You’re almost there! It’s the end of the term. Your last midterms, unit tests and major assignments are coming to a close. However, there is one daunting obstacle still in your way— final exams. We dedicate an entire month just for them and for good reason. They might be worth, 30, 50 or even 60 percent of your final mark.

Want to know how to succeed? We got you covered!

Here are 6 tips to do well on your finals

1. Know the material

This may sound self-explanatory, however teachers often give learning objectives before they introduce a unit. These illustrate where you want to direct your focus. Not only that, but if your instructor has spent extra time on a concept, then you can be sure that it’s important. If your instructor uses PowerPoint slides, you should try to make sure you understand the core message of each slide, in your own words. You should also be ready to answer a question about the information, if need be.

2. Start Studying Early

Cramming the night before is stressful and nerve racking! You want to study somewhat relaxed, to really absorb the information. Your memory gets stronger as you sleep. Therefore, the more you’re able to study the same material overtime, the more sleep filled nights you’ll have to solidify your knowledge. Studies have also shown that reviewing right before you go to sleep can also make you more likely to remember the information. This brings us to our next point.

3. Have Good Study Techniques

Take breaks in between and make sure to destress. Making mind maps is a fantastic way to connect concepts to each other, helping you understand the interconnectedness of your course material. For simple terms and definitions, cue cards are great visual aids to jog your memory. Having a good study space also goes a long way. If you can’t go to the library, try to create a designated study only space, to prime your mind to work.

4. Eat Well and Exercise

Healthy balanced diet of fruit and vegetables

Exams are hours long and take a lot of mental strength. Binging on sugar and junk food isn’t going to make you last very long. Eat something healthy to sustain you through the day. Exercise has also been shown to improve cognitive performance, so make sure your mind and body are healthy. Think of yourself as an academic athlete. Your performance comes from you after all. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

5. Block Out Distractions

We’ve recommended website blockers before, and now is a perfect time to try them. No social media unless absolutely necessary! This is a key aspect of any study space. At home, this may mean wearing noise-cancelling headphones, or making sure your phone is in the other room. No movie and documentary binging during study time! Your time is a key resource. You’ll be surprised how much you’re able to get done, simultaneously realizing there’s only so much you can do in a day! Use it wisely!

6. Practise practise practise!

Your instructors have probably offered you several practice materials, be it homework questions, textbook questions, or practice exams. After you’ve thoroughly studied the material, find a place to sit, time yourself and see how you’d do in actual exam conditions. This will show you how you might act under those conditions. It might be a good idea to take deep breaths and underline key information. Make sure you’re not rushing too much. They give you a lot of time for a reason. Practicing questions will also help reinforce your knowledge of what type of questions they’ll ask. Make sure you’re able to answer all of them before the exam rolls around.

Best of luck to all of you! Your education is your future. People are right to take this time serious. It’s completely normal to feel stressed, so make sure to take care of yourself! The exams are undoubtedly important, but remember that it’s not life or death. You’ve survived every exam you’ve ever taken at this point. Remember that and study hard!

References:

Benton, David, et al. "The delivery rate of dietary carbohydrates affects cognitive performance in both rats and humans." Psychopharmacology 166.1 (2003): 86-90.

Chang, Yu-Kai, et al. "The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis." Brain research 1453 (2012): 87-101.

Huffington, Arianna. The sleep revolution: transforming your life, one night at a time. Harmony, 2016.

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