With
finals wrapping up for the majority of universities in the Atlanta area, most
students only have one or two exams standing in their way before they can enjoy
their summer vacation. At this point in the school year, the last exams taken
can produce test results that are not indicative of the abilities or knowledge
attained throughout the course of the semester. The first rule of thumb to
adhere to when taking your last exams of the semester is to NOT cash it in. Do
not look beyond your last test and think about what you will be doing with
friend’s hours after your exam is completed. Rather than cashing in your chips
early, go out with a bang! Here are a few tips to help you finish the semester
strong, and ace your last final.
1. If the professor offers a
study guide, use it.
Often
times study guides become expendable fodder, rather than being utilized to
their full potential. Your professor handed out the study guide for a reason…to
guide your studies. This means that in order to use it to its fullest potential,
one must utilize their study guide days before the exam, not hours before as
many students opt to do.
2. If the professor offers a
review session for the exam, go to it.
Many
students neglect attending study sessions provided by professors. Any added
assistance you can get before the exam should be taken advantage of, so plan on
making an appearance. Depending on your class size, these review sessions can
also present the opportunity to receive more one on one, focused interaction,
or get in-depth explanations to questions you may have. Take advantage of
others’ laziness and make an appearance to these added class times. Remember,
you paid for it, so take advantage of it.
3. Utilize your prior exams and
quizzes
If
you have your previous exams at your disposal, review them for things that you
believe will be on the final, and go over concepts and questions you failed to
understand or answer correctly.
4. All-Nighters are a no-no
No
“all- nighters”…well, if you can help it. Study as effectively as you can prior
to the night before the test to ensure that you will get a good night’s rest.
The night before the exam should be reserved for review, not trying to reinvent
the wheel and teach yourself an entire semester’s worth of knowledge.
5. Know what to expect, and calculate
your grades
To
get an A in the class, you may not need to get an A on the exam. If you can
prevent long back breaking hours of studying, then do so. Calculating your
grades beforehand might also provide a little added motivation once you find
out how close you are to receiving a higher grade than expected.
6. Open book exams are not to be
taken for granted
If
the final is “open book” or “open note”, do not rest on your laurels and assume
that no preparation is necessary. Go through your class notes, and create an
organized test guide, to enable you to fully take advantage of the opportunity
your professor has given you.
7. Care
Last
but not least, CARE! Often times students decide that summer has already begun
before classes are officially over. They act as if there is no room to improve
upon the grade they will receive for the class, and that the final exam is of
little to no consequence. Do not take this approach. Do the best you can, and
attack your last final like it was your first.
These
tips are not guaranteed to bring success on your last exam, but coupled with
the hard work you have already put in throughout the semester, they should get
you on the right track.
