PREPARING FOR
FINALS
University Counseling Center
Study Skills Seminar
Memorial Hall, First Floor
UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER (UCC)
Memorial Hall 102
M, T, W, Th
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday
8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(309) 298-2453
www.ucc.wiu.edu
UCC SERVICES
o Individual
Counseling
o Group Counseling
o Career Counseling
o Academic or learning
skills assistance
o Outreach
Programming
o Academic Instruction
oAssessments
Psychological
Vocational
Learning
Disabilities
Standardized tests
oConsultation
oTraining of Graduate
Students/ Interns
TODAY’S PROGRAM
Preparing for Finals
PREPARING TO STUDY

Plan Ahead (beginning of semester)

Check syllabus to convert over to personal calendar
Create weekly/monthly schedule to remind of important due
dates (e.g., reading assignments, homework, tests)
 Create daily schedule to remind of study times
 Determine what materials are needed (e.g., textbooks,
notebooks, laptop, etc.)


Meet with professor to discuss questions (at least
1 week prior to exam)
What to expect on test? What types of questions are
on the test?
 What are the take-home points? What should I be
looking at/studying the most? What materials will be
covered on the test

PREP TIME BEFORE THE TEST
Make a list of what you have left to do (chapters
to read, assignments to complete)
 Make a schedule
• Figure out how much time you have left before
each exam, figure out how much studying you
have to do, make a schedule for studying—
(write it down)
 Meet with classmates (at least 2 days before
exam)

Compare notes
 Discuss understandings and confusions with material

FINALS STUDY TIPS
Take one exam at a time
 FLASHCARDS!


Especially for tests with a lot of vocabulary
Go through bold headings and summaries at
the end of all chapters included on the midterm
 Read through notes several times
 Use Mnemonic Devices to memorize lists or
important facts



Examples?
Fill out any study guides the professor may
hand out!
PREPARING FOR EXAM WEEK

Developing Appropriate Attitude
Convince yourself you can do well on the test
(otherwise, self-fulfilling prophecy—if you convince
yourself you can’t do something, then you won’t be
able to)
 Take time to breathe and relax
 Realize that no matter how you perform, you have a
second opportunity with finals

PREPARING FOR EXAM WEEK CONT.

Keep yourself healthy
Budget your time wisely for both studying AND sleep (aim for
6-8 hrs.) All nighters are NOT good—hard to retain
information
 Take a nap, then allow enough time to recuperate (maybe go
for a walk)—don’t forget to set your alarm clock!!
 Take time for yourself before going to bed (e.g., listen to music,
take a walk); something to refresh your battery
 Eat healthy food/snacks in moderation (being too full can slow
down your mind)
 Stay clear of excessive caffeine!! Use in moderation, if at all. If
you normally drink coffee (or any other caffeine) stay on
normal amount, but if you don’t usually drink any don’t start
now! WATER is a great alternative!
 Make time for physical exercise, but not right before going to
bed.
 Use relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, stretching, or
yoga can help ward off anxiety and stress.
 Night before—pasta meal—carbs= brain food!

THE BIG DAY: EXAM DAY
 Get
to the test site early (10-15 minutes
early) to allot enough time to be
prepared/find a seat—Wear comfortable
clothing
 Stay hydrated—brain will work better
 Don’t eat a lot right before an exam (small
portions)–
 Relax – do stretches in your seat
 Psych yourself up
EXAM DAY CONTINUED







Write any mnemonic devices on your test – as soon as
you are allowed to start, write out a few lists you’ve
memorized in the margins of your test so you can use
them later
Read the instructions carefully
Budget your time – make sure that when the class is
half over, you are at least half way done with the test. If
one question is too hard, skip it and come back later
Look for answers/clues in the question or in other
questions
Don’t let mental blocks stop you – If a question has you
stumped, move on.
Make educated guesses—try not to leave questions
blank
Always check over your answers! If you have time run
through the entire test (make sure ovals are filled) to
avoid careless mistakes
TAKING DIFFERENT TYPES OF TESTS

Multiple Choice
Answer the easy questions first – you can cycle
through and answer the more and more difficult ones
later.
 Read the question and the possible answers carefully
– make sure you understand the question (is it a
negative question “which answer is wrong?”) and
don’t just go for the first answer that seems right –
sometimes the alternatives only differ by one or two
words
 Guess if you need to. Eliminate the answers you
know are wrong.

TAKING DIFFERENT TYPES OF TESTS CONT.

Essay
Make a mental outline or write one down on scratch
paper. It’s usually good to make one major point per
paragraph.
 Make sure your answer is clear and concise; don’t say
the same thing over and over by slightly rewording
sentences.
 Incorporate your own insights and give examples to
support the essay response.

THANKS & GOOD LUCK WITH
YOUR FINALS!