1. April 21, 2010

2.  Finals are right around the corner!
 If you start preparing NOW, you can allocate
your time efficiently, work effectively, and
ease your stress
 Finals can be crucial to your grade so don’t
blow them off, forget to study, or consistently
choose to do other activities with your time

3.  Do you know when your finals are?
 Double check times, locations, and materials
needed ASAP to verify that you don’t have to
move any

4.  Count how many days until your finals and
calculate how many days you have left to
complete work for class AND study for your
finals
 Keep in mind other responsibilities or
commitments you may have during dead days
or finals week

5.  Make a detailed study guide for each course
(handout on BlackBoard)
 Organize all materials (notes, reviews,
quizzes, past exams, study guides) NOW so
you are aware of how much studying you
need to do
 Create a day by day study guide that includes
goals for each day. Be strict with yourself but
also leave room for the unexpected
 Check off things as you accomplish them!
Progress feels good!

6.  Study each day in a location where
distractions are minimal and you can focus
 Study in 45-50 minute blocks. If you study
for more than 2 hours straight (no break)-
your retention rate drops below 60%. Take a 5
min break every 45-50 minutes to let your
brain sort out the information
 Follow your daily study guide and make
adjustments when necessary
 Reward yourself for progress!

7.  GET SOME REST
 Eat healthy meals and snacks
 Take a walk, exercise, or just be outside for a
few minutes
 Set multiple alarms
 Lay out everything you’ll need the night
before (calculator, book, paper, pens)
 Arrive early, allowing for parking, finding the
classroom, etc

8.  Stay calm
 Practice deep breathing and mentally envision
yourself doing well (because you are so
prepared)
 Avoid talking about the exam, content, or
fear with others before the exam

9.  Reward yourself!!! Treat yourself as a reward
for all your hard work and preparation
 Then, continue studying for your next exam!

10.  Professors
 Teaching Assistants, Supplemental
Instruction Leaders
 Other students
 Success Center
◦ Tutors
◦ Studying help
◦ Counselors

11.  “For every minute spent in organization, an
hour is earned.”
 “Success always comes when preparation
meets opportunity.”
 “Before anything else, preparation is the key
to success.”