Preparing for final exams can be stressful. Here are some study tips from Selena Villarreal-Sessa, M.S. ’20, Academic Services support specialist with University College’s Dr. Julia N. Visor Academic Center, to help you begin:
- Start preparing early. Don’t wait until the last minute to cram for exams. Studying is much more manageable when you break things up into chunks and cover the information over time. This gives you plenty of time to review, practice, ask questions, and rest.
- Have a plan. Intentionally set aside time to study. Try breaking topics across specific days. When planning, also think of the location of what you are going to study. Where do you study best? Try to limit distractions as much as possible. Make sure you are prepared and have all of your materials as well.
- Use active learning strategies. Go beyond just re-reading the textbook or notes. Do some practice problems, teach the material to a friend, build a study guide of important topics, and test yourself. The important thing is to actively work on recalling the information and practice applying it.
- Take care of yourself. This is so important. Make sure you are eating and getting enough sleep. Take a break, go for a walk, and find activities that help you relax and re-center yourself.
- Manage test anxiety. Taking exams can be very stressful. We can feel tense or nauseous, or we can feel like we forget all the information that we just studied. You can attend an Overcoming Test Anxiety workshop at the Visor Center to learn more about how to manage test anxiety. Student Counseling Services also offers individual counseling for anxiety support and has a relaxation room designed to help you learn about personalized anxiety management skills.
Villarreal-Sessa says, in the end, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to a classmate, the instructor, or a tutor for some assistance before final exams. She also recommends attending a Finals Blitz session at the Visor Center to get some last-minute review before finals as well.
“The Visor Center is here to help,” she said.
