End the Semester With a Bang

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.