Headline: Tips to do well on your finals

It’s almost finals, and you’re stressed. Maybe you haven’t been studying as much as you should be, or maybe you feel prepared.

Either way, it’s still important that when it comes down to the final exam, that final paper or the last portfolio, you nail it.

Here are our tips for acing your finals week at Grand Valley State University:

1: Create your own study guide

Maybe your professor has outlined a study guide, but that isn’t the end-all-be-all when it comes to studying. Maybe you know half of the things on that study guide, but things that aren’t on it require more of your attention. Cater your study guide to content you aren’t 100 percent confident in.

2: Start early (AKA right now)

Don’t wait until you feel like studying, because that could be never. The earlier your start, the more information you can soak in before the final. Also, this leaves you ample time to reach out to your professor or classmates with any questions about the exam. You will thank yourself later.

3: Study in intervals

Don’t try to sit in your desk chair for eight hours straight because it probably won’t go well. Studies have shown that if you study, without any distrctions, for a solid 20-25 minutes and then take a quick 5-10 minute break for a scroll through Twitter or a snack, it’ll maximize the information intake.

4: Create a study schedule

Prioritize what subject you need to study and how much you’ll spend studying. It’ll help you feel more relaxed and you’ll know that you have a slotted time to study for chemistry or English.

5: Study for the style

If the test is going to be all multiple choice, make sure you differ the way you study than if it were to be an essay. Quizzing yourself in that style will help you feel confident and comfortable when you walk into the classroom.

6: Don’t pull an all-nighter

We’ve all thought about it, and most college students have pulled an all-nighter. However, it is not good for you. Don’t do it! When you pull an all-nighter, the functions of your reasoning and your memory are negatively affected.

7: Meet with your professor/ TA

They are no-doubt probably being bombarded with questions and frantic kids looking to get their grades up or do extra credit. But, schedule a meeting with them, even if it’s just for five minutes. Ask them questions about the way the exam will be structured, what things you’re concerned about and if you should quick read over your textbook again. Hopefully they’ll be forthcoming and happy to help.

8: Teach others

Don’t just mumble answers to your own quiz questions to yourself. When you teach others (whether they’re listening or not), it helps your brain remember information better. Talking and saying things out loud will also help you figure out what you still don’t fully understand and should look into a little bit more.

9: Cardio

Studies have shown that cardio improves your memory. It also gives you more energy to do some more studying. It doesn’t have to be for long, and you don’t have to run a marathon. Do a quick jog around the library or run to your mailbox and back. You’ll feel refreshed and energized for more studying.

10: Organize a group study session

This only applies to certain people and certain situations. Maybe you have a tight-knit group of people who all study the same way and are up to speed on the information— these people can be helpful. However, don’t get together with people who will do more harm to your studying than help.

11: Alternate study spots

Sitting in one place for long hours can make you feel restless, bored and aggravated. Move from Argo Tea to the reading rooms upstairs. Or, move from your bed to the couch. Just a simple move can help reset your mind and make you feel like you’re making progress.

12: Stay well-rested

We all hear this and laugh, because how can college students stay well-rested even when it isn’t finals week? This is where the planning will come in handy. When you plot out what hours of the day will be for your business final and the other for your writing portfolio, you’ll realize you have plenty of time to get at least six hours of sleep.

13: Visualize

This is especially helpful for visual learners. Draw a flow chart, make a graph or just draw your photosynthesis process inside a flower. These can help you relate the concepts together and understand the overall meaning of the information you’re taking in.

14: Eat good brain food

Eating food that improves cognitive functioning and helps memory is actually a thing, and you should do it. There are plenty of cheap foods available at the Lobby Shop that will help you focus on your studies while not getting hangry during the process.

15: Make it fun

Every time you finish a chapter, reward yourself with something fun, like a chocolate bar or those leftover jellybeans from the holidays. It’ll give you incentive to keep going and finish your tasks.