05.04.09 | 10 things you should do (but probably will not) when prepping for finals
Hey Gang,
We were so pleased with the turnout of your comments and enthusiasm with the 10 things you might not know about college post, we thought we’d rekindle the idea. And no, this isn’t a grab bag on what to do that will guarantee you an A on your final exams. Finals are tough. They’re especially tough if you don’t stay up to date with the material…I’m getting ahead of myself. Without further adieu:
1. Give yourself a week: Meaning, spend a whole week prepping for an exam, no matter how tedious or inefficient that sounds. It will give you the time you need to divide friends, family and school up and manage the material into smaller, more digestible portions. How well you prepare invariably affects how well you do. Don’t try and take down a textbook of information in 8 hours.
2. Don’t repeat the course: Prepping for finals is not the time to reread a textbook, re-copy your notes, or any other extreme re-doing of coursework. If you haven’t given yourself a week (which, let’s be honest, you probably won’t!), there’s simply not the time in the day or space in your brain to put 16 weeks of information into one cram-sess. Time is crucial, so doing all of those readings you ‘forgot’ to do earlier in the semester in one sit down is probably not a good idea.
3. Beat up your notes: If you take impeccable notes, color-coded by category, time in history, or how you were feeling that day, then that’s just lovely. But now is the time to put them through hell and back. Highlight main points, draw stars and circle passages, put notes in the margins that ties the information together. Writing down what your Professor says isn’t good enough. You need to go back and mend it all together. It’s also a pretty good idea to arrange your notes in the order of the lectures.
4. Regurgitate: No, this isn’t in response to how nauseous your organic Chemistry exam will make you feel. It’s just unavoidable – you’ll have some classes that you just need to memorize a certain chunk of material. It could be dates in history, a set of equations or knowing the foundations and criticisms of German Historicism. Whatever it is, you’ll need to be able to spit back the facts. And if you have to do this for 5 courses, well, now you see why that week of studying isn’t such a bad idea. But the facts will only get you half way there…still, the better you know the grunt work, the better you’ll be able to shape your original essays.
5. Go to review sessions(!): I almost don’t even want to explain this one. Just go to them, I mean it. Professors and TA’s many times will recount huge chunks of the entire course and emphasize what you need to know for the test. Many times, a professor will drop some serious hints as to what’s happening the next morning on your final.
6. Find the dirt on last semester’s test: This doesn’t mean cheat. Don’t have your roommate steal extra exam sheets from their courses and plan on taking the same course next semester. The Professor has more than likely retooled the exam and if either of you get caught. Man. Good luck explaining your non-refundable expulsion to Mom and Dad. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t ask people questions. Your professor is hopefully nice enough to give you a study guide. First, complete it. Then find a buddy who’s willing to lend a hand in going over it (and if this buddy has already taken the course, schwing!).
7. Make your own exam: Use your study guide/sample exam, homework, notes, and questions from the books to draw up your own sample questions. The broader the questions the better. It will test your ability to remember minutia as well as key concepts.
8. Once again, go to office hours: Bring your personalized exam to your professor or TA and prepare some questions for them. In all likelihood they’ll be thrilled you’ve taken so much effort to diligently study for their exam that they won’t be able to help themselves in assisting you further. I said it before, and I’ll say it again – the professors are on your side (for the most part)!
9. Ammendment to tip #1 – Give yourself a week PLUS 8 hours: Stop cramming information down your throat at least 8 hours before the test begins. Not only will this insure you at least attempt to sleep and eat before test time, but this time period allows key concepts and facts to settle in. It’s science. People who cram until the last second enter the test under the most stressful conditions, ultimately clouding their thought process. Clear mind = clear thinking = clear grades 
10. Spend each night after studying drinking heavily and vandalizing your school: Obviously a joke. I guess I really only have 9 tips. Nah, this last one qualifies too. So for the real #10: Above all, DON’T PANIC. It’s just a test. It won’t make or break your college experience (but if you have any classes where the final is 100% of your grade like I did, I officially permit you to only slightly panic)
And folks, don’t forget to check out the college admissions forum. For you high schoolers, it’s a great place to ask some questions about picking schools, applying, test prep, etc. And for you seasoned college elites – help out the youngsters (plus there’s a ton of points hiding in the forum !)
