Exam Studying Tips and Tricks

It's that time of year,  Final Exams (boo) are right around the corner. I've never liked this time of the school year, teachers start to pile on all of the assignments and tests that they didn't get to in the year, everyone is already in summer vacation mode, and exams are stressful. The worst part of it all is you have to spend time studying indoors, looking out the window at all the fresh flowers, vibrant birds, and clear skies. Let's just say, studying for finals is difficult. Here's where I come in! I have written quite a few final exams in my time, therefore, I thought this would be a great opportunity to give you a few tips on how to study efficiently, and ace those finals! 

1. Don't Start too Soon!

I know it might seem like the sooner you start, the more time you'll have to study. Now this is the case, to an extent. When you start studying too soon you end up forgetting information and often end up having to re-study (and believe me none wants to do that ;). I recommend starting to study 3 to 4 weeks before a final (this obviously depends on the difficulty and length of the course as well). 

2. Figure out your Learning Type

Knowing what type of learner you are can immensely improve studying skills. I am a logical/mathematical learner and I like to see all of my notes right in front of me. I'm very good at memorizing and I find that the best way for me to memorize information is to read it. One of my very good friends is a kinaesthetic learner and learns best hands on. If you find your understanding is furthered by hands on experience, try to find experiments online that you can watch or replicate. There are tons of tests you can do online to find out what type of learner you are, like this one!

3. Make Sure all of Your Materials are in Order

Before I start studying I always make sure I have every note package, quiz, and project neatly organized and accessible. Knowing where all of your notes are is vital to studying efficiently. Getting all of your notes together is also a great way to make sure you've handed every assignment in and don't have any outlaying marks. Being organized also helps keep stress to a minimum as you can feel confident you have everything you need.

4. Know your Marks Before the Final

I find that while important, this tip often goes unnoticed. Knowing what your marks are before your final exams can really help to ease (or increase) stress and give you an idea of were you want to focus more of your brain power. My worst science unit this semester was physics, therefore, I will review more of that unit than chemistry or biology. If your marks are where you want them, then knowing where you sit can often empower and ease you. If you are unhappy with your marks, use finals as an opportunity to improve them. 

5. Do What Helps You!

Everyone is different. No two people learn alike, so, no two people should study alike either. If making flashcards helps you, make flashcards! If watching YouTube videos helps you, watch them! Do what you need to do to get that information into your noggin'. I personally love to watch Crash Course on YouTube, they cover everything from chemistry to world history, and you're bound to find what you need there!

I'm sending all of you writing finals over the next few weeks HUGE hugs! Only a few more weeks! We can do it!

Here are a few of my favourite learning resources as well!

Crash Course

Sparknotes

Quizlet

XoXoX

Gwyn