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.”