-Captain J
Your code: DONTPANIC (and kudos to whoever gets the ‘Don’t Panic’ reference)
This blog is sponsored in part by:
ha a week plus 8 hrs? I’ll just stick to 8 hrs
May 4th, 2009 | #
very helpful..
May 4th, 2009 | #
don’t panic? I don’t get it.
May 4th, 2009 | #
you’re right about review sessions. most of my professors go over whole sections of the test and give away lots of juicy info!
May 4th, 2009 | #
So true – i learned that the hard way
May 4th, 2009 | #
hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy.
May 4th, 2009 | #
Bonita: Edumacation time:
‘Don’t Panic’ is a reference to ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ by Douglas Adams (popular British comedy writer who was “discovered” by Graham Chapman of ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus.’) ‘The Guide,’ as it’s referred to by afficionados, became so popular that it spawned a radio series, a television program, and, most recently, a Hollywood film. Unfortunately, Douglas Adams died during the film’s production; however, he did leave behind a legacy of hilarious collections of wordage, including dozens of novels, short stories, and scripts.
Edumacate yourself. Pick up some of Douglas Adams’ work today. The fate of the universe depends on it.
May 4th, 2009 | #
oh, yay. hitchhikers guide.
great tips, thanks.
May 4th, 2009 | #
FYI – “Don’t Panic” is from “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”.
May 4th, 2009 | #
I don’t know but I do well under pressure. so the night before the exam I cram it all in , but thanks for the infor maybe if I follow I get higher grades, we see.
May 5th, 2009 | #
Thinking #4 is speaking directly to me – in respect to how nauseous my upcoming Orgo exam has been making me feel, that is!
Great tips – thanks!
May 5th, 2009 | #
helpful
May 5th, 2009 | #
cramming is the way to go.
I have a final in One hour…and I have 30 terms to memorize.
watch me get an A.
May 5th, 2009 | #
@Sarah – not trying to tell you what to do. Cram away if it works for you!
@Chelsea – great job!
May 5th, 2009 | #
Thanks Capt. J good sensible tips. I feel bad for Frankiesex though ^.^
May 6th, 2009 | #
Sorry I meant “Frankiesez” typo -.-
May 6th, 2009 | #
This is terrible advise for someone such as I am. I’m just returning after a 30+ absence. My study skills were just as you suggested, in the beginning. It took the better part of the winter semester, which added to the fuel of failing of 2 out of three classes, to see my study habits were terrible. I now review the previous note as soon as possible from class time. And also studied for a week in pieces for the finial. I had to kick start my brain first. Later I’ll try your tips, but for now………
May 6th, 2009 | #
@Elizabeth – no one is saying this is the be all end all in study habits. Everyone is a bit different. We’ve just found this collection to be the best route to go for the average student. Thanks for your feedback tho!
May 6th, 2009 | #
The best tip for me was the +8 hours. I know a lot of people who cram right up to the test and then wind up not doing as well as they expected. So definitely get that 8 hours of rest and give your brain time to digest the material you’ve been cramming into it.
May 7th, 2009 | #
i really needed that..now i know
thanks alot!!
May 7th, 2009 | #
I try to do #3 when I have the time to, but sometimes it just seems impossible. I don’t agree with the whole “giving yourself a week” though, but I guess it depends. If you have nothing else to do than study for a specific class then go for it, but If you have many other classes to worry about, I think that craming is the best thing to do. Just this week for example, I was busy turning in some final reports, essays, and projects for most of my classes that might have absolutely nothing to do with the topics that are going to be in the finals. It all depends on the class environment and the kind of life that you are following (like if you volunteer, have a job, have kids etc). Overall, these tips are very helpful for those who do not know where to start, when studying for finals.
May 8th, 2009 | #
This article was really helpful. Thanks.
