How I Prepare for Final Exams by Mara

How I Prepare for Final Exams by Mara - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

For me, the key to do well on my final exams lies within the preparation! Beyond what I do to study for the exam in the weeks leading up to the test, I spend a little time each week preparing. Starting with the very first day of the semester, I always read my notes after class. This helps reinforce the information introduced during the lecture and allows for opportunity to check my understanding. I do this for every class, every week.
When it is time to take smaller tests throughout the semester, I do not have to spend all night studying because I am already familiar with the material! I simply take a few days to break my notes into sections and review each part carefully. I also take advantage of my professors’ email addresses and office hours. By reviewing my notes after each class, I can identify those concepts that are confusing or underdeveloped and ask for clarification and expansion. In my experience, professors are quite receptive to questions about the class material.
After taking the smaller tests, I like to review the questions I might have missed. Even if your professor does not go over the test during class or allow you to take it home with you, you may be allowed to review the exam during office hours. I love to take advantage of this because I know I am moving forward with little to no confusion about the material. Often, those test items that you missed on the smaller tests and quizzes throughout the semester end up on the final exam. I sure don’t want to make the same mistake twice!
As the final exam approaches, I prepare in the same fashion that I do for smaller tests. I gather my notes from the semester, break them into sections, and review them carefully. I pay special attention to those concepts that confused me before and ask for final clarifications from my professor. Usually, if I take about four to five days to prepare, I feel pretty confident for the final exam.
This method has helped me tremendously. I have done well on every final exam I have taken. People say it all the time, but when you break up your studying into parts, it truly does help you in the long run. Not only will you feel less stressed and overwhelmed, but you may even remember the information long after you have taken your final exam.