When the semester starts to wind down, and the beer supply starts to dry up, it’s finals time again.
Finals are the most annoying part of college life, and can be really tough to get through, especially if you didn’t prepare during the rest of the semester. Here are some tips for making the most of study time and passing every final you’ve got.
Break Out the Flashcards
Most finals are all about memorization, and flash cards are a time tested way to memorize stuff that you intend to forget within a month or so. Spend the time to make some flash cards out with each term, historical figure, or whatever you’re learning, then go through the cards about three or four times. Once you’re through them a few times, you’ll start to notice that your studying is beginning to kick some ass. Don’t let up; these are finals, they’re not supposed to be easy. It’ll take some work.
Associate What You’re Learning With Something You’re Good At
Like airplanes? Hate the chemistry you have to learn? Relate it to airplanes, somehow. Like drinking (you’re in college; that was a rhetorical question)? Assign beer brands to famous composers. If you tie something you already have no problem remembering to something you need to learn, you’ll have no problem picking up the facts. Make sure you stick with one theme.
Use Mnemonic Devices
Here’s how I remember how to spell Mnemonic: Mary never eats Mother’s only nicotine injected cat.
Okay, not really.
Still, mnemonic devices work; anyway you can make something your studying less conventional, you’ll have a much better chance of remembering it. The odder, the better. If you can recall information automatically by using mnemonics, you’ll fly through your finals without any problems.
You’re not going to be able to concentrate if you don’t get the amount of sleep you need. How much is that? Well, it’s from 4-7 hours; different for each person. Make sure you know your number and make an effort to stick to it; you’re not getting a passing grade on your final if you fall asleep on it.
On the same point, don’t substitute caffeine for sleep. You’ll crash at some point, and it’ll probably be when you’re taking your test. Also, you’re going to be jumpy and you won’t be able to concentrate on anything. If you really need to stay up all night for one of your finals, just do it without the java; studies have shown you’ve got a better chance with no sleep than when your sleep comes from a Starbucks cup.
Take Some Breaks
You’ll remember less if you’re stressed out, so try to take some time to watch a half hour of TV or read something to related to schoolwork. Structure these breaks as rewards, and don’t let them get too long. A small amount of time off will ultimately help you out, though, and your frame of mind will be better when you start studying again.
If you’ve got some tips that you’d like to share about finals time, post them in the comments. Remember; finals suck, but they only last a week. Stay strong.
