Calling all college students - Crush finals week like a pro
Published: May 03, 2024
Author: Minh Do
Are you so excited for the summer but then realize you have final exams and projects to get through before those sun-soaked days with your friends? I got your back right there! Lighten your worries by preparing for finals week with five tips:
1. Make your personal study guide
- Topics that the final exam covers will basically be all the chapters that your professor covered, in other word, comprehensive examination.
- Categorize studying content into strengths and weaknesses and decide the time needed based on your understanding level of the material.
- Take careful notes on material that you do not fully understand, and set reminders to read them again once every two days.
- Make a set of questions and flashcards through Quizlet, Quizizz or Kahoot can be a great approach.
2. Do what you can early
- If you have both exams and projects due for the final week, it would be a great idea to finish the project first.
- On your finals week, you will no longer have to worry about the assignments but now focus on reviewing for your in-class exams.
- A final project often requires more work than usual, so make sure to plan your time wisely.
3. Study session with friends
- Peace advocate and motivational speaker Mattie Stepanek said: “When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”
- Create study guides together with your classmates, finding answers and making comments on each other’s work.
- Essays that are peer-reviewed often get good grades, so let your friends read through your work before submitting it.
- Go on study dates. You can invite someone who you feel comfortable around, and you all can work on your own assignments. For me personally, seeing someone else focus on their studying motivates me to also work hard.
4. Find a good study environment
- Find a place where you can feel productive. It all depends on your own preferences.
- Do you need background noise with people around you also working? Coffee shops and campus lounges are perfect for that!
- Do you appreciate privacy and silence? A library study room is a wonderful choice!
- Make yourself comfortable focusing on the work you need!
5. Seek help if needed
- Don’t pretend that you comprehend everything and knowing what to do all the time.
- Go to your professor’s office hours if you need more clarification of any topics.
- Make use of resources that the university offers to you. Academic advisor, tutors, counselors, therapists, etc. Go and get the help you need!
- Ask your classmate to help you work through the assignments or give you a fresh approach on topics that you do not understand.
I truly hope these tips can help you end this semester successfully, and always remember to thank yourself for trying your hardest. Stay healthy and finish strong!
