image via my room tour
Start early
Starting to study early gives you more time to get everything done as well as limits stress. I personally don't like to study too far in advance but starting to review a few days before the exam avoids the night before the exam freak out that you haven't started studying yet!
Re-type your notes
When studying for an exam, this is where I typically start. Re-writing it, whether typing it or handwriting it, helps me defamiliarize myself with the material before I really start to study.
Make a study guide
Sometimes I will receive a study guide from my professor to work off of but if I don't, I will use my notes and textbook readings to create my own. Again, this is another way to make contact with the material as you want to know as much of it as possible before you take the exam.
Use Quizlet
Quizlet is one of my favorite educational resources and I love how many different ways you can use it! After making my study guide, I import it into Quizlet and make flashcards out of it. You then can flip through the flashcards, play games to learn the material, and test yourself! Making physical flashcards is another great idea but I love the additional resources Quizlet offers!
Find a productive study spot
I know at Clemson campus gets crazy during finals week and it is hard to find a spot to study anywhere on campus (and at popular off-campus study spots). Knowing where you study best (completely quiet? a bit of noise? at a coffee shop? at your house?) is helpful because you want to ensure you'll be able to study there and you'll be able to do your best studying there. I know people who hate the library and work better studying in their room while others get distracted at home and would rather be in the library.
Make a to do list of everything you need to get done
This year, I only have two finals (and I already took one of them) but lots of projects and assignments due. Making a to-do list of everything you need to accomplish helps you keep track of everything and ensures you don't forget about anything!
Review the material with friends
I am so thankful that Elementary Education at Clemson is such a close-knit major and that I've made quite a few friends in it! My friends and I always try to get together to study and it is so helpful to be able to run through the material with other people. If you don't know anyone in your class, ask one of your friends if they would be willing to quiz you based off of your study guide and offer to do the same for them!
Get enough sleep
I know during finals week that there's definitely a pressure to be studying every moment that you possibly can but be sure to sleep! You don't want to be falling asleep during the exam and you won't do as well if you're exhausted!
Eat & drink water
Again, it's so important to take care of yourself during exam week! Make sure to eat and drink enough water throughout the day so your body is ready to take on exams!
Reward yourself after you finish!
I'm a big believer in rewarding yourself after a job well done! Finals can be stressful so be sure to reward yourself afterwards whether it's with a nap, lunch with a friend at Chick-fil-a, or maybe a little retail therapy!
What are your tips for conquering finals? Let me know in the comments!
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