Tips for Taking College Finals

It's about that time again. I've got three math finals coming up, along with one in computer science and an art one. (Thank God at least one of them won't take much effort.) As an experienced test-taker and tutor, there are a few methods that tend to work really well when it comes to taking these stressful tests.

1. Get enough sleep.

This can't be emphasized enough. Pulling all-nighters with ten cups of coffee readily at hand is not going to get you very far on test day when you fall asleep at your desk. No one's brain works well on limited sleep.

2. Remember to eat.

Three squares a day while you're expending all that mental energy preparing and taking finals will help replenish any reserves being lost. It's particularly important to remember to eat breakfast before morning finals. The last thing you want is to be distracted by a grumbly tummy.

3. Be prepared.

Yes, you will actually have to set time aside to study. It is vital, however, that you study the right things. Pull out your former tests, and make sure you know the material covered on it. This is what the professor considered to be most important. Also take another look at the syllabus, and any assignments he/she gave you. If it's a course involving computations, be sure to do examples. Half of the reason we study is not to remember the materials so much as to gain a confidence in it. That will help relieve some of the pressure everyone feels when taking a test.

4. Pay attention to details.

Make sure you know the time your final will be given. It's ridiculous to prepare for something and then miss it because you 'weren't paying attention.' It's also important to know if the professor will be requiring a bluebook, scantron, etc.

5. Don't worry.

Stress is normal. It's what motivates people to do better, to actually study for that final. But at the end of the day, when you've done all you could do, turn off that brain, crash for a good eight hours, and walk into that final rested and fed. You know you've given your all to prepare. Any further worrying will just increase your chances of freezing up.

And if you haven't given it your all - well, I suppose worry is justified.