Tips #5

During my first year at Miami University in Ohio, I had a final exam in Calculus. I studied for several days. I felt prepared. I arrived at the scheduled room 15 minutes early, and I waited impatiently for the professor to show up and start the exam. My professor showed up, but when he started talking about the exam we were about to take, I grew increasingly nervous. I did not understand what he was explaining. Had I studied the wrong material? My blood pressure rose as I imagined the F I thought I was going to get on this test. As I searched the faces in the room to see if they followed his explanations, I realized that no one looked familiar. It slowly dawned on me that I was not in the right class. I excused myself, which seemed to amuse some of the other folks in the room. I rushed back to my room to see where I was supposed to be. I wondered if I had missed the exam; I knew that this professor would accept no excuses. Much to my relief, I found out that I had the right room and time, I had just come a day early! So, I went back the next day, and got a solid B on the exam.

Usually, it pays to be a little bit early. Eastern's Spring 2001 final exams begin on April 30. Hasn’t the semester gone fast? Believe it or not, it is time to start planning. Here are some steps to take:

First, locate a copy of the spring term Bulletin. The exam schedule is on page 3. Write down all of the times of your final exams on a calendar.

Second, dig out the syllabi for all of your courses. Find out what kinds of exams (essay, multiple choice, etc.) will be given and check the evaluation section of the syllabi to see much the final exam will be worth.

Third, estimate your grade for each of your courses. Determine where you stand right now and identify how much impact the final exam will have on your final grade. Will this exam make a big difference in your final grade, or will it just count for a small percentage of your final grade?

Fourth, list the other work (like term papers and presentations) that you must complete. Establish priorities for studying for the exams and other course work. Which exam is most important? How much time will completing the other work take?

Fifth, develop a plan for completing your work on time and for studying for your finals. Break down your study time for each exam into various components that you can spread out over the remaining three weeks (studying notes, reading the textbook, writing a practice exam). Avoid cramming if at all possible, especially on comprehensive exams. Identify what is most important to study in each class. Start learning/reviewing the most important classes and materials first, then as time permits study the other material.

Sixth, be sure that you are eating well, getting plenty of exercise, and getting enough sleep. Avoid excessive caffeine. Take good care of yourself during these last three weeks; you do not want to be run down or sick when it comes time to take your exams.

Finally if you have planned well, then on your test days, you will only need to do light reviews. Be sure to double check that you have set your alarm, have gas in the car, etc. Arrive early to the exam; bring extra pens, test booklets and other materials with you. Try to be nice to your professors; they are under a lot of stress too. Remember that final exams are your last chance to make a difference in your final grades, so give it your best effort. You will have time to relax in the summer. Make sure that you are going to the right place at the right time AND on the right day!