6 Key’s to Finals
1. Start Early
While I am probably guiltier of this than most, procrastinating on finals is one of the most stressful things you can possibly do. I have that terrible habit of waiting until the night before to begin studying for any test. This means I pull all nighters, which in a normal week isn’t a big deal. But during finals, this can be a terrible strategy. If you are taking a full course load or more, and wait until the last second to start studying, then you could be in for a week of all nighters. While this may work for tests 1 and 2, it will drastically reduce your abilities for tests 3 through 5 (or 6). Try to start doing basic review a good week before the test, and study hard for the 2 days prior to the exam.
2. Get Organized
One of the worst parts about comprehensive finals is simply the task of finding everything you need to pass this test. If you are horrible at keeping up with old tests/quizzes, homework, and notes, then this is a rough time for you. Even if you are never going to be the kid with the trapper keeper, try to figure out what you need at least a few days before exams begin. That way even if you don’t have most of the necessary documents it gives you time to bum from all your friends and make copies. If you wait until the last minute, many of your friends will be unwilling to give these things up for even half an hour because they will in the middle of studying them. It also ensures you don’t find out the day of the test that you were missing some crucial old quiz that you had no idea about that is a big piece of the test.
3. Study Strategically
This means that before you even begin studying for finals you should know exactly what your current grade (# of points), how much the test is worth, and how well you need to do in order to get your desired grade. This is one strategy that many people don’t consider. If your tests are relatively spread out then this may not matter. But if you have 3 or 4 exams in a very short period you need to decide what matters. Are there any classes in which you must study just to pass? Those classes are priority number one. From there calculate how low you can score on any given test to receive the score you need. Also be realistic on the likelihood of getting that score. If you know you need a 98% in a hard class, but only a 35% for a B and you have another class where you have a very good shot at getting that A, then do the smart thing. Chalk class #1 up as a B and focus on what you can realistically manage (the A on #2).
4. Take Care of Yourself
You are not superhuman. You need sleep, and decent food. Goal number 1 should be to get as many hours as possible. This means when it’s time to crash for the night, don’t play on the computer. Go to sleep. You should also take naps whenever possible. They’re like a good cup of coffee without the energy crash an hour later. Try to eat right. I know it’s tempting to live on nacho cheese Doritos, M&M’s, and Dr. Pepper during finals, but it is not going to help you study. Eat healthy, drink lots of water, and only hit the caffeine in times of need. You will feel better and think better.
5. Take Breaks
Finally make sure you take breaks. If you’re brain is at it’s breaking point, then take half an hour. Don’t do anything that means you have to read, concentrate hard, or strain your eyes. If you can, go for a run or lift some weights. This will help wake you up, get your blood flowing, and give your chance a time to digest all the information you’re shoving into it.
6. Relax
One final or even several finals is not going to determine your permanent GPA. It is not going to change your life. It is not going to determine your career. Study, do your best, and don’t worry about it. You can only do what you can do.
