How to Prepare for Final Exams BY Mrs. Murgida (from CHS Guidance)

Due to the pandemic, most CHS students may feel a little out of practice in preparing to take final exams in a few weeks. Read on for tips compiled by CHS guidance counselor, Mrs. Murgida, to help you navigate your Final Exams.

Due to the pandemic, most CHS students may feel a little out of practice in preparing to take final exams in a few weeks. Read on for tips compiled by CHS guidance counselor, Mrs. Murgida, to help you navigate your Final Exams.

1. Organize your time!
   Schedule time to study. Use the calendar on your phone to set alerts and reminders to study.
2. Start early.
   Start studying for finals a few weeks before the first exam, and figure out how much time to set aside each day for each subject.
3. Study in this order: a) definitely b) probably c) might be on the final
   Think about what you know for sure will be on each test and review that material first. Then move on to studying what will probably be on the test, then what might be covered.
4. Form a study group.
   Make a plan with friends to review the class material, compare notes, or work through tricky concepts.
5. Talk it out.
   By talking through the facts and formulas, you’re thinking about the material more deeply, which means you’ll remember it better later.
6. Study your notes AND create your own study guide.
   Outline your class notes for daily review. Or, make flashcards of your notes!
7. Attend review sessions or get extra help.
   Just because you don’t have the answer doesn’t mean you aren’t resourceful enough to find it. The most successful people know when to ask for help —and take it when it’s given.
8. Get creative with study aids.
   Now that you know what key concepts from each subject you need to prioritize, find the best way to review and study. Make flashcards, come up with a mnemonic device—a system of memorizing facts using a phrase or acronym you’ll definitely remember, and use online tools/games such as Quizlet, Kahoot or Blooket, too!
9. Make sleep a priority.
   While it may be tempting to pull an all-nighter and cram everything in at the last minute, it’s a bad idea. You just add stress, and you won’t retain the information for very long by studying that way. Take time for rest and prioritize getting a full night’s sleep.
10. Take five.
    Take breaks to improve your concentration. Whether you’re an athlete or you enjoy getting outdoors or walking your dog, moving your body will pay off. You’ll feel refreshed when you return to your work and responsibilities.
11. Brain food is real.
    Eat healthy and drink plenty of water to keep your brain firing on all cylinders.
12. Study for the style of the exam.
    An effective study technique is to practice the exam as it will be delivered. If it’s multiple-choice, you’ll need to know definitions and concepts. For essay exams, focus on your understanding of all the concepts presented, with examples in mind.