With approximately one month until finals, it’s time for Bentley students to begin preparing. A common mistake many college students make is waiting until the week (or the night) before a final to start studying. Starting to get ready for finals now will reduce coming stress and ensure better performance. Here are some pro tips for how to start preparing for finals a month in advance.
1. Stay organized; make a schedule. Make sure you know about all the papers, projects, presentations, and exams you have coming up. Write everything down so it is easy to keep track of. Plan out a schedule of when you want to do each assignment or study for an exam, and have a roommate help keep you accountable if necessary.
2. Start getting extra sleep now. Instead of watching Netflix, take the opportunity to get a little bit of extra sleep now. This will give you the energy and brainpower to focus on finals when they arrive. It will also allow you to be more efficient in studying.
3. Make flashcards. Flashcards are one of the best methods of studying for many students. They are an easy way to start preparing for exams well in advance, especially for classes that are largely definition based. Practice the flashcards for a couple of minutes each day, and you will be well on your way to getting good grades on finals!
4. Don’t put off assignments. Never procrastinate. Sometimes, studying for an exam the night before can be helpful, but that is only if you don’t have half a dozen other papers and presentations looming over your head that you put off. It all goes back to staying organized and making a schedule that works for you.
5. Make studying fun! Study with friends and occasionally reward yourself with a break to go get ice cream. You deserve it!