May 9th, 2009 | #
I love those large, friendly letters.
May 9th, 2009 | #
Well I definetly do not pass this test. Hopefully i still did well
May 14th, 2009 | #
Thanks for the advice, it was cool to know that I’m already familiar with tip #7. I’ve been making practice exams since middle school. Glad to know I’m on the right track for college!
May 14th, 2009 | #
so true, cramming does nothing
May 14th, 2009 | #
Very helpful, I will definently apply these to my study habits.
May 14th, 2009 | #
with more than one course sometimes giving each test a week when you have 3 test in one week is very hard.
May 15th, 2009 | #
Sometimes scheduleing enough study time is hard, i have trouble putting off other things that arent as important as my books
May 15th, 2009 | #
I will follow tip number 10 lol!!!joke or not
May 15th, 2009 | #
I prep a week in advance in High School. If holds true for college im set.
May 16th, 2009 | #
LOL. I study 2 days before my tests. lol
May 19th, 2009 | #
Ooh this was very helpful
May 23rd, 2009 | #
I study the day before the test! lol!!!!
May 24th, 2009 | #
very helpful
May 25th, 2009 | #
this article was very helpful, especially because I have finals starting tomarrow. I wish I knew some of these tips before!
May 26th, 2009 | #
This article gave me some important insight I needed becuase I can use these skills for my upcoming final exams in a couple of weeks.
May 27th, 2009 | #
I really like idea #4 because right around finals your brain is overloaded and you need to “cleanse ” it a bit.
May 27th, 2009 | #
Good tips!
May 28th, 2009 | #
I try to make up my own tests and it helps a lot but it depends if I have the time. For organic chemistry, I had to take the ACS exam. Buy the ACS exam prep book and it will help!!! Go to their website, google it to find it
May 29th, 2009 | #
great tips!
May 30th, 2009 | #
I like the 8 hour rest rule…
May 31st, 2009 | #
Thanks! I’m going back to college this fall and I needed a reminder.
June 1st, 2009 | #
I already knew all of this but thanks
June 4th, 2009 | #
GOOD INFO
June 4th, 2009 | #
helpful
June 5th, 2009 | #
I needed this reminder.
June 8th, 2009 | #
good tips will apply for exams
June 8th, 2009 | #
I like the 8 hour rule
June 8th, 2009 | #
Haha Very good. I think it goes as a good reminder. That and well, studying! Oh joy.
June 10th, 2009 | #
I definitely like to stick to the week+ study time…I need it…but of course the night before.. Night before studying seems to really get you where you need to be–great refresher. All these tips are the best in the biz! Goodluck to everyone in their exam takings!
June 20th, 2009 | #
I follow all these guidelines…. I’m still getting use to the types of questions teachers ask which makes it hard for me to predict questions and study accordingly
June 22nd, 2009 | #
These guidelines are very helpful and I’ll admit I didn’t do all of them all of the time, but following these tips will guarantee a successful time during final exams.
June 24th, 2009 | #
The Hitchhikers guide to Finals. I like it.
June 25th, 2009 | #
Wow, very nice article! I really need to start taking good notes and stop panicking. Also, #1 was a real good tip and #7. Will definitely follow this for the Fall!
June 29th, 2009 | #
these are pretty good
July 3rd, 2009 | #
I think that cramming can help you an A maybe, but I dont think that you actually learn because you use it for about an hour then forget about it. Taking your time to study will def. help you retain the information.
July 5th, 2009 | #
appreciate the tips
July 5th, 2009 | #
This is great!
July 8th, 2009 | #
This is very helpful
July 9th, 2009 | #
Thanx, I really needed this info.
July 9th, 2009 | #
taknig your time to study is always better
July 10th, 2009 | #
Wish i had these uselful tips in my freshman year!But i will be more prepared this time around.Very good tips.
July 13th, 2009 | #
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?
July 15th, 2009 | #
Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy!
July 15th, 2009 | #
yea pretty cool … i just learned alot more then i knew at first … ill probably be alot more stress free if I give my self time before test …. !!!!!
