How to Pass Final Exams
Tips and strategies to prepare you for the big day.
Preparing Throughout the Semester
Read the syllabus.
At the beginning of any term, teachers or professors will usually hand out a syllabus with the assignments and expectations for a class. Make sure you read the syllabus carefully to know exactly what you need to do to pass the course.
Attend class regularly.
You cannot successfully pass a class or exams if you do not attend the class. This will allow you to hear vital lectures and take notes, as well as help you understand your readings and assignments.
Take notes.
Lectures and discussions are key components of a class and contain information you will need to pass the exams. By paying attention and taking notes throughout the term, you will have a built-in study aid that will help you effectively study without scrambling for additional information.
Come prepared. Use a binder or notebook, and bring pens or pencils to class. If you will be discussing things from a book, bring a highlighter too.
Do all reading assignments.
Most professors and teachers will assign reading during the semester and then draw upon this as they write the exam. By doing the reading assignments, you will not only be able to participate in class discussions but will also have the information you need to pass the exam. Just like taking notes from lectures, you only need to write down the most important information.
Do papers and other class assignments.
Since class assignments are usually meant to help you learn a subject more thoroughly, it’s important that you do them. They may even serve as practice for exam questions.
Prepping for Each Exam
Know where you stand in the class.
It’s important throughout a term to know what your grade is. If you keep this information in mind, it will help you know how much time you need to devote to studying for an exam.
Find out what material the exam is going to cover and what format it is.
Teachers and professors have different methods and formats for final exams. Some will make an exam comprehensive, while others will only test on a certain section of the material covered in class. Some exams are essay-based while others are multiple choice.
Understand how you study best.
Every individual learns differently. Knowing the conditions under which you study best will help you most effectively learn and retain the information that you need for your exam.
Prioritize your study time.
Figure out which exams are the most important and devote the most study time to them. By doing this you will optimize your study time and help ensure that you pass your exams.
Start studying early.
It is never too early to start studying for a final exam, but at the very least, a month before the test date is a good time to begin your preparations. This will ensure that you’re not cramming information too close to the exam and then forgetting it on test day.
Join a study group or class study session.
Taking part in a study group or attending a class study session can be very useful in understanding course material for an exam. Just make sure that you’re actually studying and not socializing.
Switch up your study spots.
Studies suggest that changing your environment after spending a long time studying in one place can help improve your brain’s retention.
Do a practice exam.
Practice exams are an excellent, highly effective way to study for tests. They will help you relax and point out any weak areas you may have. In fact, some studies suggest that practice-testing is a more effective way to study than highlighting, re-reading, or summarizing material.
Stop studying.
At some point, you cannot study any longer without stressing yourself out or confusing yourself. Within a day of the exam, set aside your study material and be confident in the fact that you’ve done the work.
Caring for Your Body and Mind
Get enough rest.
It may sound like a good idea to stay up all night cramming, but without sleep, your brain just won’t function. Almost all students pull all-nighters at some point, but they can have damaging effects on your brain for up to four days.
Eat well.
If you’re not eating properly, your brain won’t be able to function at its best. Getting enough nutrients will allow your body and brain to function optimally on exam day and while you study. Make sure that you eat at regular intervals and don’t mindlessly snack on junk.
Stay hydrated.
It’s tempting to load up on caffeinated beverages when you’re studying for final exams, but be careful. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it will dehydrate you. It can also give you a wicked case of the caffeine jitters. Dehydration can cause fatigue, so drink plenty of plain, clear water.
Use visualization.
There are several ways that visualization can help you feel more prepared for a final exam. You can use “outcome and process visualization” to help you imagine achieving your goal, and relaxation visualization to help you destress.
Reduce your anxiety.
This probably sounds counterintuitive: you wouldn’t have anxiety if you weren’t worried about passing your final exam, right? However, research shows that anxiety blocks your ability to focus, which can really put a damper on your studying and test performance. Try some relaxation techniques when you’re feeling freaked out.
Get some exercise.
Physical exercise has been proven to reduce stress. It also helps you get better sleep, improves your alertness and concentration, and can even enhance how your brain functions. Regular aerobic exercise can even boost your learning and memory!
Take regular breaks.
Study breaks are important for several reasons. There’s a limit to what your brain can handle in any one study session. Trying to push past that without giving your body any time to recover will just leave you tired.
Performing on Exam Day
Cram for the exam.
If you didn’t have time to prepare for your exam in advance, you may need to cram, or learn as much as possible in a short period of time, for the exam. It’s not a very effective way to study, but cramming is better than not preparing at all.
If you haven’t done any reading, read the introductions and conclusions of any article and books. This will help you figure out the most important arguments and facts about a subject.
Stay calm.
You will likely be a bit nervous on the day of the exam, and it’s important to stay as calm as possible so that you can effectively take the test. There are different ways to help calm yourself, including having a good breakfast and taking a walk.
Eat and drink to stay alert.
You want to make sure that your body and brain are as alert as possible before and during an exam. Eating and drinking the right foods and beverages will help ensure that you not only are awake but also attentive to your exam.
IMPORTANT!
Don’t eat heavy meals before an exam, which will divert blood from your brain for digestion.
Make sure that you’re hydrated before an exam. One of the symptoms of dehydration is fatigue, so bring a bottle of water with you.
Chewing mints or mint gum will also help you stay alert.
Be confident.
If you’ve attended class, taken notes, done the assignments, and studied, you can be confident that you’re ready to take the exam. Having this confidence and visualizing yourself passing the exam will help you be successful.
Arrive before the exam starts.
In order to help yourself remain calm, make sure to arrive at the exam room before the exam starts. This will not only relax you but also ensure that you can get settled in to take the test.
Attack the exam strategically.
After you’ve given the exam a once-over, approach it strategically. This will help you maximize your knowledge and avoid getting “stuck” on things you don’t know.
Review your answers before you submit your exam.
Don’t cheat.
Whatever you do to pass an exam, never cheat. Looking at your notes, writing information on your hands, and copying from someone else's exam paper are all forms of cheating.
Pace yourself.
You only have a certain amount of time to complete an exam, so pace yourself as you work. This will ensure that you get through every section of the exam.