It’s that time of year again—the end of the semester is near, but the threat of finals looms just on the horizon. We’ve all heard time and time again the best ways to prepare for the exams, essays, and projects that determine our grades. It seems like the majority of the academic world forget that each student studies differently. Some say music interferes with information absorption; others say flashcards are so elementary school. However you choose, here are some possible study aids to make this semester’s finals go a little bit smoother!
We all remember the days of staring at the black and white notecards, feeling like we would never understand multiplication or fractions. Thankfully those days are long gone, and the time of the flashcard is now! Making flashcards with terms, important information from your notes, or even little extras your professor slipped into lectures can make studying so much easier. In fact, the process of making flash cards is a study aid within itself. You’re reviewing all the material you once wrote into your notebook, and in a way relearning the information before you use the completed flashcards to make it stick.
As you go through your notes and books, use visual aids to make connections between the material and outside stimulation. Now this tip doesn’t work for everyone, but if you’re prone to visual learning this can definitely work for you! Color-code your notes for each lesson covered. If you’ve previously typed your notes, change the font color as you read through them. If you handwrote your notes, use highlighters or, even more beneficial to the study process, rewrite them using colored ink pens. Then while you’re taking the test, your mind will be triggered by a certain question and you are easily able to mentally skim through all the information regarding that subject matter just based on recognition of color. Again, this does not work for every collegiette™, but I can say from experience that it can definitely do wonders.
Some people don’t associate rewards with studying, but psychologically it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! When you provide yourself with a present for good behavior, your mind soon starts to realize the good behavior must be continued and you’ll get into the habit of studying. You can use something as simple as a break, an hour of your favorite TV show, or even glass of wine after a productive study day. You determine the reward after the set time studied or amount of material covered. The best way to avoid stress is to break up the work load, and rewards can help with that.
The debate whether music during study helps or hurts is constant. For some, listening to anything can hinder information retention. But if you’re not one of those girls, various types of music can only aid you in the study process. Create a playlist with a good mix of genres, artists, melodies, and lyrics. Pandora® is an awesome tool to use, because the combination of songs you know and songs you may have never heard offer your mind a slight shift in focus. If the lyrics take your attention away from the material, try classical music. The beat alone will help you drown out the distractions around you, and create a world for studying all your own. And at the very least, you’ll find some enjoyment in preparing for exams!
Finals can either be smooth sailing or a trip toward Hell, depending on how you study. Whether you use my tips or create some of your own, make sure you have a strategy going into exams and you’ll come out on the other side ready to make the most of summer. Let us know how you like to study in the comments below!