July 19th, 2009 | #
DONT PANIC, are you refering to the book hitch hikers guide to the universe
July 22nd, 2009 | #
these tips were very helpful but there are no tips for the people who cant get themselves out from in front of their tv. i can tell someone a hundred times what they should be doing but how do you help them actually get up the initiative to start?
July 24th, 2009 | #
The article was helpful because a lot of us students tend to wait until the last minute to study but unfortunately some us still will.
July 29th, 2009 | #
at my college, we only get a weekend before finals..
July 30th, 2009 | #
You are totally right!!
August 6th, 2009 | #
Haha I like this a lot, and I think I just might take the advice. I especially like the Amendment to Poin #1, thats my biggest struggle, not procratinating… Made me laugh…
August 6th, 2009 | #
So..hopeful,Im going to try it..it may help…
August 10th, 2009 | #
lol its was so good I had to comment twice..
August 10th, 2009 | #
Nice article. October I’ll be going into my freshman year of college and I hope to get rid of my horrible cramming habit. Thanks for writing. ^^
August 16th, 2009 | #
The article is very informative. I think I will definitely start changing my study habits instead of stressing so much last minute. Maybe I’ll even get more sleep, that would be nice.
August 17th, 2009 | #
Lots of good advice, will try it out and see how it works.
August 20th, 2009 | #
this was very helpful for me and will probably be what is going to save me during college. It will probably stop some of the bad habits and cramming last minute stuff in.
August 20th, 2009 | #
Hm.. interesting. I usually just look over any notes I took and that’s it. Not much studying. Is that a bad thing?
August 22nd, 2009 | #
A new idea for me
August 26th, 2009 | #
Good advice!
oh, hitchhiker’s guide… I was totally thinking of the coldplay song!
August 30th, 2009 | #
very good advice – i really like #7! i will definitely begin using this advice!
September 14th, 2009 | #
good advice!
September 24th, 2009 | #
better than failing
September 30th, 2009 | #
Lots of good life lessons in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Don’t Panic, don’t forget your towel…
October 4th, 2009 | #
i always panic lol. but thanks, it helps
October 5th, 2009 | #
Very Helpful! Thanks
October 12th, 2009 | #
yeah i am terrible with #1 when it comes to departing my friend time from school time. i always tend to get distracted or just flat out not in the mood to read school work because i just spent about 7 hours at school. although, the extra tips do help. i will take all tips into consideration and hopefully, make them into my daily routine.
October 12th, 2009 | #
lol awesome!
October 14th, 2009 | #
I stress when it comes to exams. However, I will give these options a try with my next exam.
October 14th, 2009 | #
good to know. where were you the last three yrs?
October 17th, 2009 | #
I am going to try that very helpful
October 21st, 2009 | #
Thanks for the fakeout, I think I’ll get myself sotted drunk before exams
:p
October 24th, 2009 | #
October 25th, 2009 | #
thats going to help me alot
October 26th, 2009 | #
Thanks for the information!
October 27th, 2009 | #
Yeahhh I tend to repeat the course the night prior to the exam, not a good idea haha. But thanks for the tips!
October 29th, 2009 | #
I found that eating well the night before,and getting a good nights sleep before,really helps alot.
October 30th, 2009 | #
Thanks for the advice!
October 30th, 2009 | #
I tend to panic the night before an exam, but I always eat a snack that night and go to sleep very early.
November 3rd, 2009 | #
Ha, heh. Me study for a week? Well I would if I could if I didn’t have a test every day of the week and if I had time betweeen Marching Band and sleep. Having 2 Ap classes this year means about 16 hours of homework a night. And I’m just in high school. I sort of panic every time so its all good. I’ll try to take your advice to heart. Thanks.
November 3rd, 2009 | #
Remember: the answer is always 42!
for those who don’t get it, DA’s famous line from Hitchhiker’s guide to the Galaxy. I wish I had the Don’t Panic and character on a T-shirt!
See ya
November 3rd, 2009 | #