Study Tips to Help You Survive Finals

No matter your age, finals week is stressful. Whether you’re preparing for your first-year algebra final or exams are the only thing standing between you and your master’s degree, you know that a lot is at stake. Don’t panic; these study tips will help you survive your toughest finals.

Start Early

Procrastinators, listen up! Cramming won’t help you learn the material you need to enter the workforce or change your career path. Waiting until the last minute will only add to your stress load. Start studying early, and you’ll have plenty of time to absorb the information and feel prepared going into your finals.

Find a Study Buddy

Your classmates are great resources, and studying with them can be helpful for many students. Explaining complicated concepts to each other reinforces the material and shows you what you need to keep studying. You’ll also receive practical professional development experience, as the ability to work with others is a valuable skill in the workplace. Don’t skip the formal review sessions, as TAs and professors may use this time to elaborate on the exam format and key concepts.

Stray From the Study Guide

Unless your instructor has explicitly stated otherwise, you’ll need to know more than just what’s on your study guide. Use it as a guide, but also create your own study guide that outlines other important information. You and your study buddy can each make your own guide and swap them to ensure more information is covered.

Avoid Burnout

Some students find it helpful to periodically switch topics to avoid burning out in one subject area. Study schedules can really help with this. Rewards also help to avoid burnout. Use cookies, candy bars, and coffee as rewards for finishing difficult chapters, and use your potential for increased financial earnings that comes with finishing your bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate program as motivation. Balance is also key to keeping your sanity during finals week. Avoid cramming and get a good night’s sleep to be prepared for each new day.

If you’re thinking of enrolling at the Tulane School of Professional Advancement, don’t let the fear of final exams hold you back from exploring more career options. Our educational programs are designed for working adults, many of whom haven’t been in a classroom setting in years. With online programs and a dedication to flexibility, we provide you with the tools you need for success in the classroom and in your new career.