Preparing for final exams can feel momentous and overwhelming. It is hard enough to remember a full semester's information from one class, no less multiple classes which often test your learning in a variety of exam formats: multiple choice, free response, essays, the list goes on. 

Perhaps the greatest challenge is developing a strategy for keeping all of the information straight. Taking time to organize your study approach, though, can help you examine the concepts in digestible chunks of content, which deepens your understanding, prevents you from over-studying certain material and neglecting other key information. It also improves the likelihood that you can recall the answers you know when it matters the most.

Fortunately, our academic coaching team put together a guide to help you prepare. 

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After you complete your first exams, it's wise to go back and consider your approach. We have some tools to help you reflect and think ahead.

Number one: Take an active approach.

Instead of passively reviewing your notes or readings, deeply engage your mind with the course material. Test your knowledge. What do you already know about the concept or topic you are learning?

Number two: Incorporate critical thinking.

Go beyond memorization and focus on higher levels of critical thinking, such as applying or analyzing.

Pick a concept (e.g., placebo effect, gross domestic product, osmosis, etc.), then ask the following questions:

• What is the textbook definition? (Memorize)
• How would you describe the concept in your own words? (Understand)
• Why is this concept important? What is an example of this concept in the real world? (Application)
• What are the parts, features, or components of this concept? How does this concept relate to another concept you are learning? (Analyze)

Number three: Time.

Space out your study sessions across several days. We recommend spending seven days prior to an exam for one-to-two hours per day. This usually allows enough time to get through the content deeply, while also giving your brain time to process the information between study sessions.

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