Download Article
Download Article
If you’re a student, exams are an important part not only of any class, but also your final grade. Preparing throughout the semester is the most effective way to do well on your final exams. Ultimately, there’s just no shortcut for knowing the material. However, even if it’s the night before your final exam and you’re feeling unprepared, don’t panic. There are plenty of things you can do to help you pass your exams.
Steps
-
Read the syllabus. At the beginning of any term, teachers or professors will usually hand out a syllabus with the assignments and expectations for a class. Make sure you read the syllabus carefully to know exactly what you need to do to pass the course.
- Make sure to pay attention to the breakdown of how assignments, attendance, and exams factor in to your grade. This will help you prioritize how much you need to study, and where to focus your attention.
- If you have any questions on the syllabus, ask the professor. It’s much better to ask a question at the beginning than plow on with no idea of what you’re doing.
-
Attend class regularly. You cannot successfully pass a class or exams if you do not attend the class. This will allow you to hear vital lectures and take notes, as well as help you understand your readings and assignments. [1] X Trustworthy Source Association for Psychological Science Nonprofit organization devoted promoting trustworthy research and education in the psychological sciences Go to source
- Most exams are based on what is covered in class, so skipping class is never advisable. Some teachers will penalize absences, meaning you might not even pass the class if you skip.
- Teachers and professors usually discuss what is likely to be on an exam during classes, so if you aren’t in class you can’t get this crucial information.
- If you cannot attend class, let your professor know in advance. Ask her what you will miss in class and if there is anything you can do to make up for the absence and get the information.
- Don’t ask your teacher or professor questions like “Did I miss anything in class yesterday?” The assumption is that all days give you valuable information, and questions like this come across as disrespectful of your teacher.
- Don’t “zone out.” Sometimes, it’s tempting to play solitaire or check your phone during class instead of listening, especially if you’re in a class you feel you understand pretty well. However, you might miss something important if you do this. Stay attentive for the whole class period. [2] X Research source
Advertisement -
Take notes . Lectures and discussions are a key component to a class and contain information you will need to pass the exams. By paying attention and taking notes throughout the term, you will have a built in study aid that will help you effectively study without scrambling for additional information. [3] X Research source
- Come prepared. Use a binder or notebook, and bring pens or pencils to class. If you will be discussing things from a book, bring a highlighter too. Teachers will often say things like, “This passage is very significant for understanding ____ in general” or “Make sure you understand the information in this sidebar.” If your teacher notes something specific in class, mark it immediately. [4] X Research source
- Taking notes is a delicate balancing act between getting too little and too much information. You don’t want to write down everything a professor says, just the important information. For example, it’s less important to know what type of planes bombed Dresden in February of 1945 than why the bombing was significant for World War II.
- Try using keywords instead of trying to copy out full sentences. Trying to take dictation from your professor could mean you don’t get the essence of what’s really important. Try using key phrases and words instead of full sentences.
- Take notes by hand. Studies have shown that people learn more by writing notes instead of typing them in to a computer or recording them on a device. [5] X Research source
- Check out some note-taking systems. There are a bunch of systems for learning how to take notes. Cal Poly has information on several types, along with their pros and cons.
-
Do all reading assignments. Most professors and teachers will assign reading during the semester and then draw upon this as they write the exam. By doing the reading assignments, you will not only be able to participate in class discussions, but will also have the information you need to pass the exam.
- Make sure to take notes on the reading assignment as you read. Just like taking notes from lectures, you only need to write down the most important information. [6] X Research source
- Skim back over your reading assignments every few weeks. You don’t have to go through everything in-depth, but going back over the main points will help them “gel” in your memory, so you can access them later on the exam.
-
Do papers and other class assignments. Since class assignments are usually meant to help you learn a subject more thoroughly, it’s important that you do them. They may even serve as practice for exam questions.
- The material you use and produce for any type of assignment may show up on an exam. Everything from math or scientific problems to short essays will help you be prepared and pass an exam.
- Participating in class discussions will also help you pass an exam because it gives you a chance to verbalize and work out your thoughts with other students and the professor.
- Don't save your assignments until the last minute or you'll feel stressed and have to rush through them. Give yourself enough time to work on them at your own pace so you can really learn the material. [7]
X
Expert Source
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
Advertisement
-
Know where you stand in the class. It’s important throughout a term to know what your grade is. If you keep this information in mind, it will help you know how much time you need to devote to studying for an exam.
- If you aren’t sure what your grade is, check your syllabus. Most teachers give “weights” to assignments and other course elements (participation, etc.). You should be able to get a rough idea of how you’re doing from this.
