There are a few major events in high school and college students’ careers that define whether they sink or swim. One of those events is finals. The measly six letter word is one that is able to strike fear into students’ hearts and make them contemplate calling it quits. Cramming a semester’s worth of information into your brain with nonsense reviews of memory for the mere week prior to the dreaded one to two hour long tests and hoping to all that is mighty that your score won’t completely destroy your semester grades, makes students long for the semester to be over.
It can be tough; that’s for sure, but all you really need to make it to graduation is to master the art of studying. Who says studying has to be boring? Spruce up your study space and make it relaxing, not too much, you don’t want to be slacking off. Afterall, environment can affect mood drastically.
While studying be sure to use flash cards – they are a must for memorization – then rewrite from your notes the key aspects and information by using abbreviations and mnemonics to save time and brainpower. When taking notes, always be sure to read carefully and don’t skim over information to avoid misinterpreting it. One of the school counselors at Northeast, Jennifer Bass shared her opinion of the most effective method of studying, “For me it was re-reading, clap notes, and using flashcards to help remember terms.”
When it’s all said and done everything you’ve learned must be carefully organized and prepared to be stored in your brain until the information is tested out because let’s be honest, it usually is. The night before the big test, contrary to what people usually do, staying up a big chunk of the night and studying will not help your chances, however, sleeping soundly through the night and letting your brain get some rest will. Similarly with athletes, the routine is practice, practice, practice, getting some shut eye and resting their bodies. Your brain deserves the same treatment to function properly. What’s studying worth when you pass out and drool all over your test? Not much.
