2008 Woodie Awards
Study tips to ace your finals
Christina McLaughlin
Issue date: 4/20/05 Section: Features
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During this time of year, all everyone is thinking about is being outdoors, but instead of playing volleyball, pull up a chair or blanket and start studying for finals. Here are some tips to help.
Tip #1: Know what type of final you will be taking. Is the final cumulative, or does it only cover material since the last test? This will make a big difference in how much time you devote to studying.
Tip #2: Start Early! You cannot cram an entire semester's worth of information into one or two nights of studying. The earlier you begin, the more prepared you will be. It's that simple.
Tip #3: Don't pull an all nighter! They say you should get eight hours of sleep a night, but come on, this is finals week. You should be able to function on at least four hours of sleep a night. College finals are designed to make you think. If you are too sleep deprived, you won't be able to comprehend or answer the challenging questions you will face.
Tip #4: Make time for "renewing" activities. This is not the time to stop exercising or doing other things that you find enjoyable. Pace yourself! You will study more effectively if you spread things out and take breaks. But watch the proportions here. Beware of doing 15 minutes of studying followed by a two-hour break to play a video game!
Tip #5: Focus on your notes. Assuming you have been in class, your notes are your best study tool. If you are 25chapters behind in the readings, do not try to skim through all the chapters in a short amount of time. If you took good notes, you should be OK.
Tip #6: Hide. Study in an out-of-the-way place. As tempted as you are to study with your friends, your best bet is to find a place of your own where you can think. Avoid the mass hysteria at the student union and flee from people wanting to borrow your notes.
Tip #7: Stop cramming five minutes before a test. Use this time before the test to relax, catch your breath, and take a minute to get focused.
Tip #1: Know what type of final you will be taking. Is the final cumulative, or does it only cover material since the last test? This will make a big difference in how much time you devote to studying.
Tip #2: Start Early! You cannot cram an entire semester's worth of information into one or two nights of studying. The earlier you begin, the more prepared you will be. It's that simple.
Tip #3: Don't pull an all nighter! They say you should get eight hours of sleep a night, but come on, this is finals week. You should be able to function on at least four hours of sleep a night. College finals are designed to make you think. If you are too sleep deprived, you won't be able to comprehend or answer the challenging questions you will face.
Tip #4: Make time for "renewing" activities. This is not the time to stop exercising or doing other things that you find enjoyable. Pace yourself! You will study more effectively if you spread things out and take breaks. But watch the proportions here. Beware of doing 15 minutes of studying followed by a two-hour break to play a video game!
Tip #5: Focus on your notes. Assuming you have been in class, your notes are your best study tool. If you are 25chapters behind in the readings, do not try to skim through all the chapters in a short amount of time. If you took good notes, you should be OK.
Tip #6: Hide. Study in an out-of-the-way place. As tempted as you are to study with your friends, your best bet is to find a place of your own where you can think. Avoid the mass hysteria at the student union and flee from people wanting to borrow your notes.
Tip #7: Stop cramming five minutes before a test. Use this time before the test to relax, catch your breath, and take a minute to get focused.
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