Switching it up from Thanksgiving films to some tips on how to survive dead week and finals. We really got to love Missouri S&T at this time of year!
If you plan out your study sessions (for ALL your exams), you will get a better handle on how much work you’re facing. Use the calendar on your phone to set alerts and reminders for yourself so you stick to your plan. I am sure starting to study for finals a few hours before the first exam will do you wonders. Be realistic about how long it will take to, say, memorize all the formulas for your Math final.You need to fit in brain breaks, too!
Don’t just start from the beginning of your notes and try to cram everything in: Think about what you know for sure will be on each test and review that material first. Then move on to studying what will probably be on the test, then what might be covered. That way, if you run out of time, you know you at least have the basics nailed. Ask your teachers if they’ll share copies of previous finals so you can see what might be covered or how questions will be phrased.
If statics and all your other classes gave you trouble all semester, devote more time to that subject—even if it’s your last final. Look over your previous tests for the year, if you scored poorly on one unit in Chemistry, chances are you didn’t absorb it all the first time. Take extra time now to review what you missed. By starting with the toughest stuff first, you have time to ask your teacher questions or get help from our great S&T tutors.
There’s nothing like peer pressure to keep you motivated to study. Make a scheduled plan with friends to review the class material, compare notes, or work through tricky concepts. You'll benefit from the good study habits and notes of the other members in your study group. if you’re trying to solve a tough math problem, two heads are better than one.
Not only is it more fun to study with your friends than studying by yourself, you’ll also learn more. By talking through the facts and formulas with a study partner, you’re thinking about the material more deeply, which means you’ll remember it better later.
Now that you know what key concepts from each subject you need to prioritize, find the best way to review and internalize what you predict will be on the final exam. Make flash cards to help you memorize dates and equations. Or come up with a mnemonic device—a system of memorizing facts using a phrase or acronym you’ll definitely remember.
Outline your class notes for daily review. Notes and flashcards are also great for last-minute review the morning of your exam.
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While it may be tempting to pull an all-nighter and cram everything in at the last minute, it’s always just such a great idea. You just add stress, and you won’t retain the information for very long by studying that way. You may even forget some of it by the time the test begins.
Take breaks to improve your concentration when you return to studying: binge out with an episode of your favorite TV show. You guys are much smarter than you know. Keep up the hard work!
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