Studying For Finals
Studying for Finals
By Samantha Lynch ‘23
Before we get to enjoy Winter Break, we have to take our fall semester finals. This is often a very stressful time, and many of us don’t even know where to start. So here are some tips to help make finals seem less daunting.
Find Out When Your Finals Are
An important first step is to find out when your finals are, so you can plan ahead and space out your study time accordingly. Here is this year’s finals schedule:
Also ask your teachers what they are expecting for their final. Some classes will have projects which you will be able to do ahead of time. Usually, you are not expected to show up to classes that don’t have final exams (but always ask your teacher). Certain classes may have more difficult or longer finals compared to others.
Spread Out Your Study Time
Once you know what to expect for each class, make a list of what you need to do for each class in order of priority. Classes you are not as confident in and have their exams earliest should be the top priority. Spread out your work over the time you have (ideally start early!) and do a little bit of studying for every subject each day.
Make a Review Guide
I usually start off by making a review sheet. This helps with organization as it puts everything you need to know in one spot. I usually organize it by unit and include key vocabulary, concepts, formulas, examples, diagrams, or anything that is helpful to my memorization. The process of looking through old notes and reviewing old material is a great way to start off your studying.
Take Advantage of Office Hours
At Mercy, we have many opportunities to meet with our teachers, whether it is in the morning, during collaboration, or even after school. If there are any concepts you are confused about, it is a good idea to get clarification from your teacher. Some people are hesitant to get help, but it is totally okay, and it will help in the long run. Usually, they will be able to explain it slower and be able to tailor the concept to your needs. Before you meet up with your teacher, be sure to check their office hours policy and contact them in advance.
Work With Others
Studying with others can be beneficial if done right. You can explain concepts you understand and have your classmates explain concepts that you don't understand. As a group, you can compare notes and make a more complete study guide. You can also quiz each other and make it engaging. Remember it is okay to take breaks, but be sure to get some meaningful study time with your group.
Find a Good Study Spot
To get in the study zone it is important to find a good study spot. Try to find a quiet, comfortable place to study. Make sure everything you need is there so you don't have to interrupt your study time. Another common inconvenience is the wifi connection, make sure to set up in a spot with the best wifi connection possible. If you want to listen to music opt for softer songs, instrumental is recommended. If you want to listen to your own music I recommend listening to songs that you have heard before and can just zone out. Be sure to put distractions away or at least turn-off notifications. When studying be sure to sit up as lying in bed isn’t always the best for focus.
Try the Pomodoro Method
The Pomodoro Method was ‘invented’ by an Italian university student in the late 1980s and thousands of students swear by it today. It is very simple and you have probably done it without realizing it. Basically, it is studying intensely for a certain amount of time (usually around 30-45 minutes) and taking a short break after (around 15 mins). This allows you to process the information you have studied and not fry your brain. It also makes it easier to work and not get as distracted because you have a break coming and it isn’t an endless grind. Despite taking breaks, you are able to get more meaningful study time than if you were to study for three hours straight.
Memorization
Many classes force you to memorize concepts so here are a few memorization tips and tricks. Firstly, I recommend flash cards. I usually make them on Quizlet. Another memorization technique is mnemonic devices or acronyms, a common example is SohCahToa. Another tip is to connect concepts to other learned concepts to further your understanding. Also, try to write information down in your own words.
Test Your Knowledge
Once you feel confident enough, work on a practice test or do some practice problems. You can usually find problems in your textbook or online. It's more than just memorization, be sure to practice the skills that you know will be on the exam. For example, if you need to write an essay, write a practice one to get the formula and timing down.
Calculate the Score You Need
If you really aren’t confident or just need to know what score range to aim for, I recommend using a score calculator. First, check to see how much the final is weighted (typically 10%-20% of your grade), you can see the grade weights on PowerSchool, Schoology, or in your course syllabus. Then Google ‘final exam score calculator’ and plug in the numbers to see what score you need to aim for.
I hope that these tips will help you conquer finals season. Remember not to overwhelm yourself and find balance.
Good luck!
Credits
Written By: Samantha Lynch
Edited By: Samantha Lynch
Cover Photo by Samantha Lynch (Canva)
Photo 1 by Estée Janssens on Unsplash
Photo 2 by @LittleStudyBuddy on Instagram
Photo 3 by Athenus on Tumblr
Photo 4 by Clare Paniccia on Pinterest
Photo 5 by Scott Graham on Unsplash
Photo 6 from Google Images
Photo 7 by WikiHow
Photo 8 by Alex Samuels on Unsplash
Mercy Media Edition 4
December 3rd, 2021
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