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

What study method has helped you most for final exams, and why? by Zainab - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

Exams are an inevitable part of student life, but they don't have to be a painful one. There are different skills and strategies students use in preparing for final exam, test, presentation and assignments. Exam week can be a stressful time for all students–I know it is for me. So, knowing how to properly prepare for finals is the key to avoiding stress and acing every single one of your exams. Of course, some students would love to wait till the very week of exam before they are able to study because most believe in cramming which I did once but not effective as understanding the work. I use various techniques for different classes to study for the exam I create outlines for some of the material, work on problems for other parts of the material, and creates flashcards for yet another part of the Syllabus. I even create Power Point presentations for various readings on the exam. I also create good computer oriented notes that make it easier to go back on for any kind of reflection.
My ultimate key is note taking, personally, I make sure I am always ready for class and never miss class for any reason as taking my note especially on words professor stresses in class is a clue to likely questions. Taking the first test in class is another way that helps me with studying after I get the result back, I make sure I re-take it test on my own and mark the once I do not know or understand to know my weak points.
Time management and place are also important factors to consider when studying, home I say is not the best place to study to avoid distractions and procrastination. Honestly, I am not a big fan of going to the library but I make use of every possible connection and materials on the school campus. I study in a conducive place for easy assimilation.
Lastly, students have different ways in which they study and achieve excellence. Note taking, flash cards, attending classes, avoiding distractions, avoiding procrastination, knowing my weak areas and working on them are all I use to study for my exams. These study strategies have helped me in getting the most out of lectures, homework assignments, tests and quizzes, presentations and exams. With this, I do not need to over stress myself when exam approaches.