Studying

10 Tips To Help You Study For Finals

10 Tips To Help You Study For Finals 

Heading into finals season is one of the busiest times for any student. Depending on your exam schedule, it can sometimes feel as though there are not enough hours in the day to get through all your lecture notes, readings and practice questions. Learning which study method is best for you is key to a good performance in the exam. Read on for some tips on how to organize yourself and your notes that will help you feel more prepared for your finals. 

1.   Start with your lecture and reading notes
By organizing your notes and reading through them you will find two helpful things. One, you will find what information you have missing from your notes. This way you can go back to lecture slides, readings or turn to friends to fill any gaps you may have missed. Two, you will find what concepts you need more help with and can start compiling a list of topics you know you’ll need to spend more time on or ask for help with. 

2.   Go to office hours
Once you know what it is you need help with you should go to your professor or TA’s office hours and ask for clarification. Your instructors want you to succeed and will be more than happy to answer any questions you have! Remember to bring a notepad and pen so you can take notes while they talk. 

3.   Make a study schedule 
This will help you pace yourself and be a conscious reminder to cover everything you need to. Letting yourself take breaks is important to let the information sink in and making a schedule will hold you accountable for giving your body the rest it needs. Schedules are also great when you are juggling more than one exam. Make sure you don't neglect one subject by setting a time to switch from one to the other. 

4.   Make a study group
Talking it out with friends is always a great idea. They may have a better understanding of a topic and can help you grasp it in a simplified way. Study groups are also great for splitting up readings and materials when making study packages for your exam. 

5.   Once you think you have a handle on it, mix it up
It is usually a good idea to start your studying in chronological order as things usually build off what came before them. However, once you have a handle on the information test yourself and mix up your notes to see if you truly understand the concept or if you had just memorized the order information is delivered in. 

6.   Change the scenery 
Making a change in the environment you study can make a big impact on your mindset. You will be refreshed and ready to dive back into your course material. 

7.   Practice question 
Practicing the style of question you will see on your exam will ensure you can answer them effectively in the exam. You can usually find practice questions at the back of your textbook but if not ask your professor or TA for some. Answering them will build your confidence before walking into the exam. 

8.   Handwrite what you can 
Chances are you are going to write your exam by hand, so not only will this help prepare you for that but, writing by hand helps with memory as well. You have to really think about what you are writing by hand and this works to solidify your knowledge as you study. 

9.   Study topics outside the study guide 
Everything a professor teaches you can be relevant, it provides context and insight into the testable material. If you are in a humanities style class and asked to define a term it is not good enough to simply just know what it means, you will need to provide context as to why that term is important to overarching themes of the course, and that kind of information is usually in the broader material not listed on the study guide.  

10.   Teach it
Talking out loud or teaching a friend will always help your memory and understanding of course material. This will force you to put the information in your own words and if you can that is usually a pretty good sign you have a good grasp on the ideas. 


Whatever works for you remember to stay positive, make time for rest, food and some socialization with friends! If you are overtired and have not left the library for 72 hours your brain will be foggy when you sit down in the exam room. Happy studying and best of luck on your finals! 