- If you’re still unsure about your performance, talk with your teacher.
-
Find out what material the exam is going to cover and what format it is. Teachers and professors have different methods and formats for final exams. Some will make an exam comprehensive, while others will only test on a certain section of the material covered in class. Some exams are essay-based while others are multiple choice. Finding out what information the exam will cover and its format can help you study more effectively.
- Check to see if this information is on the class syllabus. Paying attention in class will also help, since most teachers and professors will announce what material the exam will cover.
- If you are not sure or missed a day of class, you can ask your teacher or professor, but it’s important to not annoy them with repeated or overly detailed requests. Simply asking “could you please tell me what material I need to know for the exam?” is enough to direct your study time. [8] X Trustworthy Source Edutopia Educational nonprofit organization focused on encouraging and celebrating classroom innovation Go to source
-
Understand how you study best. Every individual learns differently. Knowing the conditions under which you study best will help you most effectively learn and retain information that you need for your exam. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
- For example, if you know that you need absolute silence to concentrate on the material you need to learn, you can either study in a library or in a quiet room at home. You may also be someone who needs a little noise or commotion to help you focus.
- ”Multitasking” is a myth. While you might think you’re able to watch TV, text your friends, and study for exams at the same time, your brain simply can’t handle that many competing streams of information. Give yourself some quiet, dedicated study time, and leave the other stuff for your leisure time. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source [11] X Research source
-
Prioritize your study time. Figure out which exams are the most important and devote the most study time to them. By doing this you will optimize your study time and help ensure that you pass your exams. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source
- If you are in college and have an exam in one of your major or minor fields, you’ll want to give the most time to studying for these exams over general education courses, for instance.
- If you are doing poorly in any class, devote enough time to studying for this class to make sure that you pass it and don’t have to repeat it.
-
Start studying early. It is never too early to start studying for a final exam, but at the very least, a month before the test date is a good time to begin your preparations. This will ensure that you’re not cramming information too close to the exam and then forgetting it on test day.
- You can study simply by reviewing your notes for 20-30 minutes a day. If you have any questions, ask the professor.
-
Study . No matter in which class you have an exam, from the easiest subject to the most difficult, you need to study. Even if it’s only reviewing class notes for 30 minutes, studying the material from your class will benefit you on the final exam.
- Studying by reviewing class notes, thinking of discussions, or going to a study group will often remind you of information you forgot over the course of the term.
- It’s important to have confidence that you will pass. But beware of overconfidence, which can sabotage your ability to think clearly about an exam.
- Consider making free associations between information you learn and what you know. You can also make up things to help you out. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
- It may also help you to write index cards with information you need to know.
-
Join a study group or class study session. Taking part in a study group or attending a class study session can be very useful in understanding course material for an exam. Just make sure that you’re actually studying and not socializing. [14] X Research source
- Teachers and professors will sometimes offer study sessions for their classes. These are an excellent opportunity to learn material that will likely be on an exam as well as ask any lingering questions you may have.
-
Switch up your study spots. Studies suggest that changing your environment after spending a long time studying in one place can help improve your brain’s retention. [15] X Research source Having a couple of different study spots -- your room, a quiet coffee shop, the library -- may help boost your brainpower. [16] X Research source
-
Do a practice exam. Practice exams are an excellent, highly effective way to study for tests. They will help you relax and point out any weak areas you may have. In fact, some studies suggest that practice-testing is a more effective way to study than highlighting, re-reading, or summarizing material. [17] X Trustworthy Source Association for Psychological Science Nonprofit organization devoted promoting trustworthy research and education in the psychological sciences Go to source
- You can take any essay or problem and use it as your mock exam. [18] X Research source
- Make sure you do the mock exam in the same allotted time as the actual exam. [19] X Research source
- If you test yourself just twice, you will remember 75-80% of the material two weeks later. With no practice tests, that figure is just 20%.
- Reader Poll: We asked 337 wikiHow readers, and 68% of them agreed that the best way to prepare for a test is to take online practice tests . [Take Poll]
-
Stop studying. At some point, you cannot study any longer without stressing yourself out or confusing yourself. Within a day of the exam, set aside your study material and be confident in the fact that you’ve done the work. [20] X Trustworthy Source Edutopia Educational nonprofit organization focused on encouraging and celebrating classroom innovation Go to source
- You will not learn a lot of new content within 24 hours of an exam. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
Advertisement
-
Get enough rest . It may sound like a good idea to stay up all night cramming, but without sleep , your brain just won’t function. Almost all students pull all-nighters at some point, but they can have damaging effects on your brain for up to four days. [22] X Research source
- Stick to your regular sleep cycle as much as possible. Disrupting your sleep schedule by staying up too late or waking up before your body has fully rested messes with your REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep, which will leave you feeling sluggish and can hinder your memory. [23] X Research source
- Set aside a specific time to study for an exam and use that time wisely. Then, go to bed! [24] X Research source
- Take off at least one full day a week to give your brain and body a chance to rest and recover from studying.
