5 Tips to Prepare for Finals Week Without Cramming
As you approach finals week, you may have a number of concerns on your mind. You need to keep track of your exam schedule and the material you have to study, while also packing and making travel plans for the upcoming break. You may also have a variety of final projects and obligations to different clubs and organizations on campus that take up a lot of your time. Before you know it, you end up in a late-night, hours-long study session trying to review the material the night before. It happens to everyone, but there are multiple strategies that you can use to avoid that last-minute cram.
đď¸ Keep to a Schedule
It may seem difficult to find the time to study when you already have a lot of homework and extracurricular activities, so one strategy you can use is to build your own study schedule. First, decide how early you want to begin reviewing course content. A good place to start is at least two to three weeks before the exam, and then you can decide if you need more time based on your comfort level with the subject.
Once that is done, build in short study sessions around your other obligations. These can be as short as fifteen minutes, just to glance over some notes, but try to schedule some longer sessions, too, so you have the opportunity to do some practice problems or quick-writes about the topic.
To help you stay consistent with your plan, try blocking out times on your calendar for studying. Be specific about the days and times, make sure to add them to your calendar, and remember to show up for yourselfâitâs a great feeling!
Explore tools to plan your study time and stay on track
đď¸ Take Notes
Taking notes is one of the best ways to create a resource for yourself that contains all the content you discussed in class. Even better, they will be in your own words, so when you reference them later, they will be written in a way that you will understand. You can write in notebooks specifically dedicated to each course, or you can take them digitally on a laptop or tablet. If you prefer a digital format, make sure to talk to your professor and review their policy on using electronic devices in class.
When you review these notes, you can mark places where you have questions or more difficulty. That gives you an idea of what you need to practice more and what you may need to ask your professor.
Need extra help with note-taking? Explore some of our favorite strategies
đ Use Course Materials
Throughout the course, you will likely be given a textbook, short articles, reference sheets, or practice questions that make for excellent resources in preparing for an exam. Save these materials in a folder or download them to your computer so you have them available for quick, easy reference.
At Widener, most professors make the majority of their materials available on Canvas in the Modules and/or Files tab, and from there, you can print or download any of those materials that you find helpful. If there is a specific reading that you cannot find, reach out to your professor, and they would be happy to help you locate it.
đ§âđŤ Get Help & Support
There are multiple ways you can get help and support on campus if you need it, including:
- Creating a Study Group with Friends: Get together with friends in your class to review the material together and quiz each other.
- Going to Your Professorâs Office Hours: All professors hold office hours where you can go meet with them to ask questions. If your professorâs office hours do not fit in your schedule, send an email to see if they are available to meet with you at a different time. You can visit the Faculty Directory to find your professorsâ contact information.
- Tutoring: Peer tutoring is available for many courses and subjects. You can request an individual tutoring session, or for certain subjects, there are group tutoring options available.
- Visiting Widenerâs Writing and Math Centers: The Writing Center requires appointments, and the staff there can help you polish a final paper. The Math Center does not require an appointment, and they can help you work through a variety of math problems.
You can use these resources at any time throughout the semester, so if you find yourself struggling with a topic, take advantage of them early so that you are set up for success by the time you reach finals week. You can explore the Academic Tips and Academic Tools & Resources pages on mySuccess for even more ideas and support, as well.
đ§ Don't Forget Self-Care!
In the buzz of activity and studying around finals week, it can be easy to stay up late and skip meals, even accidentally. Make sure you are getting enough rest and eating well so that you can stay healthy as you get ready to ace your exams.
If you feel like you need mental health support, you can schedule an appointment with Widenerâs Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).
If you are feeling sick or have other physical health concerns, you can schedule an appointment with Widenerâs Student Health Services.
đ You've Got This!
Finals week can feel stressful and overwhelming, but early preparation is key to combat that. Create a schedule, review your notes and course materials, seek help when you need it, and remember to take care of yourself. These strategies will help you boost your confidence and pass your exams with flying colors.
Seri Lim is a graduate student employee in the Office of Student Success & Academic Enrichment, where she supports academic transition and exploratory studies students and contributes to student success research. She is also a first-year PsyD student at Widener University training to become a clinical psychologist, with hopes of working with children and families. Seri has lived in several statesâincluding New Jersey, Tennessee, Washington, and now Pennsylvaniaâand in her free time enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and exploring different coffees and teas.