You stare at a blank screen with nothing more than a flashing cursor ticking down the limited time you have left until finals. As you struggle to get started, your brain wanders, your hand travels to your phone, and suddenly you find the tv remote in your lap. Before you swipe or stream, and decide to study at another time, consider these ways you can prepare for finals instead of avoiding it now and cramming later.
Ways to Prepare for Finals
- Procrastinate, but only a little
There is no shortage of articles telling you that procrastination leads to creative and divergent thinking, but there are limits and balance is key. Researchers continue to explore the claim about links between procrastination and creativity, and while there appears to be some truth, it has its critics. High levels of procrastination do result in higher levels of creativity, and lower levels of procrastination do not result in dull brain power either. In fact, moderate or average levels of procrastination exhibit curiosity, task complexity, risk-taking, and fantasy (Rumyantseva, K., & Movchan, L, 2022). Balance is key.
- Schedule time
You carry a calendar in your pocket, and it is a useful tool for keeping you on track. If you have trouble committing to large blocks of time, consider scheduling 40-45 minutes in your calendar, and don’t forget to set a reminder. When you carve out time and document it, you are more likely to keep the appointment with your textbooks. Prioritize subjects that give you the most trouble.
- Set a timer
Okay, your calendar alert went off and it’s time to study. Now, set a timer. One of the most popular methods is the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer, about 20-25 minutes, and work on a task without distractions. Don’t look at the timer, just work or study until you hear it chime. Take a 2–5-minute break, and then resume for another 20-25 minutes of uninterrupted working time. Repeat this until the task is done or until you must walk away.
- Listen to a podcast or watch YouTube
Study in a way that works for you. Reading is not always the most efficient use of someone’s time. At times when you are not connecting with the materials, finding a podcast or YouTube video that helps you understand the content and concepts, expands the study tools at your disposal, especially if you are an auditory learner or visual learner.
- Quiz yourself and use flashcards
One of the best ways to assess just how much you know is to quiz yourself. Take mini quizzes or create a set of flashcards. Pull out the topics over which stumble and prioritize them when you schedule your next study session. Self-testing is a “generative strategy” that allows you to create new content and associations with the content for longer retention through the process of retrieval.
- Change your view
You are an hour in already, and now you are bored again. Your mind wanders, your back aches, and honestly, the walls feel like they are closing in. It is hard to feel inspired and focused in the same space all the time, so move your study space to a place with a new view to improve retention. Studying in various locations can help you create different associations with the materials and a renewed perspective.
- Snack and sip
Put down the empty calories and reach of nutrient-dense, protein-loaded foods instead. Avoid the sugar too if you are feeling thirsty. While comfort snacks in moderation are okay, research proves that healthy eating habits have a positive effect on undergraduate students’ academic performance. (Reuter, Forster, Brister, 2020) However, the researchers point out that other factors, such as sleep hygiene may be more important. We will discuss this one later.
- Walk away
Walking is an underrated form of exercise, but walking boosts your heart rate and your brain power, which leads to creative thinking. According to a Stanford study, “walking improves the generation of novel yet appropriate ideas, and the effect even extends to when people sit down to do their creative work shortly” (Oppezzo & Schwartz, 2014). Plus, cardio is linked to cognitive improvements as well.
- Go to sleep
Start early and pace yourself to avoid panic and cram sessions. Research continues to prove that cramming is not an effective study method. Cramming for a test overloads the brain, leaving you and your cerebral exhausted, frustrated, and fatigued, preventing you from retaining information. A good night’s sleep improves the ability to retain information, so when it’s late and you feel exhausted, do not waste time cramming. Get some sleep and start again. If you paid attention to tips 1 through 8, you should not feel panicked or rushed to study.
3 More Tips for Online Finals
If you are taking online classes, there are a few more tips to consider.
- Find a space with a good connection
- Have a solid understanding of the platform and tools
- Give yourself plenty of time to finish a final BEFORE the last possible minute it is due
I would call start studying around 3 days before the exam some major procrastination. You should be studying or reviewing material all semester theoretically. Even for me, I study for exams at least a week in advance. But everyone has a different major/class path.
After we go to the gym, we rest our muscles.
Similarly, when we stress our brain for studies, we have the ability to absorb better
Time management was always an issue, everything was done last minute with significant amounts of coffee, literally overnight
I like that you drew attention to cardio because even though one may study for hours on end, memory retention plays a pivotal role in how well one does on an exam. This is why students should be more mindful of fitness; even if they only run for a half hour or so, they may be surprised by how much easier exams become.
