Finals!!

Final exams are quickly approaching. Here are some tips from our Academic Mentors on how to study for and take final exams! Please use these tips yourself and pass some along to your students if you think they are valuable. If you have any more, please add to the list!

Study Skills:

• Prepare for all finals
• Prioritize
• Don’t block one day for one class – study for a few hours then switch topics
• Combine group and individual study
• Find what works for you – for us it was study individually first
• Schedule your time – Decide when and where to start. Add breaks
• Take timed practice tests
• Make color-coded study sheets
• Create your own mock exam on Microsoft Word based on what you think the professor will ask and what you are expected to know. Print and complete without using any notes! Correct using a red pen to point out areas to target for studying.
• Make a “cheat sheet” - pretend you get to bring a cheat sheet to the exam and make one that you would use
• Gather all of your professor/TA related questions regarding content, exam structure, etc. a week prior to the exam so you have plenty of time to ask your professor!
• Practice taking the exam how you will actually take it - ie. at a table, in a classroom, without music, in a timed fashion

 Test Taking Suggestions:

• Balance your time – don’t spend too much time on one thing
• Start with strong suit – Skip over questions you don’t know right away and come back to them
• Read over whole test first
• Read directions carefully
• Use earplugs
• Arrive early and get a comfortable seat
• Try doing some physical activity before your exam
• Quickly write important formulas you might forget at the beginning of the exam