-
Eat well . If you’re not eating properly, your brain won’t be able to function at its best. Getting enough nutrients will allow your body and brain to function optimally on exam day and while you study. Make sure that you eat at regular intervals and don’t mindlessly snack on junk. [25] X Trustworthy Source HealthyChildren.org Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Go to source
- Try starting your day off with complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal and whole grains. Complex carbohydrates help your body produce energy that your brain needs to perform. Because they digest slowly over a longer period of time, you’re less likely to get nasty blood sugar spikes and crashes, too.
- You might also want to incorporate some eggs into your diet. Eggs contain choline, which is linked to memory and cognitive performance. [26] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Oily fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, are also tied to brain function. A salmon croquette isn’t going to ace your test for you, but the protein and nutrients will definitely help boost your brainpower. [27] X Research source
- Avoid simple carbohydrates and processed sugar. These may give you a temporary energy bump, but they cause crashes and fatigue later. If you crave something sweet, go for fruits -- especially those that contain vitamin C, which may help improve your mental functioning. [28] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Salty snackers may prefer pumpkin seeds or nuts, which have vitamin E and zinc.
-
Stay hydrated . It’s tempting to load up on caffeinated beverages when you’re studying for final exams, but be careful. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it will dehydrate you. It can also give you a wicked case of the caffeine jitters. Dehydration can cause fatigue, so drink plenty of plain, clear water. [29] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
- Adolescents (under 18) should limit caffeine intake to about 100mg a day. [30] X Research source Depending on the variety, that can be as little as a single cup of coffee, or two 12-ounce cans of cola. [31] X Research source Adults should keep caffeine intake between 200mg-400mg a day. [32] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Men need, on average, 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day. Women need about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water per day. [33] X Trustworthy Source National Institutes of Health U.S. government agency for biomedical and public health research Go to source
- Get yourself a refillable water bottle. You may be more likely to drink water from a bottle than a glass, especially if you often drink bottled soft drinks.
- Avoid alcohol, especially the night before a big exam. In addition to the hangovers and other nasty side effects, alcohol dehydrates you, which can cause fatigue on test day.
-
Use visualization . There are several ways that visualization can help you feel more prepared for a final exam. You can use “outcome and process visualization” to help you imagine achieving your goal, and relaxation visualization to help you destress. [34] X Research source
- Use outcome and process visualization to imagine yourself achieving your goal. Imagine what it looks like for you to pass your final exam. Imagine this success in as much detail as possible. Then, imagine the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. In this case, things like “taking notes,” “going to class,” and “studying” are obvious steps you could envision. [35] X Research source
- Use the “palming method” of visualization to help you relax. Close your eyes and cover them with the palms of your hands. Don’t touch your eyeballs. Imagine a scene that’s very relaxing to you, such as a day at the beach or curled up in bed with a good book. Picture as many details as possible to make it realistic, and spend 1-2 minutes enjoying the relaxing scene. Open your eyes and wait 1-2 minutes, then repeat the visualization scene. This process will give you a “safe place” to help you feel calm and relaxed before you sit down to your exam.
-
Reduce your anxiety . This probably sounds counterintuitive: you wouldn’t have anxiety if you weren’t worried about passing your final exam, right? However, research shows that anxiety blocks your ability to focus, which can really put a damper on your studying and test performance. [36] X Research source Try some relaxation techniques when you’re feeling freaked out.
- A few minutes of deep breathing will oxygenate your brain and help you feel relaxed and ready to perform. Inhale deeply through your nose for a 4-count. Hold the breath for 1-2 seconds, then slowly release the breath through your mouth for a 4-count. Repeat this 6-8 times per minute for 5 minutes or so. [37] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
- Try yoga . The deep breathing and meditation in yoga have been scientifically shown to reduce test anxiety. [38] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Try the “tensing and differential relaxation method.” This involves tensing and relaxing your muscles all at once. Put your feet flat on the floor while sitting in a chair. Grab the seat. Push down with your feet, and pull up on the chair at the same time for 5 seconds. Relax for 5 seconds, then repeat 2-3 times.
