How to Prepare for Final Exams

Well, the spring semester or quarter will soon be winding down. End of semester projects and papers and the like are due, then the inevitable final exams. “Finals,” as they are familiarly called, are here—or almost here. Finals—the “terminal” experience of many classes, often at the introductory level. What are the goals of final exams? To attempt to assess what fundamental as well as deeper knowledge students learn in each course they take. For many, these exams are not only inescapable but also high stakes—they may well determine a quarter or more of students’ final grades in one or more courses. Like them or not, final exams matter, and, like elections, they do have consequences.

So, what are some of the best ways to prepare for them? Here are some issues to consider as you prepare to study for your finals.

How many finals do you have? If you only have one final exam, then you know where your focus for a few days or even a week lies. If you have several, say, four or five, then you must have a plan.

When and how far apart are the exams? You need to set aside time each day to study for each exam, spreading your study out across time. How much time? If the first exam is in three days, then you need to begin immediately, studying more for the first exam and less each day for those that come later. As you complete one exam, then more time should be set aside for those that are approaching.

But—what if one exam is especially challenging for you? If one exam is perceived by you to be harder than the others, then add more study time for it. Remember, however, to take breaks for meals, exercise, sleep, and study time for the other classes.

Wait—what if one exam is likely to be a breeze for you? You should still study for it to avoid over confidence (which can be disastrous grade-wise), but perhaps much less than for another or other tests.

Set up a study schedule for the time you have before final exams. Make a simple chart of what time during the free time you have each day to study. If you don’t, you will likely waste valuable time you have used to read, do problem sets, or to review the notes you took on your course(s).

Where should you study? Study somewhere you can concentrate and be left alone from distractions, including friends. Don’t study with music or the TV on—and put your phone on silent. Don’t check your phone every few minutes for messages. Do so on the hour very briefly or, if you can, when you are taking a break from study for one final to turn to preparing for another. Your dorm room is risky if everyone else is studying in their rooms—it’s too easy and tempting to socialize. The library might work unless it is a popular destination. Why not use an empty classroom?

Remember not to cram. Studying 9 hours straight for one exam makes no sense. Break it up—two hours for one exam, two hours for a second, then turn back to the material for the first. Psychologists call this distributed or spaced practice, and it improves retention of material. Massed practice (i.e., cramming) is less effective.

Take breaks. Make sure you get sufficient sleep and, if possible, exercise. Even a quick walk can clear your mind. Eat well. Watch your caffeine intake. Drink lots of water.

Good luck! Finals will soon be here, as will your summer break!