Finals are closing in ... 😬😬😬

Nervous. Edgy. Anxious. Butterflies.

That’s how I usually feel when I’m not confident about how I’ve studied for a final. Over the past 4 years, I think (& hope) that I’ve almost mastered good study tips for finals. And with a few weeks left until the first day of exams, I hope I can share a few tips.

First. List out the timetable of all your exams. Yes - the date, time and location (specify the row# too). I like to write it in multiple places so I don’t forget. The worst predicament is to sleep in or miss a final exam because you did not know the date or time. So, best believe I have it listed on my desktop, on every to-do list app I have on my phone, the calendar hanging in my room...

Second. Attend the final class. For those who don’t regularly attend class, try and attend the last

one because the professor usually gives out a review or what to expect on the final exam.

Third. Review ALL course material. Notes? Yes. Assignments? Yes. Tutorials?Yes. Quizzes? Yes. Textbook? Yup. Homework problems? Hmmm, Yes! Only reviewing the notes presented by the professor during lectures probably won’t get you too far. The best way to practice for an examination is to practice that practical side of the course (that made sense in my head). This way, you’re being tested on actual course material. Memorizing notes is not the way to go.

Fourth. If you’ve had a midterm, try the following:

1. Focus on material after the midterm. It’s a trend I’ve seen and it does make a lot of sense. Why would you be tested on midterm material during a final exam (unless it is cumulative)? There’s usually 70% more study material that shows up on the final exam. If you’re short on study time, start with that.

2. Study the format of the midterm. It’s usually not that different in terms of the style of questions that’ll be thrown at you. I think it’s always best to have a midterm in a course to experience the types of problems that you will face before a final.

Fifth. Take study breaks. Allow a certain slot of time to relax, eat, sleep between studying. Your brain and body need both physical and mental rejuvenation.

Last. Don’t try to pull an all nighter. It doesn’t work. Trust me. And stay hydrated.

Here is a short video on creating a master study plan that I found quite beneficial for improving time management skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRE0WicGz4I&t=3s

Enjoy studying & best of luck!

~ Fatima

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