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Struggling with final exams? This comprehensive guide provides essential strategies to help you prepare effectively. Learn to assess your learning and studying preferences, manage your time wisely, and design a customized study schedule. Discover helpful tips for organizing your materials, tackling difficult courses, and reducing anxiety. Explore techniques for efficient studying and effective exam-taking strategies. With the right tools and mindset, you can overcome challenges and succeed in your finals. Let's prepare for success together!
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Do you feel like this when you start thinking about preparing for final exams?
After today you will know… • Have a review of your learning & studying preferences • How to fill your study toolbox • What your study schedule is for final exams • Helpful Tips to Achieve Successful Studying • Organize • Spend Time Wisely • Strategize to Overcome Problems • Tips for Taking a Final Exam
Before you can begin preparing, you need to understand how you learn best… What is your learning preference?
What is in your study toolbox?
Organize – So you know where to start! • When will you have time to study? • 168 hours in a week • Block out committed times Work/School/Other required commitments • Block out sleep, eating, and personal readiness • Look at times left and other needs • When should the most difficult courses be studied • Let’s begin to make out your study plan
Organize – Study Plan • For each class identify difficulty and final exam preparation needs • Cumulative Exam? • Percentage towards final grade? • What materials should I study? • Use syllabus and notes to determine topics to study • How much emphasis was put on each topic area or chapter? • Rate your level of knowledge • (1=none to 10=completely comprehend) • Based on all of the above, designate blocks of time you study for each course. • Be sure to keep in mind how much time you have until your first exam and in between each exam • Use your “Exam Planner” to help organize!
Spend Time Wisely!! • Plan for adequate sleep, exercise, and meals • The remaining class and study times are precious – miss only for extreme reasons!! • Watch your energy and anxiety levels • A little anxiety is a good thing—what if you have too much anxiety?
Strategize to Overcome Problems • Pay attention to your attention • Agree with Roommates about study time • Turn off the phone/TV/Facebook • Learn to say “no” • Hang out a “do not disturb” sign • Avoid noise distractions • Are you letting others misuse your time?
Strategize to Overcome Problems • When you get stuck… • What is one task I can accomplish? • Am I being too hard on myself? • Does this need to be perfect? • Can I do just one more thing? • What is the best use of my time right now? • Can I delegate this? • How did I just waste time? (cleaning bathroom) • Am I using all the resources available to me? • http://library.mtsu.edu/finalstoolkit
Strategize to Overcome Problems • Avoid Procrastination… • Make your plans a part of public record • Study with others • Step back and check your progress from time to time • Verbalize your excuses • Visualize success or completion • Find a reward
Tips for Taking a Final Exam • What is your mind set? • Preview all questions before beginning!!! • Plan your time/Points/Weighted • Mind Dump/Anxiety Reduction • Read each question carefully • Look for specifics in the directions for each section • Guess – leave nothing blank! • Take the entire time allotted - Be last to Finish • Review test, be sure it is complete
QUESTIONS?? Eric B. Miller Academic Advisor University College Advising Center ericb.miller@mtsu.edu (615) 898-2339 Please fill out the survey on this website to confirm your attendance and to give feedback on this session: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K9BGWK6