Ace Your Finals: Five Proven Strategies for Active Studying

Preparing for finals can be a challenging and stressful time for students, but it's also a critical moment to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you've acquired throughout the term. To help make the most of your time and approach your exams with confidence, Trent’s Academic Skills team has compiled a list of five effective tips study tips. Follow these strategies to optimize your study time, boost your retention and recall, and improve your performance on your final exams. Let's dive in! 

Schedule Your Study Time: To avoid the stress and pressure of cramming, schedule study time in your weekly schedule. This will help you manage your time better, and you'll have enough time to review all the necessary material before your exams. 

Create a Study Chart: Organize your lecture and reading notes into a study chart, as this will help you see the big picture and make connections between different ideas. This approach will help you understand concepts better and remember them more effectively. 

Teach a Concept: To truly understand a concept, explain it to someone else. You can do this with a friend, partner, family member, or even a pet. By explaining the concept to someone else, you'll be able to identify gaps in your understanding and clarify your own knowledge. 

Join a Study Group: Joining a study group can be a great way to get additional support and feedback. Work with your study group to discuss ideas, practice, and test your knowledge. Want to make the most out of your time together? Have each member prepare 10 questions to test each other when you meet. 

Use the Spew Method: The spew method is a great way to test your knowledge and identify areas that need further review. Simply make a list of key terms, set a timer for one or two minutes per term, and spew out everything you can remember about the term. When the timer is up, compare what you spewed with your notes and focus on areas that need more attention. 

Remember to visit the Academic Skills Exam Prep Guide and follow @trentuacademicskills on Instagram for additional strategies and support. And finally, make sure you take some time to relax after your exams are over – you've earned it! 

Posted on April 12, 2023