It’s the end of the school year. You can feel it. The weather is better, everyone is a little more relaxed. Summer plans are beginning to develop, and you can’t wait!
But there’s just one thing in your way…finals.
One of the most dreaded times of the year. You’re mentally one step out the door but you have to take a step back and prove what you learned to your teachers through a week of testing. It’s not a fun time but there is no getting out of it so why not face it head on? Here are some tips we’ve rounded up that will make preparing for finals go smoothly.
When should I study?
- Now! The more time you can give yourself to spread out the studying time, the better. You’ll be less stressed because you’re not cramming and because you’re giving yourself some time to recall and review the information. Breaking down a big task is always a good strategy for success.
- Find out when your finals are and put them on the calendar so you can backtrack and get enough study time in.
How should I study?
- Select an amount of time to review and set timers to study. Maybe 20-minute increments will work for you. Set a timer for 20 minutes and study for History. Set a 5 min timer for a break. It’s always a good idea to get up and move around during a break. Then set the timer for 20 minutes and move on to Science studying. Repeat for the rest of your classes.
- Sample Schedule
- 4-4:20 study for final test 1
- 4:20-4:25 break
- 4:25-4:45 test 2
- 4:45-4:50 break
- 4:50-5:10 test 3
- 5:15-6:15 dinner
- 6:15-6:35 test 4
- 6:35-6:40 break
- 6:40-7:00 test 5
- Make sure to account for your sports schedule, extra curriculars and other plans outside of school. The more activities you are in, the more creative you will have to be with your time. You could get ahead and study for 20 minutes before school instead of after school. If you have a free period, use it wisely. As much as you might not want to, utilize your weekends to get some studying in. If you can’t study for every subject, every night, plan to study for three subjects on your less busy nights and two on your busier nights.
- If you really want to be successful, look at what time you have and plan accordingly to make it happen.
- Find a quiet, clutter-free area to study at home, a coffee shop or a library.
- Put away your phone so you can focus.
Take it one step at a time.
Be confident because you CAN do it.
What should I study?
- Study guides – while waiting for teachers to provide these, study the items below:
- Past notes or PowerPoints
- Past assignments
- Previous tests
Other tips
- Get enough sleep every night
- Eat healthy meals
- Drink plenty of water (head to the bathroom before exams to avoid interruptions)
- If you’re feeling stressed, take deep breaths or find a guided meditation online that focuses on stress relief (Calm, FitOn, HeadSpace, YouTube all have meditations)
- Don’t forget to give yourself time for things you love doing for a study-life balance
Finals can be a stressful time but you, as a student, have the power to make them a little less nerve-wracking by following the tips we’ve provided. Take it one step at a time. Be confident because you CAN do it. Remember what is on the other side: sleeping in, a relaxed schedule, vacation, pool days, time with friends, aka SUMMER BREAK! So, give it one last final push so you can enjoy a well-deserved, few months off.
Good luck! Questions or comments on how to be successful? Let us know below.
Wishing you well,
Sarah