As the first semester starts to come to a close, finals loom ahead. It is crucial to prepare for them as early as possible to avoid cramming at the last minute. The two-week countdown is starting now, right after Thanksgiving break, and students are more stressed than ever. Here are some tips and tricks to study for finals that will be sure to give you an easier time.
- Prioritize Your Most Difficult Subjects
Studying for finals can be difficult, especially because they are all given within the same time. There are many techniques for figuring out which classes to prioritize and study first.
The Eisenhower Matrix is a helpful tool for getting organized. It separates your tasks into four boxes: urgent and important; urgent and not important; important but not urgent; and neither urgent nor important. You should complete the tasks in this order.
- Time Management
Good time management is vital to achieving your goals of doing well on finals. While two weeks may seem like a lot, they can disappear fast, so make sure you use them well. Try to set up a daily study plan with specific time slots for studying different subjects. Don’t forget to add breaks in between.
The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to study efficiently. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. This technique aims to improve productivity by working in 25 minute intervals separated by short breaks.
How the Pomodoro Technique works:
- Choose a task you want to work on and set a time for 25 minutes.
- Work on this task until the timer runs out. Make sure to be fully attentive and have minimal distractions.
- When the timer runs out, take a short 5 minute break.
- Repeat.
- After repeating around four to five times, take a longer break such as 15-30 minutes.
- Balance your work with fun
Balancing your study time with other parts of life, like family and hanging out with friends, is tricky. The key is to manage your time efficiently so you can stay productive without missing out on the fun times.
Regarding family, you should first communicate with your family and let them know about your study plan. This helps clear up any misunderstandings and reduce any guilt. They will also accommodate any plans to your academic needs.
With friends, don’t feel pressured to go out if you really need to study. Communicate with them to avoid hurt feelings and maybe plan for a time to go out after the panic of finals has ended.
Another trick would be to create a schedule that structures your day, designating studying and time. For example, you could study during the morning, which leaves the evenings for you to spend quality time with your family.
“It is definitely important to take breaks for your mental health and also have fun with your family and friends,” junior Abby Li said. “I still go out and have fun, but I make sure I write a schedule and study everything.”
- Limit Phone Use
One of the most common distractions that drive us away from studying is our phones. Getting rid of distractions, especially when it comes to phones, is a big challenge but can benefit us a lot when studying.
The best way to get rid of your phone is by putting it far away from you. If your phone is out of view, you are less likely to pick it up and become distracted. Aim to put your phone in another room or in a drawer if you’re working in the same space as it.
Make sure to turn off notifications, whether on email, social media or text. When you hear your phone ping, even if it’s in another room, you’ll want to get up and check, which can eventually lead to wasted time.
“I feel when I am studying with my phone around, I’ll go on Instagram or Tik Tok for an hour scrolling,” Li said. “What I usually do is keep my phone away from me where I can’t access or reach it.”
- Take care of your well-being
Taking care of yourself is just as important as your study strategies. Neglecting your physical and mental health can actually affect your performance when studying because you may feel less focused and engaged, therefore reducing your ability to actually learn. Balancing sleep, nutrition, studying and self care are essential for performing your best when studying and taking exams.
A strategy would be to eat nutritious meals. Eating balanced meals can help fuel your brain. Avoid eating sugary foods like candy because they can lead to temporary sugar highs, then energy crashes. Make sure to eat enough carbohydrates as they are our body and mind’s main energy source.
These techniques are wired to help you maximize your potential and prevent cramming, which occurs when students have not prepared well enough. Studying a lot can be stressful, but taking one step at a time to study better will make you feel and perform exceptionally.