety provoking as having to wait in a long line at the bookstore to buy a bluebook on the morning of your exam.
  5. Arrive at the exam room early and find a seat away from the potential traffic flow of departing students.
  6. Keep away from last minute discussions with your frantic friends or fumbling through your textbook. This will heighten your anxiety.
  7. Relax, try to look at the exam as the "application" step of your study procedures.
  8. Reward yourself between exams with some enjoyable activities.

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