Your Guide to Finals

No matter if you're taking your finals or midterms, it’s important to do well on these tests! So here are some tips to ensure that you do well on your exams. It requires some work, but the payoff (and great grades) will make it worthwhile.

Know How Much of Your Grade Depends on the Test

Some teachers make finals a big part of your total grade, while others make them worth only a small fraction of your grade. So knowing which classes affect your final score the most is important. If your grade depends heavily on your final, it could affect your GPA and scholarship eligibility.

Ask What it Will Cover

Will your final include questions about everything you’ve learned over the semester or only the last few chapters? Are there any important topics your teacher will emphasize? Will you need to answer multiple-choice questions, write essays, or provide short answers? Ask if you don’t already know! Most teachers are more than willing to help.

Figure Out Which Study Methods Work for You

How do you learn efficiently? Memorizing flashcards, teaching someone else or reading about a topic? Everyone is different, so don’t feel pressured to study in a way that doesn’t help you retain any information. Try a few ways, then stick with what makes you feel the most focused.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

Your teachers, tutors, counselors and family members are there to help you! So please speak up if you’re worried about doing well on your finals, or anything else that is stressing you out. These people are all too happy to help you study and succeed in college!