How to survive exam week...from an insider's perspective
May 08 '01
The Bottom Line Finals is not a fun time of the semester, but, with a few hints, you may be able to have an easier time of it.
I am currently taking a break from studying for my finals, so what better topic to write about? This is my sixth exam week, so I feel that I am adequately prepared to tell you how to survive exam week to either keep, or increase, you current grade. Her are my tips...
1. Prepare ahead of time
It is not worth the stress to wait to study the night before a final exam. Rather, you should start going through your notes and textbook the week before. Make an outline of each chapter and glance through lecture notes to refresh yourself on the material. You don't need to be studying at this point, just prepare yourself and your notes so that you can go right into studying instead of wasting precious time during exam week.
2. Make flash cards
I have found this method of studying to be most effective, and it is something that seems to work for most learners. It is an easy way to learn the card and then self-test to make sure you know that card. Also, it makes it easy to have someone else quiz you - like a roommate who has no knowledge of that area. It is also easier to carry around a stack of index cards rather than three textbooks and a three subject notebook!
3. Take regular breaks
For someone with a short attention span, this is very important. I like to try to study for approximately 30 minutes, then take a 10 minute break where I can pack up a box to go home, read a chapter of a leisure book, or talk to one of my roommates. It gives you brain a chance to "chill out" and then you are refreshed and ready for another 30 minutes of studying. Be careful not to take a break that is too long, or it will be harder to go back to the studying after having a really fun time!
4. Don't stress!!!
I am guilty of this one, so I know it is easier said than done. But stressing out causes you to lose focus and study time is not as productive. By stressing, you try to accomplish too much and end up doing nothing at all. Rather, take a deep breath, and attack each subject with a fresh mind that is not thinking about everything that needs to be done. Again, this is easier said than done and takes a lot of practice (I am still working on that).
5. Study, study, study
I know this sounds horrible, but what else are exams for? With no studying, you probably will not get an A on that physics exam. You need to be able to sit down and spend time studying for that final. If you go into the exam feeling confident and prepared, then you will be more likely to do well on the final. If you don't put in the time, then do not expect the A or B.
Keep telling yourself that finals is only one week. Once you get through it, then you can go on your break (unless you take summer or J-term classes). You will survive...we all do.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
Social14
|
|
Member: Wendy
Location: Buffalo, NY
Reviews written: 43
Trusted by: 43 members
About Me:
I am getting back into epinions after a busy semester!
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.