My Final Exam Strategy by Kimberly

My Final Exam Strategy by Kimberly - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

When it comes to preparing for final exams, the first thing I do is tell myself to keep calm and not to stress out. I try to think of final exams as just any other test. It's not because I think they're not serious, final exams are! I think of a final exam as just another test because that makes it seem less intimidating. The night before a final exam, I make sure to look over the study material for the particular exam and then I go to bed early. So, in the morning I will be refreshed and ready to take my exam.
For the studying portion of preparing for a final exam, before I hit the books, I make time to study. During final exam time, I shed some commitments. If doing good on my final means missing a friend's party or missing the next superhero movie, then so be it. Dividing up my study time is an important factor for me when getting ready for finals. I make sure to proportion my study time based on how hard each specific final is likely to be and how well I already know the material. That way, I know which topics to study more so I can identify my weaknesses and spend more time overcoming them. If one of my teachers give me a study guide for the final, I definitely use it tot the best of my ability. If I am not given a study guide, I make one up for myself based on the material I learned in the course. When it comes to math, I make some practice problems for myself. I don't stop practicing until I fully understand the material.
For extra practice, I ask my parents to quiz me on the material that is likely to be on the exam. I also like to study with my friends in a group. We quiz and help each other with the material for the exam. Studying with a group of friends is more relaxed and helps me feels more at ease about the upcoming final. The most important thing, perhaps, is that when preparing for final exam, I make sure to take my time. By "taking my time", I mean spending an adequate amount of time to study. A study tactic for me when getting for finals is to spend fifty minutes of every hour studying, with ten minutes left to clear my head. That way, I don't overwork myself and I can focus clearly on the material.
When the day of the final exam comes, I walk into the room knowing that whatever grade I get on this final, I did my best. After the final is over, I pat myself on the back for all of the hard work I put into that test. Preparing for a final exam is a rough time in any teenager or young adult's life, but as long as you put in the hard work and effort, you will do an amazing job!