Study Tips to Avoid Cramming at Finals Time

The first step to succeeding in any class is organization. Before the first day of class even begins, you need to take a little time to set up your notebook and buy the appropriate materials. Here is the system I recommend for notebook organization of typical lecture-based courses:

• Lined paper for note-taking
• Section for handouts
• Section for details on assignments and deadlines
• Section for completed, graded and returned assignments for easy reference

Taking just a few minutes to prepare yourself to organize the information you will be responsible for over the length of the semester will save you tons of time in the long run. Whether you decide to go with my proposed system or you want to adopt your own, just make sure it's a system that will work for you so that you will keep it up throughout the semester.

Often at the beginning of the semester, it is easy to slack off. You rarely have any major assignments due in the first month, so why should you start out stressed? Well, upping your academic energy to get ahead during the first month when everyone else is slacking off will put you miles ahead overall. During this time, you need to pay special attention to what the professor hints about in class as far as how he or she grades, his or her attitude towards various topics, including extra credit opportunities, etc. If you notice anything of this nature, you might want to jot it down in your notes. I keep a special page at the back of my notebook for little hints I find along the way and treat them like clues for my academic journey. I know it sounds geeky, but it really doesn't take much effort to put yourself in a good position for the rest of the semester. Here are a few tips that can do just the trick:

• Take notes on the readings: Notice, this doesn't say you have to read everything... instead, if your reading comprehension is pretty high, why not skim it and highlight or type up notes on the reading instead of reading it all? This will give you a great overview and enough of a framework to know what's going on during class.
• Organize the information: Believe it or not, organizing information can be very beneficial later on. If you already have a nice color-coded chart you made on week three, you will save time trying to organize the information when finals come around. The good news is that while it does take some effort to organize, it will feel relatively effortless since you will be organizing information as it is fresh on your mind!
• Contribute to the Conversation: Okay, I know that it sounds dumb, but asking questions and choosing to approach class interactively will really help you to solidify the information early. If you have a question, ask it. If you have something to add to the conversation and your professor seems to encourage dialog, contribute your thoughts and see where the conversation goes. If your professor does not encourage discourse during class, find someone in the class to hang out with and chat about some of the stuff you're learning. It doesn't have to be a formal study group, just someone to bounce around questions and ideas. This will be a lifesaver later!

I'm sure it seems odd that a study tip is relaxing, but, let's be honest, you can't be on high academic gear at all times- it just isn't healthy! So make sure you take time to chill. But did you know that even relaxing can amp you up for learning? That's why you need to be choosy in how you relax. Instead of zoning out watching reality television, why not try getting a little exercise? The movement will not only be good for you physically, but it will pump oxygen into your brain and give you some extra mental energy as well. Another great way to relieve stress is of course laughter. Whether you look up some silly videos on YouTube or hang out with silly friends, laughter will keep you sane when you get tired of learning. And when you've calmed down, you'll hopefully have the energy and drive to hit the books again.

As you finish up mid-terms and begin to stare finals in the face, you'll hit that miserable slump where you just want to be done already. When your desire to keep going academically is fading, do something to rededicate yourself. Personally, I like to take a day or so as a complete mental break from school. On this day (typically a Saturday or Sunday) I am not allowed to think, talk about or go to school. I try to do something adventurous or silly for at least half the day. Then, the next day (typically a Monday), I wake up and act as if I'm starting all over. Most of the time this means I make several lists of what needs to be done and times to work on different assignments. No matter what you need to do to rededicate yourself, decide on that day that this semester will not get the better of you, you will get the best of it.

Okay, now is the time you've been preparing for all semester. Since you've been working consistently all along, preparing for the final should seem like a piece of cake. Remember all the little pieces of information you organized along the way? Break them out and review them. If your teacher has offered a study guide, great! Use it to once again organize your notes and review at least two or three times. Don't stress out about the test itself; choose to view it instead as an opportunity to show off the knowledge you have acquired over the last few months. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the final and then go do your best.