At the end of the semester, finals week is the penultimate hurdle. It can be the final make-or-break moment when a semester’s worth of work is put to the test. Practical study skills and preparation may mean the difference in achieving a sought-after “A.” Do you want to make the most of your final exams? Here are 5 helpful study and mindfulness habits to guide you through exam season.
1. Know the “What,” “When,” and “Where”
Do you know when your final exam is set to take place? Students can access the final exam schedule through multiple sources. As well as being posted on your dorm hall’s RA board, the schedule can be accessed on the Registrar’s webpage, or through the link provided.
As some classes have more than one section, it is important to note which you belong to. Depending on your specific section, the final exam for your class could be held on a different day, time, or location than another section.
Finally, if you are scheduled to take final exams in Segal Hall, testing services will open at 8:00 AM and will remain open through the end of the last final (until 5:30/6:00 PM) Monday through Friday. Arrive 5 minutes early to the 1st floor of Segal Hall before your scheduled final exam.
2. Study in Advance
It can be tempting to put off studying for the big test until the day before. We’ve all been there. But the last-minute, all-nighter cram session may be doing you more harm than good.
According to UCLA research, foregoing a healthy sleep pattern for the sake of studying through the night may cause more harm than good. Sleep deprivation runs the risk of creating more academic issues than the short-term memory benefits of cramming.
Overall, a healthy medium can be achieved by taking the time to study in advance while also taking measures to get enough sleep.
Every individual is different. For some people, they may be able to read a slide once and have it memorized. For others, it may take more time to study. Researchers recommend the optimal study session time to be 1-2 hours max with small breaks in-between to fend off burnout.
3. Come Prepared
Whether your final exam is in-person or online, having the proper tools is integral for success. In the rush to head to the exam hall, it can be easy to forget simple items such as a utensil to write with, a fully charged laptop, or even a calculator. To avoid the panic of missing the basics, consider creating a checklist or packing what you need before heading out the door.
- Pencils or Pens (mechanical or #2)
- Laptop or Tablet
- Chargers
- Calculator
4. Know Your Resources
Do you need help writing a final paper? Confused about a topic? Need extra support from your peers? DelVal has a myriad of tools at its students’ disposal for exams and assignments.
- The Writing Center, located in Miller Hall 103, will be open in-person for walk-in appointments and select hours online throughout finals week. Online Tutoring can be scheduled through the Writing Center’s Sharepoint website.
- Peer Tutoring will be available in Segal Hall for selected subjects on the 2nd floor before 5:00 p.m. and on the 1st floor afterward. Tutoring is done on a walk-in, first-come first serve basis. Please see the schedule provided for selected subjects.
- Online Tutoring is available 24/7 through BRAINFUSE
- Office hours- professors often offer in-person and online office hours for students to ask questions about the course material, or even to go over quiz and exam questions. For cumulative exams, the review could be especially helpful.
- Peer study groups- Joining or organizing peer study groups can be a rewarding and supportive experience, and an opportunity to quiz each other on the subject matter or hold each other accountable to study.
5. Practice Self Care
Finals week is undoubtedly a time of high stress. And, it can be easy to neglect your needs as a result. Sleep, stress management, and self-care are important. While studying is important, to perform at your best potential, you need to take care of your most vital resource: your mind and body. To set yourself up for success, take time to rest in between studying sessions, keep active, spend time with friends, and eat nutritiously. Make time to find the balance between your personal needs and responsibilities is the key to success.