Does no one else see how wildly unrealistic these suggestions are? The typical college student works part-time and has 12 to 18 credits. Especially if the student is in a STEM degree, then the only way he/she gets by is by giving up sleep (the other option is to find a reservoir of unlimited cash reserves to live off of in lieu of a job). The idea balanced lifestyle just isn’t attainable to regular college students who are juggling the average weight of balls (let alone those who are coming from disadvantaged backgrounds).
If anyone here reading this can show an example of a student with good grades who followed the above suggestions, I’d perhaps be willing to lay down my quarrel with it. But the facts are that these suggestions are flatly unrealistic.
Very interesting post.this is my first time visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion..thanks for the post!
After we go to the gym, we rest our muscles.
Similarly, when we stress our brain for studies, do remember to have sufficient sleep and rest too.
My final exams are near. I went total crazy. So nervous. How I am going to prepare for final exams? And suddenly I found your article on internet. It solved my problem. I am absolutely ready for final exams.
First and foremost you must be well aware of the exam content, secondly you must study, practice and constantly review and analyse. Thirdly, you must look and try to solve past papers, thirdly in case you are applying for police or fire department you must to boost your physical strength which is an essential aspect for both these jobs. In my opinion it would be best to enroll in to a civil service learning institution as they through practice test, answer explanation, study guides, and different set of tips and tricks helps in ensuring that the applicant easily clear the test and successfully enter the civil service.
I found it interesting that you state that maximizing practice testing is the best way to study for exams. My brother is taking the Security+ test in a month and wants to be able to get a high score. I will send him this information so he can look into taking a Security+ practice test before the actual exam.
I would suggest Yoga, it is a proven method to keep your health, soul and mind at balance level, this will boost your concentration. Try it one
Thanks for the advice on how to take a test effectively. Minimizing distractions, though, is easier said than done. Maybe I should look for a tutor who can keep special cases like myself on track.
I would suggest signing up for private or tuition classes as another way for preparing for the final exams.
Great tips! One of the most basic things that we need to understand is that each and every child has a different learning capacity and different learning style. Some child might grasp things quickly, while others may take time. In high school, more studying techniques are there which can help students to score well in exams. You have shared a good resource for the high school students.
I never knew that exercise can actually improve your memory and reduce the effects of stress. My wife has been taking some night classes, and she told me that she is scared that she won’t be able to handle her final test with the stress of her job piled on top! I will be sure to suggest to my wife that we exercise together to reduce stress and helped her pass!
Really great article on exam. My final exam is knocking at door. But i cannot focus on my study yet due to social media. I still wasting time by chatting with my friends. Please say how can i overcome it?
This is such a good article for reading, keeping update for future.
i will share your website to my friend,
thanks you
Hello
please reply ، can we share on our website?
Thank you
Maria
Great article indeed!
Indeed it is important to take a break after studying for about 20-25 minutes because an average student can’t hold up his /her concentration for more than 25 minutes. For research and essay analysis on this topic, visit https:www.brainstormessays.com
This is what I was looking for. Thanks for the amazing tips. Time management is very crucial at this time; the students should utilize the time very effectively and not waste the time.
Thumbs UP
My Masters Exams are round the corner and this tips will surely help me to bring the best of me and everyone who read this blog.
6th point “Avoid the all-nighter” is for me. i always study whole night but now i have to change my habit.
thanks a lot for sharing the best way to prepare in finals.! 🙂
My son is getting to the point where he’s going to start needing to take the ACT and the SAT so that he can get into college. The problem is that he is terrible at taking tests. He can learn things just fine, but tests just aren’t his thing. So, I like your tip to take practice exams because they help to boost performance. Still, I think that I’ll find him some formal test prep before he needs to take them.
Just search for Brainstormessays online and thank me later 🙂
Thanks for the awesome advice! I’ve written a very similar post on my website except the only difference you have more coverage around food and exercise.
One thing I’d like to point out, if you’re studying for exams, you should have small breaks in while studying to give your brain a break from lengthy concentration periods. But then again, this might not work for everyone.
Overall, awesome article, keep up the good work!
Very Nice Post.
Time management for learning as well as preparing physical and mental conditions for facing the school exam
I used to highlight entire pages in my chemistry textbook and summarize each section in the margins, thinking that would help me, but I still scored low on tests. No more cramming for me! I’m going to be taking more practice tests and making lots of flashcards.
