New Jersey by Brandon

New Jersey by Brandon - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

Studying for final exams can be a very hectic process, nonetheless there are certain strategies that can facilitate the process and the effectiveness of study. When studying for final exams (or really any other form of exam), I find that it is very important to practice learned concepts. The application of learned concepts enables one to re-apply concepts already covered (from prior coursework). During final exam preparation it is just as important to study for an exam as it is to apply concepts you have already studied. The repeated practice of concepts allows for them to become engraved in one’s memory, and strengths weaknesses in conceptual knowledge. The study concept of repeated practice has proved beneficial in my preparation for final exams, as you will soon learn, and has extended beyond usage in prescribed coursework. I have applied the simple principle of repeated practice to my musical career, and it has significantly improved my piano playing ability, as repetition enhances the learning of concepts.
I will present the example of repeated practice in preparation for my AP Physics final. The weeks prior to the exam I had purchased a practice book that outlined all of the concepts emphasized by the course. I studied for a set time of hours each day leading up to the exam. The very week prior to the exam I recognized the equal importance of studying (meaning reviewing the outlined of concepts in the practice book) versus application (doing corresponding problems sets). I began to engage in a series of practice exams, which are oftentimes provided by your instructor. During the first practice exam I had the greatest amount of errors, but as I continuously practiced (going back to review forgotten concepts corresponding to incorrect answers) my scores increased. One cannot negate the importance of repeated practice/application of learned concepts. In fact, it has been scientifically verified that applying learned concepts trains the mind so that it becomes accustomed to problem solving. The effectiveness of study arises from one’s willingness to persevere in continuously practicing problem sets, corresponding to those which will be included on the final exam. The use of repeated practice can breed success in a broad spectrum of area ranging from personal goals to the subject of this essay: final exam preparation.