Having just finished my first semester back to college after an exploratory hiatus, I thought it would be appropriate to start this blog off with an article on the most prevalent thing in my life at this point in time.
While good study habits and class attendance are major contributors to acing your finals, there are a number of factors that can either boost or bomb your grades.
1. Music- Studies have shown that listening to music while studying can improve retention of information. While classical is the most recommended study music, anything without lyrics will do. If you're a Spotify user then you might be interested in these playlists: Brain Food, Superior Study Playlist, or ESM | Electronic Study Music. If you don't use Spotify, then I highly suggest you start.
2. Sleep- As college students, we tend to think that 3 or 4 hours will be enough so long as we have an energy drink or two in the morning. Not so. Getting the proper 8 to 10 hours of sleep will improve energy and focus.
3. Eat Right- If you only eat balanced meals for one week all semester, let it be finals week. Different fruits and veggies have different benefits, but overall they boost your mood and general well-being. Need to focus? Eat an orange. Tired? Try a banana.
4. Work Out- At risk of sounding like a health nut, I'd like to believe that working out is a vital element of surviving finals week. There's a reason people go for a run to "clear the mind." Exercise releases endorphins that help put you in a positive frame of mind and being positive during finals can give you a major leg up.
5. Have a Study Plan- Sometimes finals are all spread out and other times you have three or four in one day. Having a method to the madness is key. Lay aside a specific time to study for each test.
6. Take Breaks- Have you ever studied so long that your brain literally felt like exploding? Try avoiding that feeling by taking little breaks. Your brain is more likely to retain information if you let it rest at least once an hour for about 15 minutes. Take a moment to go for a walk, do some jumping jacks, eat a snack. It's like pushing a refresh button in your brain.
7. Study Methods- Everyone learns differently and each subject may require a slightly unique approach for effective studying. Figure out what works best for you. Do you like flashcards? Study guides? Highlighting? Knowing your study style will help you better remember the information you need to tackle those finals.
8. Avoid Partying- It seems pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people show up hungover to take their finals. Don't be that guy. Staying out late, drinking, and feeling like death warmed over isn't likely to help your GPA and skipping Karaoke Tuesday for one week won't mean the end of your social reign.
9. Study Space- Picking your study space is one of the most important aspects of finals preparation. Things to avoid: high foot traffic, too warm, too cold, lots of distractions, uncomfortable chairs, chaos. Most of all, figure out what works best for you and stick to it. Be consistent.
10. Arrive Early- On the day of your exam remember to arrive a little early. There's nothing like adding to your stress by showing up late. If you have the luxury of taking the exam at your leisure, try to pick a time when the testing center will be less crowded. The more relaxed you are mentally, the easier it will be to focus.
So there you have it. A short guide to finals week survival. Best of luck and stay positive!
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