How to Prepare Yourself for Finals

Monday, August 8, 2022

Are you about to start your final year of high school? Congrats! Soon you will be applying to college and preparing for this next exciting step in your life. One of the most difficult things about college is final exams. We organize our study time in different ways, and university can be tough with the added challenge of transitioning to higher education. In this article, we will give you tips to successfully prepare for finals. 

For some, studying for finals is an easy task. These people have organized schedules and apply different strategies to pass their finals. However,  others have not have any strategy or plan which is how finals prep becomes an arduous task. 

If you sit down to study without preparation, you are likely to be unfocused. Studying the becomes an impossible activity. Therefore it is important to organize your time and study strategies.  In this article, we will give you tips to efficiently prepare for finals.

1. Develop a plan 📑​

To excel during finals season, create a realistic plan that covers all necessary topics. A good study plan includes a timetable that describes when, where, and which topic or unit you will be studying. You can organize your study schedule by splitting up the different topics you need to cover and assigning each one a different day and time. Don't forget to include planned breaks! By preparing a plan like this, you will feel more confident while preparing for finals. 

2. Start early ⏱️​

One important factor to consider when planning your finals is when to start. You should start studying one month before the exam date. This will allow you to have time to create your study plan and carry it out successfully. If you start two weeks before the exam, you will not be able to study all of the units or give them the attention necessary.  This will result in cramming which, according to education experts, is not conducive for studying.

3. Benefit from Class 👩🏼‍🎓​

Sometimes the answer to your questions is simple: Attending class regularly and organizing your study time will result in top final exam scores. Take advantage of your classroom time to take notes on what your professor is teaching. Don't leave any questions unanswered and be sure to raised your hand whenever you have a doubt. Professors often highlight which key concepts will be most important exams.

4. Create Flashcards 🏷️​

Studying for finals takes a lot of time and concentration. One strategy you could employ is the use of flash cards! This trick can help you memorize key facts and concepts. Flashcards are pieces of paper that feature facts, concepts, or definitions of words. You can do it on paper but nowadays, there are also different apps that allow you to do it digitally. If you have not done so yet, try it as soon as you can! 

Check Cram.com, GoConqr, or Quizlet to create your own flashcards.

5. Avoid Procrastination 😴​

Procrastination refers to when we delay a task that has to be done, often because we find it boring or unpleasant. It is all the more easy to procrastinate due to social media and today's latest technology that always keeps us connected with others. Why study for finals when you can scroll through TikTok at hours of video content or flip through photos of your friends on Instagram? These distractions lead us to to procrastinate from tasks such as finals prep. Procrastination results in less time to prepare for exams and it will be less likely that you obtain a desirable grade.

6. Take Breaks ​⌛​

While you may be anxious to memorize and review all the concepts as fast as possible, it is imperative that you rest. Spending too much time sitting at your desk is not healthy for your physical health and emotional health, nor is it conducive to studying! As mentioned in the first tip, you should prepare a study plan that includes breaks. Breaks are important because they allow you to rest and recharge between study sessions. Eat well, sleep well, and take breaks. Doing so will increase your ability to focus and retain information from your study sessions. Productivity does not mean working away 24 hours a day. Do not skip breaks! 

7. Get Creative 🎯​

Studying is a challenge and, even for those that may find it fun, it requires serious time and effort. Creativity can make this process easier. Use flashcards, create games, study in groups, or connect with tutors--anything that works well for you can help you study! Several internet platforms allow you to study through games and videos. The most important thing is that you find a creative solution that helps you stay on track and understand key concepts.

To be more creative at the time of studying, you can try Kahoot, Quizizz, EducaPlay, and more.

Studying for finals is not an easy task. Follow the tips we shared in this article to succeed: Create a plan, start early, attend class, create flashcards, avoid procrastination, take breaks, and employ creative strategies.