Spring 2020 has certainly been a semester to remember. Amidst all the upheaval and strains that confront the Orange community, finals week has snuck up on us. In this new online learning environment, it can be even more challenging to prepare for your final exams. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to set your mind at ease and totally ace those finals.
1. Create Your Own Study Guide
Are you forgetting what you learned back in February? February seems like a lifetime away. It’s important to synthesize all the information you learned throughout your courses. A great way to tie all those loose ends together is creating your own study guide. Pull out all the notes, lectures and readings you have to create mind maps, chapter summaries and charts.
2. Attend Virtual Tutoring Sessions and Concept Reviews
The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) offers free online group tutoring in thirty courses available to all students. These sessions are run by certified tutors who have all done extremely well in their respective courses. This is not only a great opportunity for you to interact with other students in your class and get those questions answered, but you can also hear a former student’s story on how they succeeded on their final exams! Visit class.syr.edu to sign up for free tutoring today.
3. Reach Out to Professors and TAs
If you have a question about a certain concept or about exam format, the best thing you can do is email your TA or professor. You can even visit them during their virtual office hours. You’ll get clarity on confusing topics, which will only boost your confidence come exam time. It shouldn’t be difficult to get in touch with them; everyone is glued to their emails these days.
4. Revisit the Syllabus
This semester has been very tumultuous to say the least. It is easy for assignments, readings and notes to get lost in the shuffle. Pull out your syllabi and make sure you’ve read all of the readings and completed assignments. If your syllabi were updated during this time, be sure to note those changes. Did you miss a class earlier in the semester? Be sure to go back and review the information taught that day.
5. Find a Comfortable Study and Test Space
Virtual learning has found many students in unusual circumstances in places they weren’t expecting to take classes from. Adaptability is a trait that we have all mastered. Give yourself the best chance at success by setting up your new space free of distractions. Make yourself comfortable (but not too comfortable), set up your desk with all test-taking supplies, and consult with anyone else in your residence about your exam schedule. That way, the house can be kept quiet when your exam is going on.
6. Get a Game Plan
Preparation may seem daunting if you’re confronted with multiple exams and assignments at once. Generate a schedule, set reminders on your phone, or just take ten minutes to organize your work. You’ll feel less stressed after you’ve done this, and you’ll make sure you’re not forgetting any important assignments.
7. Get Your Head in the Game
Like in any sporting event, mindset is key. When you step out on the (arena of your sport of choice), you’ve got to be completely focused. The same is true when studying for your exams. Roll up those sleeves, put your phone away and get studying. Dedicate a set amount of time to a subject. Try to limit distractions and solely focus on your coursework. It’s definitely difficult, but the work pays off.
8. Make Sure Your Tech is Working
Our reliance on technology has grown dramatically in this new online environment. Students are dealing with online exams using various platforms and programs. Lower your stress level by ensuring your technology is working properly before your exam begins. Is your WiFi connection strong and reliable? Does your computer have the updated software installed? Is your computer charged? Check all these things prior to the exam!
9. Do (Original) Practice Problems
As a STEM major myself, this is one of the most helpful strategies I have used. Nothing tests your abilities better than opening up your textbook and cranking out those problems. It’s important that you test yourself with problems you haven’t done before. You’ll find out pretty quickly if you know the concepts and can correctly apply them. This strategy also indicates which areas you need to review more, which is great information to know! You’ll head into the exam knowing you’ve seen everything that can possibly be asked on the exam.
10. Keep That Confidence High
If you’re anxious or feeling negatively about your upcoming exams, don’t make finals week a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you implement the strategies discussed on this list, you should feel pleased knowing you’ve done everything possible to prep for your exams. Have confidence that you know all the information that could be asked, now it’s just a matter of applying it! Let’s get the job done! You’ve got this!
Written by Ava Breitbeck ’22, College of Arts and Sciences, CLASS Physics Tutor
