STAR-tracks (LC Smith College of Engineering, Syracuse University)
With the end of the semester fast approaching, finals are right around the corner. Whether this is your first time taking finals exams or your last, there are a few tips that could be helpful in getting you through them successfully.
- Start reviewing now! Some finals are cumulative, so the information you covered at the beginning of the semester may show up on your final, so it would be worth your while to review that material.
- Organize your notes. Go back through and make sure your notes are clear, concise, and connected. Depending on what works best for you, organize by concept, chronology, or class. Make sure you understand how the concepts relate to one another and that you understand the application of concepts. Incorporate your instructors’ notes with your own.
- Know your finals scheduled dates and times. This one may sound obvious, but double check this information in advance so that you can plan accordingly.
- Put it into perspective. Try to see finals as another step in your college career – not as the defining feature of your ability to be successful as a student. Some finals may be harder than others, but as long as you prepare as best you can, you are doing what you need to be doing.
- Avoid cramming and “all-nighters”. Possibly one of the most popular college myths, cramming and staying up all night is NOT the best way to prepare for a big exam. All cramming accomplishes is increasing your stress level. Your brain also needs a full night’s sleep to incorporate material, so allow yourself sleep the night before a big exam!
- Use your resources now. If a concept is confusing, or you are not sure how to do something, get help for that now. Don’t wait until a few days before the final. Talk to your professor or TA; get to the tutoring center; form a study group. Be proactive in getting the assistance you need.
