Everyone has been through exam season and — in most cases — survived. But it never hurts to have a brief list of responsible finals-time practices to read, consider, and inevitably ignore. Fully at risk of perpetuating worn-out truisms, I hope this can be meaningful and helpful. I will also try to keep things realistic, because I do not think that being told to “study sooner” and “actually read” does much at this point.
Make a schedule.
This may not necessarily be a “study x at time y,” and so on, but just looking at a calendar to see where exams fall in relation to free periods and to each other helps to organize and prioritize time.
Try practice questions
. There is no better way to see what you have mastered and where you are weak. If the test format is known, cater questions accordingly!
Take breaks.
Everyone knows it at this point. Breaks help you focus. But let us not be silly, now. Five minutes spent examining the publishing information of your textbook hardly warrants a six-hour spell of relaxation.
Teach the material to someone else.
This is a great way to see just how well you know the content in question. That being said, I know that no one is going to do it. But you should, just know that.
Diversify your study techniques.
Everyone learns differently: did you know that? Not every study method is universally applicable. If something is just not clicking for some reason, try mixing it up. Studying can be more than just rereading notes.
Make concise study sheets.
When it comes down to crunch time, you cannot be caught reading the textbook — that’s just embarrassing. A nice, clear summary of key information will do quite nicely.
Prioritize your studying.
Start with topics that you know will be on the test and move outward from there. Devote more time to key concepts. Getting the bonus question is great, but not if you get everything else wrong.
Reach out for help from professors.
Review sessions or office hours! Fantastic ways to study. Do not worry about asking too many questions or being annoying, because it is likely to be the last time your professor will see you.
Making studying fun.
I do not know, maybe color your notes or something? Draw a picture, perhaps? You’re creative, you tell me. Make your studying fun to keep yourself engaged.
Eat healthy and sleep. Obviously…
We all know the drill by now. Only experience can dictate which study methods work best for you. Exam season breathes anxiety and insecurity into the air. Stress descends on the mind like dying leaves on the autumn ground. It is a difficult time of year. We are all familiar with the perceived gravity of each test, gravity that is, to an extent, legitimate. But exams are not all that matters. And that is worth hearing, I think, hard as it may be to believe. You are more than a single test, more than a single grade. Please try to maintain that mindset throughout the coming weeks, and for the duration of your time in college.