I was actually looking for something like that thanks for this meaningful article. can you please suggest how to be more focused towards the goal
Thank you for this helpful article on the best way to prepare for exams. These tips will help the students a lot and ease their mounting tension before the exams. I am looking forward to reading more interesting posts in the future.
“eat breakfast” one of the important thing To Prepare For Final Exams,
Thank you for posting this informative blog on the best ways to prepare for final exams. This blog will certainly help a lot of students in charting their study schedule and scoring the maximum marks in exams. Most of the times students neglect their health in order to read more during exams. It is necessary that they maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow a healthy sleep pattern. Looking forward to reading more interesting articles in the future.
Never new such scientific ways when I was school. But will definitely share with my students. Thanks for writing, it was good read.
Rochelle Park, NJ.
Hello
I like 1st and 5th point most. Cramming is not good at all. And time management is very important in our life.
So stay healthy and focus on studies.
Practice test papers is very important.
The preparation for the bar exam can be a daunting experience. But, with proper guidance and tools, you could crack the bar exam.
what about the happy hour ? you know that time you are really in the mood? People are different. Research shows that many people have a good mood in the morning and others at night. So the rules may apply differently.
Very good article.
There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.
This are the good tips to improve their study skill
Give yourself enough time to study. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Use a keyword to refocus yourself. Take good notes in class. Study hard subjects first.
Really it’s great thanks for sharing this excellent info..
it help a lot for the thing im ben going trough it help a whole lot so thank u
BS about all nighters. I have done PLENTY and make good grades. Its all about knowing the material!
thanks a lot its very important views for every student of college or universtiess
Wow really these tips are very helpful to me..
Cardio? haha i cant even think of moving. but still, great tips to prepare for exams, thank you
i am also……..,
thanks a lot its very important views for every student of college or universtiess
thanks again
Thank you it is very important thanks ………..
i almost started my exam without these golden tips. i believe that they will work for me…thanks
Thanks…
Writing skills are needed everywhere. Going to university, writing your own blog, even in daily life. There is the service that can help you to improve your writing – essays, thesis papers, etc.
but… i love to study all nighter…
Really useful tips before my exams. I totally get it. Many thanks.
Thanks for these points but i ‘ think cramming is most common among every age student. We all are doing cramming since from childhood.
Proven, cramming will never going work at all. It happened with me when I was in class 5th. Let me tell you what exactly happen when you cram. It will never let you understand your subject the biggest difficult thing also distracts your mind. So yes its better to say no cramming.
Thanks for this and i also want to increase my learning power do you have any tips for that.
No cramming because it increases anxiety. I totally get it!
I was actually looking for something like that thanks for this meaningful article. can you please suggest how to be more focused towards the goal
Very nice article, the article content is nice and helpful.This site is always present information that is so very inspiring at all thank you .
Thanks
Wow….this tips were’ really awesome… And helpful for students….THANKU…:)
Love to read these awesome piece of advice
Will definitely follow it for betterment
Thanks
THIS TIPS ARE REALLY GOING TO HELP ME PASS MY EXAMS ………… THANK YOU SO MUCH
learn in a happy mood and no pressure will make the lesson more easily memorized
Thanks this is the way to success the exam
thanks……..
wooooooow this is the best idea , after following the instructions i passed may exams,with 8 A’s
Thanks a lot it helped me very well
Thanks a lot
Thank you so much for the article, some best ways to avoid stress and anxiety are provided. Helpful……
why no to cramming
its a very good concept to follow and manage your time & also to increase your memory capacity……!
Nice tips I think I m missing some of them…..but now I can correct myself ….thanx a lot….
i have final exams next week nd i will surely use these tips….thanx
thanks helped a lot
Hello, I think while preparing for final exams we should prepare self written notes that’s why it will be helpful for us to do revision at the end time of the exam time.
I think this is a cutting edge concept.
Thanks..:) Your article is great!
It is really helpful, thanks
hello, great blog post
Specially I like the way you people express to prepare for exams, almost the same way I have prepared my exams while doing engineering.
I am also civil engineering student. i also like this type of terminology.
Regards Rajnish Tyagi
Thanks lot for good inspiring suggestions and tips…
Thanks a lot, your tips are great, yet it’s much more easier for me to study in the evening and at night, since i am a night owl. i think there are many people who have the same biorhythm. Anyway, the article is very interesting.
