It’s that time of the year again when students stock up on late-night snacks and spend countless hours in the library preparing for their multiple exams.
There are many tips and tricks to aid students in the process of cramming for the tests, such as receiving a good night’s rest and making flash cards.
However, using the resources available to students is oftentimes the most effective way to ace that final exam.
Of course, notes and textbooks are the primary studying materials. Using the professor’s notes ensures the right material is being studied.
Also, by reading through the textbook chapters, students learn to think critically and apply the lessons to everyday life.
“Don’t highlight the bold words because they are already highlighted,” said Jana Hackathorn, psychology professor. “Highlight the key concepts attached to the bold word.”
She also explained notes taken should not be rewritten, but reorganized instead.
“Reorganize your notes,” Hackathorn said. “Mindless rewriting is bad, but reorganizing your notes is good. It forces you to think about the topic.”
In addition to notes taken during the class, utilize the presentations, handouts and other materials many professors post on Blackboard. Questions from exams often come from the materials presented in class and later posted on Blackboard.
Many professors also present students with the opportunity to attend a review either in class or in the evenings before finals week in order to prepare.
Attending these reviews could be the difference in a student’s confidence to pass or fail.
While the raw materials used all semester are great tools for studying, it always helps to have an extra brain or two.
Find out about the study groups available on campus and attend. Sometimes what one student comprehends well is what another student may struggle with. Studying with others aids in avoiding distractions and guarantees sharing knowledge.
Hackathorn, however, said study groups can be a waste of time if not run properly.
“Study groups are waste of time if you don’t run them like a business,” she said. “They are not a gossip fest or a catch-up-with-friends meeting.”
Hackathorn said she recommends each member of the group be responsible for a part or chapter and teach the concept to the rest of the group.
Some students agree two is always better than one when it comes to studying.
“When I study with other people, I focus instead of being on Facebook or my phone,” said Breanna Sill, freshman from Golconda, Ill. “Having other people around makes me pay more attention to the material.”
When all else fails, students can always seek out a professor’s office hours.
Professors, after all, make the tests and can explain any material students are uneasy about. Speaking with the professors can ease the pre-exam nerves as well.
Time management is key to studying for finals. Know the dates and times of each exam and plan studying accordingly.
Also, students should not be afraid to approach each class differently.
It is difficult to study for a math test, with many problems worked on scratch paper, the same way students study definitions for psychology.
Students should remember to use their resources wisely which in turn will keep them calm through dead week and the following weekend.
These tips will ensure a less stressful and more successful final exam week.
Story by Hunter Harrell, Staff writer.