TX by Noor

TX by Noor - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

What study method has helped you most for final exams, and why?

My animal science instructor always recommended us to make flashcards throughout the semester, and compile all of them to study for the final exams. Although that is a very effective way to prepare for the finals, my brain prefers handwritten notes on notebook papers.

During the semester, before each test, I go over the assigned topics in the book, look over the powerpoint notes, and then finally use my classwork notes to jot down my own notes using simple words that could help me retain the information. I always used a pencil, until I realized using colored pens to write down notes helped me remember the material more effectively. For example, if my notes were based on animal science, I would use a red pen to describe the characteristics of a horse, a green pen to describe a cow, and a blue for the information on chicken.

Another technique that I found very helpful as a study tool was to write my notes in an organized manner, which means I wrote headings and underlined subheadings, and then wrote the description of the topic in bullet points. Having organized study notes is really important for later on when you go over your study notes and you want to find something specific.

I call this process of studying and retaining information as “writing down summary notes.” Not even a teacher can explain something to a student better than the student him/herself. I tutored my younger brother’s friends, and I made summary notes for them to study. So far those notes have effectively helped them as a study tool to study for their tests and finals.

Since high school, my favorite subject has been math. The best technique to ace a math final is to first, do ALL your homework. Second, make a formula sheet. I have never given a math final without making a formula sheet and going over it multiple times before appearing for the exam. Recently, I took College Calculus I and aced it with an A. Believe it or not, I had a four page long formula sheet for that class. It really helps.

I have been in college for two years now, and I have made summary notes and formula sheets for all my classes, and fortunately, it has been very helpful. I graduated with Associate’s degree with a high GPA and I give credit to the teachers who taught me how to make summary notes in High School.