5 Tips for Studying for Finals

Hello Falcons! 

Thanksgiving is coming up and that means a week of well-deserved time off. As interesting as classes might be, the hectic pace while managing the workload from each professor can be exhausting. We are “thankful” for Thanksgiving. Nevertheless, this also means that finals are around the corner, and we need to prepare.  

To make everything even more than complicated, 2020 threw COVID-19 at us, which forced all members of the Falcon community to adapt. Most of us had to turn to online platforms, online lectures, online exams... an online student life actually! 

So how can you prepare effectively for the upcoming exams during this pandemic without going mad? Each person has his/her unique methods, but if you’re out of ideas, or are simply stuck, here are some Falcon tips you can consider: 

 1. Familiarize yourself with the format of your tests 

Before starting any kind of preparations, you have to know what you are preparing for. Tests are not always the same. Whether it consists of multiple-choice questions, essays, or other options, each professor has his own way of testing their students (their own test format).  

Why is this important to know? So you can avoid surprises and have enough time to complete everything. Also, each type of test format requires different skills, so you will need to prepare accordingly. Do not be afraid to ask your professor about this! 

2. Avoid binge studying (organize yourself) 

Do you procrastinate? Leave it all for the day before? Do not worry, we have all been there! Binge studying (also known as the act of cramming intensely a day or two before a huge test and then regurgitating the information the day of) is quite common. But we know deep down that it’s not the right way to go. Binge studying is treacherous and it’s not that effective. It does not help you memorize information for the long-term, so at the end of the day, it’s a waste of time and tuition money. So how can you do better? Coming up with a schedule helps incredibly to avoid binge studying. Start early, and plan your study hours and other activities throughout the weeks to come. 

3. Vary activities & stay healthy  

Succeeding without effort is rare, and it’s not a strategy I advise you to consider. But keep in mind, there is a limit. Studying too much without breaks does not help. On the contrary, just like binge studying, this method is unhealthy and even damaging psychologically and physically. It isn’t efficient either! That’s why it’s important to remain physically active, eat three meals a day, hydrate regularly, and take breaks at least every two hours while you’re studying! This time-out is not wasted time. It will enhance your studying performance. 

4. Share with your peers  

An interesting way to remember things you learned in class is sharing notes and opinions with your peers. It provides you with other insights which can sometimes be really helpful, and doing so ties the discussed material of the course with a conversation in your mind.  This strategy solidifies your memory. Moreover, socializing (even with that classmate you have never talked to before) helps keep you sane as well. 

5. Test yourself 

The best way to know if you are truly ready is to test yourself. If you follow our Falcon tip #1 (familiarize yourself with the format of your tests), you’ll know what your finals will look like, and therefore you can search for practice tests and other ways to gauge your knowledge and skills. If the internet and library do not offer much, you can always ask your professor for exercises, example tests, and other practice methods.   

There you have it fellow Falcons! Make sure you do not neglect any kind of help. As a matter of fact, if you still feel uneasy or fear about your finals, you can always reach out to our Success Center and request the help of our kind-hearted and committed tutors with diverse backgrounds and expertise. 

Good luck with your finals and FALCONS UP!