Needless to say, it’s that special time of year already: Fall Finals! I know this gives students a lot of stress, but don’t fret too hard.

  Before rolling over and admitting defeat, rethink giving up on finals; keep in mind that nailing these upcoming exams is just a matter of preparation.

  Here are some Academic Success Center certified study tips for staying on top of things:

  1. No cramming! Studying in 20-50 minute intervals with 10 minute breaks in between is ideal, but don’t save this for just the night before. Start studying early! Long-term memory retention has been proven to be more effective when extended over a longer period of time — a moderate goal is to start studying a week before your exam.

  2. Don’t pull allnighters! Memory encoding occurs while we rest, so staying up all night to study means you’re actually shooting yourself in the foot. It’s a bit like downloading your course information but not installing it. Furthermore, all-nighters have been shown to exaggerate emotional reactions and impair mental function. Plan ahead and be sure to get plenty of shut eye before the big exam date!

   3. Switch up your study environment! Try to study in places away from where you relax day-to-day. That means no studying in bed. Instead, visit the ASC, library, or student lounge to switch up your space; retention is improved with a change in scenery. Also, be sure to turn off your phone, TV, radio and other distractions. If you need sound, try to listen to music without lyrics or even try natural sounds like rain or the ocean.

  Once it’s actually time to take your final, here are some test taking tips:

  1. Arrive a couple of minutes before your exam begins so that you can feel settled beforehand.

  2. Do a “brain dump” at the beginning of the exam, writing down formulas, outlines, or other information as soon as possible. This clears your mind for thinking rather than storing info and eases the stress of forgetting.

  3. Preview the test, noting the number of questions and their point values. Think about how much time you should spend on each item. Answer easiest questions first and spend the most time on questions that receive the most credit. Read directions carefully and attempt every question, as you might get partial credit or a correct guess!

  There you have it! If we study efficiently, manage our time and stay prepared, it is more than possible to succeed with our finals! Additionally, feel free to stop by the ASC during your studying — we’re always happy to help.