Thanx sister your tips are awesome :* 🙂
If you are a night owl you can study by the nights. Night owls and early risers have different brain structures. You can read about it.
Really.fab…..thks for the suggestions
This article is very helpful though i wish i had seen it before i did my finals last year.
i cramming mostly and now it is affecting me at my work place since i remember little of the info.
i did cramming…
this is awesome coz iget to prepare on tym
I hope these tips will help me for my exam
I hope these tips will work on me sothat i can be a topper of my college like alwas
Wonderful ways about preparing for exams! Speed reading can be another best way, It is used to improve one’s ability to read quickly.
I have come across an organization which published an article about speed reading. http://zoxpro.com/zox-pro-speed-reading-vs-zoxing-mental-photography-read-reader/
2. Say YES to cardio: Science says that just 20 minutes of cardio can improve your memory. Whether *your* dancing, jogging or busting a sweat by walking, exercise will increase your energy level and reduce the effects of stress. Very important!
‘your’ should be ‘you’re’
Nice catch
thanks for the tips. its more convincing and hence encouraging. selection of alternate-study-spot-point is very beneficial,
my exams are on week and i have hardly studied anything
cramming is not working but my parents insist me on cramming
Go ahead with what ur mind says
just believe in yourself and u will feel better .don’t take any type of stress!!it will harm you .enjoy your studies,good
luck……….
if the is only a small time also with full interest and concentration we can study properly by understanding.parents can say anything but u r going to face the exam.its your choice that how to read.all the best.
The tips are great but how do you attack ALL 6 subjects for finals when the finals are taking in the same week? Do I study each subject for an hour, a day or what? I seems to cram everything at once and its not working for me.
I think all of us somehow study last minute.
I agree though that cramming isn’t efficient.
thanks,i like the all tips.because,these are more helpful for the students.
thank you Shaniese Alston…
7th point is very usefull for me…
i hope these studiying tips will work for me
I like the sixth point. because, it related to me. I studying all nights without sleep.when i read the point, i understand that what ever did till now is big mistake.
thanks for giving an extraordinary tips for examination.I like the sixth one.Because most of students are trying to finish the portion. so they want study during night also .but this will be affect badly to the next day
I like fifth point. Because, till now i was like that.. always cramming method.. but now i understood that it is not good..
I am thanking to this website for gave me such a good information.
thanks for these great study tips
Break should be taken after 20 or 25 minutes but it should be not more than of 8 minute
I don’t know…I study for a final a week before, then on Sunday, I take a break, because nobody wants to be stressed…right?
Gonna try it and works toward it τ̲̅o the fullest who know it might a great help ever.
Great article!
What most people don’t realize is that studying and learning should never be too difficult. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what it’s like. You know the feeling: you go to class, get a ton of homework, then spend hours and hours reading over your notes, trying to memorize everything in a mad panic before your next exam.
Not only is this stressful, but studying this way is both time consuming and a huge waste of energy. But the good news is, studying doesn’t have to be this difficult.
In fact, if done correctly studying and learning should be a pleasurable experience. It shouldn’t be hard and it should probably take you less than half the time you’re already spending. So how is all this possible?
This video explains some of my views:
Efficient studying
Knowing your learning style is important. Auditory learners might benefit from hearing content versus reading: http://www.paysomeonetoread.co
I think cramming can be helpfull only if you understand the supject very well. so your brain use them as a referances.
“The Best Ways To Prepare For Final”. I like that title word. Awesome
I like the first point. It is the most important of all of these. Take a break after studying for about 20-25 minutes. The main reason behind this is that an average student can’t hold up his /her concentration for more than 25 minutes. And I have created an infographic on this subject, check it out > http://thegateexam.in/study-time-vs-concentration/
This is great stuff
I used to highlight entire pages in my chemistry textbook and summarize each section in the margins, thinking that would help me, but I still scored low on tests. No more cramming for me! I’m going to be taking more practice tests and making lots of flashcards.
I hope this study tips will work for me as it did to others
Wow these are the best study hacks that i have read over internet. I think retaining what we have studied is more important than studying a lot of stuff.
Hey Mark, What do you mean by memory exercise..?? 🙂
These are some very great tips! However, you forgot to mention using memory exercises which stores even more information while studying! These eight steps is definitely Good wisdom and the reader should heed to what the page is saying. Thank you for these tips and Merry Christmas Everyone!