As reading days commence and finals preparation begins, students will undoubtedly put themselves through a string of all-nighters and endless cramming. But before cracking open the first Red Bull or 5-hour Energy, students should consider if they are studying correctly. Sue Bierman, director of the SMU Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC), offers students some advice on how to have a healthy and successful finals week.
While a student’s first inclination may be to cram for exams in the order they will take them, Bierman warns against this. “Students should study some material from each of their classes everyday, with an emphasis on the nearest test,” she said. “Thirty minutes each day will do more than a four hour block.” Studying in small chunks helps keep test anxiety at bay and will ultimately help students feel more prepared. Students also shouldn’t spend all day in the library or their favorite study spot. Bierman advised students to “Eat well and go out and exercise. Studying can be frustrating and going for a run or hitting the gym can provide a relaxing break.”
No matter how tempting an all-nighter can be, students should also focus on getting a good night’s sleep. “Keeping a normal sleep schedule is important for being at your sharpest during an exam,” Bierman said.
Struggling students should also know that help is still available. Tutors will be available on a drop-in basis from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every night of exams week. While the A-LEC offers tutoring in most courses, students should call the center before dropping in to make sure tutors for the subject they want are currently working. Bierman also recommends that students take advantage of professor office hours. “Professors are a student’s best asset,” she said. “After all, they’re the ones writing the exams.”
Meaghan Poulin, a junior majoring in Communications and PR, likes to attend as many review sessions as possible. “I like to go to every review session offered, professors often use example questions very similar to the one on the final,” she said.
Students who are doing poorly in one class but well in all their other courses should be realistic when they study. “If you need to get a 150 percent to pull off a C in a class, you should focus on classes where you have a better chance of succeeding,” Bierman said. While students should obviously study for all their exams, it’s important to realize where you can be most successful.
Brannon Bradshaw, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in math, prioritizes his studying. “I look at what days I have my tests, figure out what I need to study for each of them, and then think about what which ones I need to study for the most,” he said.
Ultimately, the most important thing a student can do to prepare for exams is stay true to their successful study habits. “Don’t abandon what makes you successful,” Bierman said.
For Poulin, that means getting off campus. “I like to study off campus. Getting away from Fondren is much more relaxing and productive way to study for tests,” she said.
