The Key to Finals by Elle

The Key to Finals by Elle - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

Everyone struggles trying to study for final exams. Students typically have around six exams to study for all at once. For some people, the final exam grade can be the difference in passing or failing. However, for seniors, if an exam is failed, it could be the difference of whether or not they get to graduate. After countless and tireless hours of constant studying, I finally found a happy medium of how to successfully study for finals without wearing yourself out.
The first method is obvious. Do the study guide that the teacher gives you. I have learned that the study guides contain most of the information that will be on the exam. Study guides also typically follow the format of the final. Exams are less stressful and easier to study for when you know what type of questions will the on the test.
Another method that I use is flash cards. Making note cards not only forces you to rewrite the material, but to quiz yourself. Once you have gone through all of the cards, you can separate them into piles. When I did not know the answer to the question, I would put it in one pile. Later, I would keep quizzing myself only over the pile of questions I had trouble learning.
The third method I used was rereading notes and redoing old assignments. When you reread something, it makes it easier for your brain to rediscover the old material from months ago. Also, reworking old problems lets you know how well you can solve them. Plus, you already have the answers to check your work.
The best way I learned to study without getting stressed is to take it one subject at a time. It becomes overwhelming when I tried to study for every test in one day. Also, pay attention to the date of your final exam. Begin to study for the test that you have to take first.
Lastly, “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, but it will be worth it.” Studying for final exams is a challenge. However, it is important to take breaks and not stress yourself out. Doing these simple study tips helped me get an A on every exam I have taken for the past four years. It was not easy, but it was definitely worth it.