It feels like midterm season just ended but already finals season is creeping up on us. It has hit that time of year when everything is due and everything is overwhelming, but it feels like you aren’t finishing anything. The days are getting shorter and darker and Christmas break still seems so far away. This point in the semester is super stressful and staying motivated in school is super difficult. Around this time of year is when I start to look at everything I have left before the end of the semester and try to get myself a little bit prepared for the exam storm that’s coming. Here are a few of my tips on how to be prepared for exams season when it comes.
Create a list of the assignments you have left
I find writing down and being able to see everything I have left to do this semester super helpful. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but it has really helped me to see what I have to do. I am far less worried about missing something. Writing everything down can show you where the best place to start is and it is also super satisfying when you start to check things off!
Try to finish whatever you can ahead of time
Getting ahead is a great way to lessen your stress load if you are able to. Realistically, not a lot of people can get ahead in classes and I know I often can’t. So for this, prioritizing what needs to be done soonest and what you are most motivated to get done quickly can be a great help. Getting whatever can be done, done will help you out later on.
Make sure to take the time now to do things you enjoy
As finals approach, we tend to get really busy. Most of your time becomes dedicated to studying and you have less time to do things for fun. Take the time now to go out, have fun and do what you like. You should still take time for yourself during exams, but I think it’s important to do things you love now while you still have the time so you have a little less FOMO later on.
Start working on those ‘due on the last day of classes’ assignments
Trust me, you will thank me later. Everyone pushes those back thinking oh they aren’t due for a while, but those projects tend to be worth a lot, and they sneak up on you. Also, chances are by that point in the semester you are going to want to be studying. Get those projects done sooner than later.
Go to office hours and ask a million questions
Literally any questions you have go to your professor’s office hours and ask them. The professor is getting paid to sit there and answer your questions you might as well go and ask them. As well, lots of people don’t even bother going to office hours and you may be the only student there which is great for getting to know your professor and doing well in the class.
Figure out what you need to review most
I like to use the “definitely, probably, unlikely” method. Look at what will definitely be on the exam. This means subjects you went over extensively in class, topics your teacher was really passionate about and subjects your teachers outright told you would be on the exam. Go through your syllabus because sometimes it lists what will be on the exam. Then I look at what will probably be on the exam. This is often my general notes, things the professor said etc. Then I make note of what is very unlikely to turn up on the exam. This includes things the teacher says won’t be tested, bonus materials and a lot of times the information that is in boxes or is “real-world” examples in textbooks. Review the “definitely” material the heaviest. Then go over the “probably” and you really don’t need to bother with the “unlikely”, prioritize your time by doing what you know will be tested.
Make sure you know what study tools work for you
It is so important to know what study tools work for you and what tools don’t work for you. For me, I do best by making myself practice questions and writing out concepts. I also know that I don’t learn anything from just reading or listening, those are completely useless to me. Finding out how you study best will be a huge help in learning the material. Try out multiple different ways of studying now while you still have time and see what helps you learn.
If you have a lot of final exams, start studying early
Honestly, I can’t stress this enough. I’ve started studying late so many times and completely screwed myself over later on, so I completely recommend starting early. Even if it feels too early, it’s not, trust me.
I really hope that this helps you out a little as we head into this season of chaos and stress. Remember to stay calm, and study hard and I’m sure you will do great! Good luck everyone!