Blazer Nation, finals week is just around the corner! How can you study effectively to achieve the greatest results? Here is a list of study tips that includes suggestions from VSU students to help you get through that tough week.
Plan and create a study schedule
The key to success is making a schedule based on your classes and when your tests are throughout the week. This could determine how long you prepare for or what you need to study the most for—whether it’s considering the order of your exams or how well you know the topic for each exam.
Find a study group
For some students, finding classmates they could study with is quite beneficial. You can use this to quiz each other, create a shared Google doc for notes, and even help each other relax before an exam.
Set study goals
Another excellent strategy for succeeding during finals week is to set study goals for yourself each day. These could be grouped goals for the entire week or goals specific to your class and exam. This might be as easy as working through one study guide per day or making flashcards for a part of the lecture you weren’t quite sure about.
Take brain breaks
With longer study sessions, it is crucial to give your brain at least 10-15 minutes to relax. You must give your brain time to comprehend the information and avoid immediate overload. Set a timer and turn off your computer before returning to your books. A quick break could consist of something as easy as a walk through the library, a trip to the student union for a snack, or a good laugh on social media.
Memorize vs. Understand
The biggest error in study technique—and it’s not only during finals week—is to focus on memorization rather than comprehension of the content. Both are necessary, but in some classes, it’s more necessary that you comprehend the material than in others. Exam questions may be written in complex ways by professors, which emphasizes the need for thorough comprehension.
Most importantly, be sure to sleep (and not in the library)
The most crucial component of finals week is getting enough sleep. It also does not count if you snooze or spend the night in the library. After a hard day of studying, your body needs a change of scenery and a comfy bed to allow for rest and complete recovery.
Written by:
Carmen Rowser
Graduate Assistant
University Marketing & Communications
