With finals week coming up, it’s time to share some studying and test-taking advice. Study hard and get through this final stretch of classes– the semester is almost over!
Tip #1: Active Recall
Active recall is a form of studying where you actively retrieve information instead of passively reviewing it. My personal favorite way to use active recall in my study routine is through Quizlet, a website that allows you to turn notes into flashcards.
You shouldn’t leave studying last minute but Quizlet’s “learn” mode can easily and quickly take you through a semester’s worth of terms. There is also a “test”and basic “flashcard” mode so if you are someone who prefers paper flashcards, that works too.
Most importantly, know yourself. What is the most effective study method for you? If you don’t know, there are online resources to help you find out. Everyone studies differently, so find your preferred style.
Tip #2: Limit Distractions
Put on some calm music, hide your phone and get to studying. There are plenty of study playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify and other platforms. Simply, search “calm,” “focus,” or “study” and pick one!
Having your phone within reach of your workspace can be very harmful to the studying process. You get a notification, and the next thing you know, you’ve been scrolling for an hour. By putting your phone on silent and far away, you can limit this distraction.
Tip #3: Review, Review, Review
Ensure you’re caught up on all your notes. Did you slack off for a couple of classes? Go back and finish your notes for those days. Also, make sure you are using any information that your teacher gives you, as some professors give study guides or lists of topics that the exam will cover. If you have one of these, take advantage of it!
Likewise, reading back through your notes can remind you of terms from the beginning of the semester that you may have forgotten. Tests and quizzes can show concepts you struggled with throughout the semester and need to review.
Tip #4: Prepare and Plan
The holidays can make it hard to stay focused; factor in when you will be with family, working, or out of town. Plan ahead and start studying now rather than letting all the work pile up and cause stress. Especially as studying ahead of time has proven to be much more effective than studying the night before. You should also allocate more time for harder classes you struggle in so you can earn the best possible grade.
Tip #5: Relax
Studying for an exam can be very overwhelming. While it is always important to work hard, it is also important to take breaks. A study routine called the Pomodoro Method, involves studying for 15 minutes and then taking a break for five. But again, know what works best for you, some people adapt the Pomodoro Method to allow for longer breaks or studying time.
Move your body and eat well. Allow time for other activities besides studying. Remember getting a bad grade is not the end of the world. Do things you love, spend time with your favorite people.
Good luck and happy studying!