Practicing Good Study Habits
- Amy Munson
- Dec 6, 2019
- 4 min read
I know many of us dread all those final tests and projects, it's no fun for any of us let's be real. If I could take away any of your finals I totally would, but unfortunately I am not a magician so some study tips and tricks will have to be enough.
I have gone through finals week for the last 4 years (my HS did a college style finals week every semester so I am an expert) and I have picked up a few resources, tips, tricks, and hacks for studying and making it through those dreaded projects. I could keep them all to myself but that would be selfish and I've been told that's a bad thing?...:)
So here you go, My top finals tips, hacks, resources, etc:
1- Give yourself breaks
I often try to get all my studying done in one sitting but in the long run I end up cheating myself out cause by hour 6, my studying is not so beneficial anymore. I try to study for 30-45 minutes and then take a 5-10 minute break with even longer breaks every few hours.
2- Make a plan and know what’s most important to study
don't waste time studying something that won't even be on the test. find out what you need to study, work with the information you are weakest in, and go from there. don't just open the book and start studying without a plan, think ahead about what is most necessary so you don't waste valuable time and energy.
3- Don’t over or underestimate yourself and what you know. Find a balance.
When I underestimate myself, I study too much and waste time on things I already know.
When I overestimate myself I don't study enough and then fail the test I was so confident on. (if you know, you know)
I wouldn't recommend either option.
4- It may be too late this time around but start preparing for the finals on day one. (Do all assignments and work in a way that will make finals a breeze)
Looking back on this quarter, I really wish I had started preparing and working on assignments/ smaller tests in a way that would benefit me more long term. I often just try to push through and learn concepts just to get through the assignment, but if I applied myself properly throughout the quarter, I would have a much easier time studying for the final.
5- Move around and study in different areas. Find places that work for you.
Studying is boring enough on it's own. Trust me when I say, coffee shops or food places make it wayyy more enjoyable. Wherever you work best, work there.
6- Just start. Don’t procrastinate with preparing.
Preparation is a great tool, but at some point you have to just start studying. I'd love to spend all day making study timelines, study guides, and to do lists, but using them to push off studying is not good either.
7- Do some investigating and find out as much about the test as possible.
Ask the professor for any insight to what’s most important to study, any formatting things, what resources would be most beneficial to use etc. The more you kn ow, the better.
8- Know the schedule for finals and be early.
Typically, the final is held at a time outside of the normal class schedule. Make note of the finals schedule and make sure you are early and well prepared.
9- Put the information to practice
I highly recommend putting concepts into practice by doing practice problems, teaching someone else the information, writing out the steps in your own words, or even making a fake test for yourself. Practice makes perfect!
10- Make a study folder with all the materials you need.
This has helped me so much and always keeps me organized. I always put any papers, tests, study guides, etc. into one folder so I have everything I need to study from right in one spot. So streamlined and easy.
11- Give yourself a break DURING the test
Whenever I take the actual test, I always go hardcore and try to get it done as fast as possible. But I've noticed a huge difference in my performance when I slow down and allow myself to take a break during the test. Whether that's a 5 minute snack break at my desk or a 5 second neck massage, it always clears my head and gets me through the test!
12- Allow time to relax and be mentally prepared.
studying is essential to finals week of course, but all work and no play is not good either. Try to take a day off the week before to just relax and rest or maybe go hang out with some friends. Something to help clear your mind and be mentally ready for the test as well.
13- Don’t stress too much.
Do what needs to be done and work hard. That is all you can do. Stressing out is not going to help you at all, in fact, it will actually make everything worse.
14- Quizlet and other study apps are great tools- use them!
We have so many amazing apps and online resources these days! Find some that work for you (I love Quizlet!) and use them! Don't be stuck doing the same study habits just cause you are familiar with them, change it up and see what other resources have to offer you!
Ok, that's all I got for know, but I know you all have some great ideas too so send them my way on IG and we can continue this conversation over there! @the.practicepodcast
Good Luck on your finals! You are gonna do great!
xoxo,
Amy Jo
Follow Me on IG: @the.practicepodcast
Here it from me on The Practice Podcast Episode 5
New episodes every Friday!
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