How To Prepare For Finals

Take it from someone who learned the hard way...

Don't procrastinate.

Procrastination is one of the worst, yet most common habits college students fall into. We know it is tempting, so how do you combat the urge to procrastinate? The Ohio State Dennis Learning Center has some strategies HERE.

Study smarter, not harder!

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Do you study for an entire day, but then do no better on the exam than the guy who only studied for a few hours? That’s because exam performance has less to do with the quantity of time you spend studying, and more to do with the quality. Here are some ways to get the most out of your study time:

* Avoid distractions like the plague.

Distractions are all around you: your phone, your roommates, the TV, your upstairs neighbors and their pet rhino (seriously though—what else could be making that much noise?!). To avoid them, you may have to go somewhere quiet to study, like—gasp—the library!

* Review your study materials efficiently.

The Dennis Learning Center has a guide for how to do this HERE.

* Integrate technology appropriately.

Using your smartphone to log onto facebook = BAD. Using your smartphone to review flashcards = GOOD. Several study apps exist out there to help you: HERE is a list of the top 15.

* Take scheduled breaks.

Giving yourself intermittent time away from your study area helps you refocus when you return. But what is there to do during my break, you ask? The University offers a variety of free Reading Day activities. Find examples HERE and HERE.

Get help when you need it.

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Sometimes, you just can't figure that problem out on your own, and that's why the knowledge superheros commonly known as tutors exist.

Ohio State offers free tutoring for a variety of subjects. The Younkin Success Center has a consolidated list of these services HERE.

Stay healthy.

All that careful studying won't be worth much if you can't see past the tissues and cough drops piling up on your desk. Keep yourself healthy during finals week by:

* GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP.

This cannot be emphasized enough. A good night's sleep is key to improving your memory, recharging your body, fighting off pathogens, and reducing stress. Shoot for 6-8 hours per night.

* Eating healthy

Ditch the chips and queso and grab carrots and hummus instead. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides your body with the vitamins and minerals needed to combat illness, keep your mind sharp, and boost your energy.

* Exercising

Carving out an hour to go to the gym can seem like an insurmountable task during finals week, but it is so good for you! If treadmills aren't your thing, OSU Rec Sports (which you pay a good chunk of money for, don't forget) offers fun group fitness classes too.

Follow these tips, and you will find success. Best of luck!