Methodology in Studying: An Emphasis in Preparation, Isolation, and Teamwork by Emily

Methodology in Studying: An Emphasis in Preparation, Isolation, and Teamwork by Emily - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

Final exams represent the epitome of the academic semester in the form of cumulative evaluations. Studying for for final exams requires a time limited approach because there is typically less than a week to prepare. It is important to recognize that different methods of studying work well for different types of students and that one must discover and develop his or her own studying procedure in order to be successful. Personally, I have developed a preparation focused approach that addresses the issue of isolating points of confusion in a time efficient manner.
The study method that most helps me perform well on my final exams begins well before the actual day of the final exam. It entails developing useful study guides for the previous exams and keeping track of them as the course progresses into the semester. This requires a lot of foresight, but is well worth the effort as final exams approach. The study guides provides a foundation of material to look over that is already put in words and a format that I understand. Since the reviews are created by me, the task of looking over and translating the information seems to be less arduous than when reviewing books and presentations created by other sources. At the time of finals, the only study guides that need to be created are over the newest material that has not yet been tested on, thus allowing for more time actually studying and less time creating study guides. With all the study materials I need at hand, I am ready to dig deeper into the concepts.
After initially reviewing the study material, I solely focus on the that which I am least comfortable. There is, after all, no use studying material that one already understands. After isolating difficult concepts, I typically rely on feedback from my teachers, fellow students, and text material to clarify any confusion. Sometimes, however, feedback from these sources is not enough to bring me to a level of understanding. In the event that I still do not understand a concept, I typically utilize the internet for a solution. I have found that there are many developed websites and videos that can assist students. Usually by the time I reach out to the world wide web, I have completely isolated the issue that I am confused about, making the search for a solution very feasible. After a little isolation and research, I find that I have reached a level of understanding sufficient to do well on the final exam in question.
All in all, the study method that best prepares me for final exams is a culmination of prior preparation followed by isolation and group effort analysis on points of confusion. Final exam week is the last academic hurdle in a semester that represents a finish line for students and developing a personalized method for preparing for final exams allows a student to perform in a way the is representative of the body of knowledge that he or she has acquired throughout the semester.