How to Ace Your Finals and Skate the Class

Final exams usually account for a hefty 40 to 60 percent of your final grade, and sometimes more. This is serious business folks. It goes without saying: the more time you put into the class, the higher your grade will be. That same philosophy will serve you well when studying for the final exam. The more time you put into studying for the test, the better your grade will be. Here are some very easy tricks to follow to ensure your final exam success:

1. Review those notes!
Take the time to read and rewrite every single note you've taken in class. Studies have shown a direct coloration between the learning curve and the amount of time spent reading and rewriting class curriculum. It helps. Ask for notes from friends and classmates. Compare those to your own and add anything they have that you don't.

2. Study in short spans of time
Cramming is only a last resort. You become emotionally and physically drained if you spend hours at a time staring at notes, text books and computer monitors. The words seem to run together and you don't retain as much as you should or could. Your study time is more productive if you stretch it out in short spans of time, taking breaks every hour for about 15 minutes. At this rate its easy to fit an entire semester worth of curriculum into your brain in about three days of studying. You can then review your rewritten notes the night before the test.

3. Plan out the major areas of study
Before you sit down to begin studying take some time to leisurely go through your notes, then set priorities for the material you need to study. Identify which topics will be covered on the final by asking your professor for a study guide if one hasn't been provided for you. Looking through past tests is the best way to do this.

4. Set the right environment
Your not going to get much studying done at the sports bar during half-time. Get yourself to the library or other quiet, well-lit area, and hit the books.

5. Prepare your body as well as your mind
It's just as important to be prepared physically as it is mentally. Get enough rest the night before, and eat a good, nutritious breakfast the day of the exam.

6. Allow yourself enough time in the morning
Get up early enough to shower, eat and get organized before class. Have a positive, can-do attitude, and most of all, be confident! Your hard work will pay off.

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