10 Tips for Finals Week

Finals week at Grand Canyon University is right around the corner! Whether you are finishing your first year of college or you are a graduating senior, it is important to do well on your final exams. The hard work you have put into your classes all semester pays off when you receive a good grade! Here are 10 tips to keep in mind going into finals week:

Find a Good Place to Study

When studying for finals, it is important to find an environment where you feel you can focus on the task at hand. If you are someone who needs complete silence, find a place on campus that is quiet and free from distractions, such as the library. On the other hand, if you are someone who studies well in a more interactive environment, Canyon Coffee may be a good setting.

Create a Calendar

Staying organized leading up to finals week is key. Creating a calendar is a great way to do this, as you can write out when each exam will take place throughout the week. This will give you a visual representation of your schedule, and you will be able to pace yourself when you study.

Use Creative Strategies to Study

There are many creative ways to study. Depending on your learning style, you can come up with activities to help you remember the material. For example, if you are a visual learner, you may benefit from color coding your notes or quizzing yourself using flashcards with images to help make connections and remember the material.

Do Not be Afraid to Ask Questions

While you are in class leading up to finals week, do not be afraid to ask questions to clarify concepts. It is important to ensure you have the correct information before you begin studying it, so take advantage of your professor’s office hours or ask questions during class.

Form a Study Group

Studying with classmates can be a great way to interact with course material. You can quiz each other, which will give you a feel for what you already know and what you need to study more. In addition, studying in a group can allow you to practice by teaching concepts to others, which is a great way to gain a fuller understanding of the material.

Take Advantage of Available Resources

To increase your chances of being successful, take advantage of the resources that are available to you when studying for finals. For example, if your professor is holding a study session, do your best to attend and take notes. In addition, take advantage of campus resources such as tutoring services or content clinics.

Minimize Distractions

Do you have a hard time focusing with your cell phone nearby? During finals week, it is important to do your best to minimize distractions. For example, you may decide to put your phone away while you study or stay off social media for the week. This way, the time you spend studying will be more productive.

Stay Healthy

Energy drinks, a lack of sleep and a poor diet are detrimental to your success during finals week. While it may seem like this is what everyone else is doing, it is not the best way to go about studying. In fact, it is even more important during finals week to exercise, maintain a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep. Exercise can help to relieve stress, and your brain will function better when you are well-rested and receiving the nutrients your body needs.

Motivate Yourself with Rewards

Motivating yourself with small rewards will help you to keep a positive attitude when prepping for finals. For example, after committing a certain amount of time to studying, you can reward yourself by watching an episode of your favorite TV show or going to dinner with a friend. Balance is key, so rather than depriving yourself of enjoyable things, give yourself incentives to study and do well.

Be Confident!

Above all, it is important to be confident when you go into finals week! If you put in the hard work to do well, you can trust that you are prepared to succeed. When exam time comes, take a deep breath and give your best effort. If you keep these tips in mind, you are likely to see positive results!

Grand Canyon University helps students to make the most of their college experience by offering resources to help them successfully navigate their academic journey. To learn more about GCU, visit our website!