As finals rapidly approach, many students find themselves turning to various studying techniques to pass their exams.
Though there isn’t one sure way to study, some methods are proven to work better than others. For example, it is well-known that cramming before an exam will likely result in a lower grade than prepping weeks prior.
Steve Butler, a mathematics Morrill Professor, commented on studying techniques via an email statement to the Daily.
“The best time to start studying for the final is at the beginning of the semester, the second best time is now,” Butler stated. “Don’t try to cram learning a semester’s worth of content into a few hours.”
Some students on campus may find that choosing a study technique is just as hard as studying for the exam. The Academic Success Center (ASC) holds the solution for these students.
“We have this nice finals prep packet in the ASC that we have for students who come in that goes over a lot of specific things and general things,” Annie Gambleton, assistant director of the Academic Success Center, said. “In looking over it, [there’s] a lot of things that I was like, ‘I would have never thought to do that, but it’s a really good idea.’”
This packet includes a schedule designed for students to block off parts of their day for sleep, studying and breaks. Also within this packet is a comprehensive list of study methods, including but not limited to the following:
- Flashcards
- Creating your own study guide
- Prioritizing studying based on grades and test weight/curve
- Mapping your schedule
- Taking notes from textbooks
- Using a whiteboard to rewrite your class notes
- Making a mind map
- Creating practice problems
- Writing down important formulas
“I have three finals,” Raegan Borland-Moon, a first-year studying psychology, said. “For one of them, the teacher gives us a study guide… Going through that is my favorite. And then [I’ve] just been making study guides for my other two classes with some resources from online and stuff that I know we learned in class. I feel like that’s how I learn the best, is through a study guide.”
Though this time may prove to be stressful, students should still prioritize their health and well-being. Whether through a couple of hours of restful sleep, some downtime to share with friends, a good hearty meal or even a five-minute study break, this self-care could make all the difference between a passing grade and a failing grade.
However, if finals are causing too much unwarranted stress or strife, Student Counseling Services has an open-door policy. Stop by the office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or call (515) 294-5056 to schedule an appointment.
“I still think it’s really important that they get sleep, I know that is kind of pushed out, but get at least a couple hours in there,” Gambleton said. “Don’t drink energy drinks at 2 a.m. I would say [get] sleep, and map out your day to give yourself breaks throughout. We recommend 20 minutes of studying and then take a five-minute break.”
Finally, remember that this stress is only temporary. This week of preparation and stress will eventually end and summer vacation will begin, leaving Ames awaiting the arrival of new students in the fall. No matter the grade, once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone.
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” Butler stated. “Some pressure is good, too much is damaging. Be realistic, and remember that learning is not about perfection, but about growth. If you have grown, then it was a successful semester for you.”