The Dreaded Finals
Crystal Waller
It’s exam time! The pressure is on and you are trying to
decide how you will conquer them. I, too, am beginning to feel the pressure but
I have found some things that helped me do well in the past and I’d like to
share these tips with you.
Most importantly, find whatever works best for you and go with it. Happy finals everyone and best of luck, you can do it!
- Keep your
energy levels high. Although it is important that you allot a significant amount
of study time, it is also important that you set a side a reasonable amount of
time to rest. You will study more effectively and perform better on an exam if
you have 7 to 9 hours of sleep prior. I
admit that I am guilty of cramming before finals as well, but if you use your
study time more effectively, you will be able to study as well as get the
energy you need.
- 50-10
Rule. Study for 50 minutes then rest for ten minutes. This rest period is
to help you clear your mind. It is important that you focus during those 50
minutes though. You could set an alarm for your ten-minute breaks to ensure you
stay on track.
- Organize
a calendar. Many of us already do this, but generally only include the date
and time of our tests. Change it up and add your study times as well and which
subject you will study for at that time. If you are more organized, you are
less likely to stress about trying to figure out what needs to be done. Make
Google calendar your best friend.
- Study in
Groups only if it is beneficial to You. Study groups can be very
beneficial, but not everyone does well in them. Do not feel pressured to study
in a group if you do not think that you will benefit or if you would rather
study alone. Sometimes you can become so distracted in study groups that you
end up spending most of your time making jokes or talking, and waste a lot of
valuable time. So if you think this will happen to you, consider studying
alone.
- RELAX. I know it’s hard, but do not
freak out. Just prepare well and everything should go well. Complete all of
your work and try to study in advance, not the night before (again, I am guilty
of it, too).
Most importantly, find whatever works best for you and go with it. Happy finals everyone and best of luck, you can do it!
