Each semester, it never fails; we have finals and anxiety and exhaustion go through the roof.
Whether your finals consist of a paper exam, a written essay or even a work of art, chances are each one requires focus and motivation.
It is not enough to sit in class and hope the information sinks into your brain. For large finals, you often have to increase your knowledge of concepts and apply it rather than cram the information into your memory.
Pay attention to the final lecture your instructor gives on the last day of class because this would be the perfect time for him or her to give exam information.
Once you start studying, keep in mind that the exams will not last forever, so the harder you work, the more satisfied you will feel with  the final results.
Strong study skills are vital to success in college and a clear understanding of your learning style will increase productivity. Some students need silence to review and others thrive in a group with multiple ideas.
If you did not have to study much in high school, now is the time to learn because college classes have a heavier workload.
Time management is key for successful studying. It is about quality rather than quantity. If you spend ten hours studying for an exam but you are so tired you continuously have to reread the information, you would be better off studying in small sessions to keep your eyes, mind and body awake.
Studying can be overwhelming in one giant session to try to separate the work into chunks. You will be more focused on each section of the information. Just make sure you get back to the books after your breaks.
Rank classes in order of importance and priority to ensure that you devote the most time to the vital grade. You have one opportunity to pass the exam so use time as your motivation. Think “just one more week to freedom.”
Another tip is to study during the day. Sunlight naturally helps your body to stay awake and alert. This can improve concentration.
Scents like peppermint naturally wake the body up, and a splash of cold water can snap you back into focus. Also, movement and blood flow increase brain function, so when you feel like you are dragging, take a few minutes to walk around and get your heart pumping.
Location can also help to improve focus. Find the perfect study spot.
For some people, the library is a peaceful place to dig in to studies, but for others, the location is eerily quiet. Another typical location is in your room at home, but this can lead to sleepiness and distractions.
If you are worried about information overload in one particular subject try to read over it at least once a day before the hardcore studying starts.
Procrastination is always an excuse for those who love the pressure of meeting a dealine, but ultimately you will do a better job with extra preparation.
Also, add in the other elements from the semester including the textbook or links that the instructor posted.
Old tests and study guides are often very close to the current exams. Even different textbooks covering the same material can give an alternate viewpoint and explaination.
Although they may not be your main information accessory, they can increase your understanding.
In a class that requires a lot of note-taking, group study sessions can be beneficial because each student may catch a different part of the lecture.
Steer clear of your social groups and find students who pay attention in class to create a study group that will bring you up to speed.
Start studying early so that if you have questions you still have time to ask your instructor or classmates about the topic.
Other tricks like highlighting, flashcards, sketching out graphs and diagrams, and making a self test can make certain parts of the studying really stand out in your mind.
Do not pull an “all-nighter” before the exam. The extra study time will not balance out the lack of sleep and mental strain.
Cramming can also increase stress. If you need a refresher right before the exam, have an index card with a few key points to review.
On the day of the exam, arrive with all the required materials and take a few minutes right before to clear your mind.
Good luck on finals!