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Finals, they can make or break your semester grades! Too often students haven’t been taught how to approach finals, let alone the most effective ways to prepare. As the saying goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Knowledge is power and it’s not just knowing the material from your classes, but also knowing how to study that’s important. Two key factors for success with your finals are (1) soliciting help from your teachers and (2) getting assistance from your friends. Before you spend any time studying, talk to your teachers because they can help prevent you from wasting time on needless efforts.
First, look closely at the syllabus from each of your classes to see what your teachers have shared about their finals. Look for information on whether the final will cover material from the entire semester or something less. Then approach your teachers with several questions. Initially you want to ask them about your notes from class. Some students write in bullet format, some write out sentences, while others do something else. Show your teachers your notes from their class (actually you should do this for each class at the beginning of the semester so you can make adjustments then for more effective note-taking). Ask if your notes are written in such a way as to convey the material you are responsible to know about the subject. One of my students, in asking her teacher this question, was told that her history notes centered around the dates, but the final would focus more on the key person related to that date and event. So she adjusted her studying and she blew easily through the final. There are unique ways to study for your different classes. You don’t study the same way for English that you would for math.
An English class example made a big difference for another student. When asking his English teacher how to study for an exam on an assigned novel, he found out key information that transformed his grades and study strategy for books. His teacher asked to see the novel he had been reading. As the teacher flipped through the pages, she noticed nothing was written in the margins. She asked the student why not. He said, “My mom told me to never write in a book.” Knowing the importance in being able to do that, the teacher called his mom. The mom said she told that to him when he was a toddler because he would scribble in her books to the point where she couldn’t read the words. She was shocked to know that comment was so ingrained in his mind that he thought is still applied to him. Once that issue was cleared up, the teacher met with the student again. She explained how to outline a book and make notes about characters and key points/events in the margins. He was so relieved to find out that in his review of the book he wouldn’t have to re-read the entire book – which he always thought he had to do. This piece of information revolutionized his note-taking and his grades improved dramatically. So, talking with your teachers can help save you time and energy in studying the right material for your finals. Your friends can also be a great help.
Friends can challenge you with material you may be weak on and encourage you to take advantage of opportunities available to help you prepare for the exams. If any of your teachers offer study groups, take advantage of them. Reviewing material with your friends can help solidify your knowledge of the material by using different methods – quizzing each other, challenging each other to make up questions that may be covered on the test, creating flashcards, etc. Your teachers may offer study sessions outside class time, and your friends can help you be accountable by pushing you to attend even though that may be the last thing you want to do. Looking over each others’ notes can help you see if there is any crucial information you may have missed. You can help each other plan a strategy and schedule for studying – when and how you are going to study and what. This will prevent you from procrastinating and saving everything for the last minute by cramming and doing all-nighters. The key to success in your classes is hard work and it is the same for your finals. You need to be diligent in studying even when your others try to entice you to do otherwise. Keep your goals in mind and remember after your finals you will have plenty of time to catch up on the fun.
Final exams can drastically change your grades if they are not taken seriously. Knowledge is power and taking advantage of all opportunities open to you will help you control your destiny. There are key resources available to you to ensure your success – access your teachers and seek help from your friends. Set your priorities to finish the semester strong because it will pay off in the long run. Also, what you learned in studying for this semester’s finals, make sure you take into account for next semester and it will save you even more time and energy. Remember if you start now, you’ll be able to take some breaks in the midst of studying in a few weeks instead of having to cram at the last minute. You control your destiny! Good luck!
