Tips on How To Pass Your Final Exams by Tina

Tips on How To Pass Your Final Exams by Tina - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

In the midst of preparing for finals, it is crucial to have developed unconditionally reliable studying methods to ensure the best preparation for final exams. By observing my preferences, I have developed a system of studying that has helped me feel confident and ready for my exams.
First, as a visual and a kinesthetic learner, I find that I review best by simplifying and rewriting my notes in my own words. I like to organize the concepts into separate headings and subheadings, then physically rewrite the material onto scratch paper, or type it out onto a word document. This provides a visually appealing, simplified, and concise version of the notes as opposed to an overwhelmingly compressed notebook in which the information is limited to the confines of the lines of notebook paper. Reading the simplified and organized version of my notes allows me to refrain from skimming over words and symbols while reviewing. This method is especially helpful for organizing, for example, the hierarchy of a concept, or all the types of concepts that exist within a single category. I find that this method engages my mind much more than merely reading my notes to review. In addition to simply passively reviewing, I am also able to actively recall while recopying my notes, which has been more effective for me.
Furthermore, it has been extremely useful for me to to study using distributed rehearsal-- studying the copious amount of concepts in small increments over a long period of time. With distributed rehearsal, I am able to retain reviewed information effectively, as opposed to cramming over a span of a few days-- or in the worst case scenario, a day before the exam. Spreading out the material over a course of a week or more, this also reduces the stress and anxiety that accompanies studying a day prior to the test; last-minute cramming always results with me wondering if I am able to retain all that I have crammed in the past few hours. The reduction in stress and anxiety allows for an elevated feeling of confidence-- as compared to the level of confidence during cramming. Last-minute cramming also often results in staying up extremely late the day prior to the test, but distributed rehearsal allows one to be well rested during the test. Altogether, distributed rehearsal creates feelings of confidence and alertness, which allow final exams to be much more manageable and successful.
Lastly, due to the placebo effect-- a placebo that does not influence behavior ends up influencing said behavior simply due to one’s belief that the placebo will affect the behavior-- I sleep with my review materials under my pillow the night prior to the test. I believe that if I review one last time before I go to sleep, then place the review materials underneath my pillow, this will help me pass the test with an A. This may or may not be scientifically proven to help, but my belief that is does certainly helps me feel confident about the test.
In essence, the sum of these different methods helps me prepare for final exams by efficiently and actively helping me review my concepts as well as reinforcing my confidence about the test. These methods encourage a positive attitude, and at times, that is where progress begins.