-
Get some exercise . Physical exercise has been proven to reduce stress. It also helps you get better sleep, improves your alertness and concentration, and can even enhance how your brain functions. [39] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Regular aerobic exercise can even boost your learning and memory! [40] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- Get at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity, such as jogging or brisk walking, per week. [41] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- Try things that get your heart rate pumping, like swimming, jogging, martial arts, or even dancing.
- A little is better than none. Even 20 minutes a day of cardio can boost your memory. [42] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
-
Take regular breaks. [43] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020. Study breaks are important for several reasons. There’s a limit to what your brain can handle in any one study session. Trying to push past that without giving your body any time to recover will just leave you tired.- Your brain consumes glucose when you’re studying. Give yourself a mini-break (5 minutes or so) every hour. Stretch, take a short walk, or grab a brain-boosting snack such as fruit or almonds. This gives your body time to replenish your glucose stores. [44] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source
Advertisement
-
Cram for the exam. If you didn’t have time to prepare for your exam in advance, you may need to cram, or learn as much as possible in a short period of time, for the exam. It’s not a very effective way to study, but cramming is better than not preparing at all.
- Read over your course notes the morning of the exam. Figure out if there were any subjects the professor highlighted in lectures and focus on these.
- If you haven’t done any reading, read the introductions and conclusions of any article and books. This will help you figure out the most important arguments and facts about a subject.
- Have a study group with friends the night before the exam if you can. Talk through any points that you may not understand.
- Review the hardest stuff right before you go to bed the night before the exam. This may help you recall it more easily during test-time. [45] X Research source
-
Stay calm . You will likely be a bit nervous on the day of the exam, and it’s important to stay as calm as possible so that you can effectively take the test. There are different ways to help calm yourself, including have a good breakfast and taking a walk. [46] X Research source
- A good meal will give your body and brain energy to perform their best during the exam.
-
Eat and drink to stay alert. You want to make sure that your body and brain are as alert as possible before and during an exam. Eating and drinking the right foods and beverages will help ensure that that you not only are awake but also attentive to your exam.
- Don’t eat heavy meals before an exam, which will divert blood from your brain for digestion. Soup or a salad with some protein are good, light choices that will give you energy without weighing you down.
- Make sure that you’re hydrated before an exam. One of the symptoms of dehydration is fatigue, so bring a bottle of water with you.
- You can have a cup of coffee or tea if you like. One or two cups may temporarily increase feelings of alertness. [47] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source The effect wears off fairly quickly, however, and more than two cups could actually cause impairment, so use moderation. [48] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Chewing mints or mint gum will also help you stay alert. Studies have shown that mints or mint gum increased alertness, accelerated reaction time, and increased how people process information. [49] X Research source
- Don’t load up on sugar just before a test. If you’re craving something sweet, try dark fruits (plums, blueberries, etc.) or a small square of dark chocolate. [50] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
-
Be confident. If you’ve attended class, taken notes, done the assignments, and studied, you can be confident that you’re ready to take the exam. Having this confidence and visualizing yourself passing the exam will help you be successful.
- If you attended class, did your work, and studied, you can be confident that you will pass the exam.
- If you took the time to go to a study session or discuss the exam and your standing in class with your professor, you can have confidence in your ability to pass the exam.
- Knowing that you have formulated a plan to complete each section of the exam will also instill confidence in you.
-
Arrive before the exam starts. In order to help yourself remain calm, make sure to arrive at the exam room before the exam starts. This will not only relax you but also ensure that you can get settled in to take the test.
- Make sure to find out where your exam is ahead of time, and note the location in a place you can easily find it later.
- Set an alarm so you arrive on time. In fact, setting more than one alarm may help you feel more at ease.
-
Attack the exam strategically. After you’ve given the exam a once-over, approach it strategically. This will help you maximize your knowledge and avoid getting “stuck” on things you don’t know.
- Answer easy questions first. Not only will this get them out of the way, it can help boost your confidence for the harder stuff.
- Eliminate any obviously wrong answers. If you can, cross out any answers that are obviously wrong. Even if you don’t know the right answer, you increase your chances of guessing correctly.
- For essay questions, write an outline before writing the essay. Note down your main “argument” or thesis plus the main points you want to hit. This will help you stay on track as you write your response.
- Review your answers before you submit your exam. Look for any incomplete or missing answers, errors, etc.
-
Don’t cheat. Whatever you do to pass an exam, never cheat. Looking at your notes, writing information on your hands, and copying from someone else's exam paper are all forms of cheating.
- Cheating will guarantee not only that you fail a class, but also could have other significant consequences such as expulsion.
-
Pace yourself. You only have a certain amount of time to complete an exam, so pace yourself as you work. This will ensure that you get through every section of the exam. [51] X Research source
- Before you start, read over the entire exam and identify the easiest, most difficult, and most time consuming sections of the exam.
