Here are some tips and strategies that students use to prepare for final exams and other academic assessments.
Overall Strategies
“It gets to the point where I know I have to act like I am in a tunnel.” (Joey ‘18)
“I’m trying to figure that out. My strategy is to pay attention in class and try to understand what’s happening when learning it and then remembering it is a lot easier.” (Avi ‘20)
“Whenever you get the chance, put any effort you can into studying. Don’t let it build up. Don’t wait for midterms. Be on the lookout at least a week ahead of time.” (Ryan ‘18)
“I look over all my notes and my syllabus to make sure I’m not missing any part of the class and to make sure that I at least know something about each portion of the syllabus. Then I just sort of spend time thinking about it and hope that I do well…and sleep.” (Nathaniel ‘19)
Study Places
“I like to be in a quiet place where I don’t feel distracted. I also like eating a good meal before studying so you’re not distracted by hunger the whole time.” (Sarafina ‘20)
“Vary your study locations. Just get up and move every couple hours so you don’t get tired.” (Campbell ‘19)
Time Management
“Plan your time wisely. Make a daily schedule and a weekly schedule of all the things that you should be doing so you are using your time most efficiently. Also like not forgetting to get a meal and enough sleep. And to take care of yourself.” (Steven ‘18)
Study Techniques
“Always carry a highlighter everywhere you go…put it in your back pocket.” (Mackenzie ‘19)
“I like to listen to really good music, like lots of rap…it has a steady beat, a set tempo for studying.” (Parichat ‘20)
“I use index cards, rewrite my notes, and review a lot ahead of time and as you go along.” (Valerie ‘20)
“I study in separate chunks with breaks rather than cramming. You should test yourself; don’t just look at the notes. Anticipate questions that will be on the exam; don’t just look at your study guide and say Ah! I know this, and then formulate it into a question.” (Kelly ‘17)
“Because I am a sociology major, I read a lot of social theory. I have different color codes for each color of highlighter that indicate special things in the text and make it easy to hold onto, like words like therefore, hence, thus, or for questions or definitions. I use colors that contrast two things.” (Grace ’17)
General Advice
“Don’t study with your friends.” (Willa ‘19)
“Laugh a lot with your friends, take breaks with Netflix, and workout.” (CiCi ‘18)
Remember
Last Day to Withdraw from Full Semester & 4th Quarter Classes – May 3, 2017
Classes End – May 10, 2017
Reading Period – May 11 – 15
Final Exams – May 16 – 19
University Housing Closes – May 20
These are terrific insights. To learn more about the ways that the Class Deans Office can help you, please stop in during drop-in hours or schedule an individual meeting to see us. http://www.wesleyan.edu/studentaffairs/about/classdeans.html
To meet with an Academic Peer Advisor for studying or test-taking tips or time management strategies, go to http://www.wesleyan.edu/studentaffairs/resources/peeradvisors/index.html.