- Break the time of the exam down by section. For example, if you have two hours to finish two essays, you can take one hour to compose each. Or if there is one essay and eight identification and short essays, you can break this up based on time as well as your strengths and weaknesses. [52] X Research source
- Decide on the best strategy for you. After you’ve read the exam, figure out the best strategy to finish the exam based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Advertisement
Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series
Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionWhat should I do before my final exam?Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.Try writing out your notes in your own words. This can help you better understand the material. Also, if you can, avoid studying for multiple challenging exams in one day. Instead, spread out your study time so you don't feel as overwhelmed.
-
QuestionHow can I stay motivated while studying?Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.Study groups with friends or classmates can be very helpful study tools and help you stay motivated.
-
QuestionHow can I be confident when taking my exams?Community AnswerBelieve that you will do well. Imagine yourself completing the exam and getting a good score.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
- Never leave a question incomplete or blank. Unless a wrong answer adds negative points (which is rare), it's better to guess than to write nothing. Write everything you know about the question, even if it's not much!Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If a notecard with notes is allowed during an exam, use that to your advantage. Write as small as possible and prioritize information that you often forget.
- I like to make a study schedule where I study two chapters of each subject every day. When I finish all of the chapters, I start over again.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions before or during the exam. That's what your teacher or professor is there for!
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/how-should-students-study-tips-advice-and-pitfalls
- ↑ https://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/taking-notes-5-college-success-tips/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/take-notes.html
- ↑ https://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/taking-notes-5-college-success-tips/
- ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-learning-secret-don-t-take-notes-with-a-laptop/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/7-ways-increase-students-attention-span
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psychology-teacher-network/introductory-psychology/study-better
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/research/multitasking
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-power-of-prime/201103/technology-myth-of-multitasking
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/01/time-management-is-about-more-than-life-hacks
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart
- ↑ https://academicresourcecenter.harvard.edu/study-groups
- ↑ https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/find-a-quiet-place-to-study/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ulterior-motives/201807/surprising-reason-why-learning-is-harder-noise
- ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/journals/pspi/learning-techniques.html
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/tackling-test-anxiety/
- ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks/
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/01/break
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/how-to-reset-your-sleep-routine
- ↑ https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1067747.pdf
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Breakfast-for-Learning.aspx
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/choosing-healthy-carbs.htm
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/child-caffeine.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/habits.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5445139/
- ↑ https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/good-hydration-linked-healthy-aging
- ↑ http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/test-anxiety
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting/
- ↑ https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/children-anxiety-depression
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/meditations/deep-breathing-meditation.htm
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573544/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-start-exercising-and-stick-to-it.htm
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/exercise-fitness/stress
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2018/09/give-yourself-a-break-the-power-of-self-compassion
- ↑ https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/14-tips-for-test-taking-success/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-anxiety.html
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/08/08/is-caffeine-a-friend-or-foe
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23108937/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-brain-food/201208/gum-chewing-is-good-the-brain
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-benefits-of-having-a-healthy-relationship-with-chocolate
- ↑ https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/14-tips-for-test-taking-success/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/metacognitive-study-strategies/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To pass final exams, take practice exams from the back of your textbooks or online to identify your weak areas so you can give them extra attention. You can also study for your exams by reading the introductions and conclusions to your assigned readings, which will help you learn the most important points without reading all of the chapters. If you took notes in class, go over them the morning of the exam to quickly refresh your memory. During the exam, answer easy questions first to get them out of the way and boost your confidence for harder questions. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to tackle essay questions on an exam, keep reading!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 803,382 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Make sure, at some point, you go over them to make sure they are in your head. Not just study, because it may be that you know the ones you read yesterday, but the ones you read last week are starting to fall apart. So make sure you go over them!" ..." more
Advertisement
88%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Make sure, at some point, you go over them to make sure they are in your head. Not just study, because it may be that you know the ones you read yesterday, but the ones you read last week are starting to fall apart. So make sure you go over them!"
..."
more
"This article helped me a lot because I was not sure that I would pass my exams. I was so lazy and a lack of confidence in me but after reading it I'm now 100 percent sure that I will make it, thank you for useful information!"
..."
more
"This is so useful! I used to all get C's and B's, but now, after participating and taking notes in class, I've finally got 3 A's on my report card! Thank you wikiHow!"
..."
more
"I thought reading seriously without sleep a day before the exam would help; I only noticed after reading this article that I was doing the wrong thing."
..."
more
"This website gave me a step-by-step guide on how I could improve on my productivity before the exam, it also suggested how I can do my routine."
..."
more
