The ultimate guide to ace your final exams

Just take one step at a time and you’ll reach the finish line!

Ah, final exams. It’s the time of year when your brain feels like it’s running on fumes, coffee becomes your new best friend and the library becomes your second home. And let’s not even talk about how your sleep schedule gets completely messed up.

But don’t panic, just like any challenge, finals are something you can overcome if you approach them with a plan and a few good breaks along the way. The trick is to pace yourself and remember that it’s all about taking things one step at a time.

So, take a deep breath, set up your study space and let’s dive into some simple ways to survive the exam season without losing your mind.

Create a study plan

A person is making notes in a notebook. — *Via GIPHY*

First things first, get organized. Think of your study materials like puzzle pieces. If you throw them all on the floor and try to make sense of them at once, it’ll just feel like chaos. But if you start putting the pieces together one by one, the puzzle will start to take shape.

Gather your notes, textbooks and any study guides you’ve been collecting throughout the semester. Get them all in one place so you don’t waste time searching for that one page you need.

Break your subjects into smaller chunks. For example, if you’re studying for a history exam, break it down by chapters or major events. Don’t try to learn everything in one sitting, focus on one thing at a time.

As you finish each chunk, give yourself a little reward, like a snack or a short break. This will motivate you to go further and improve your performance.

Manage your time properly

A man is shutting the laptop and standing up while saying "Break time." — *Via GIPHY*

When you plan a road trip, you obviously map out your route, set your sights on the end goal and plan your rest stops. The same goes for studying. Set aside specific times for each subject and stick to your plan. Try studying one subject for about an hour, then take a short break. If you study for too long without rest, then you will start to feel burnt out.

Try out the “study and snack” technique. Study for 30 minutes, then take a 10-minute break to grab a healthy snack, check your phone (just for a few minutes OK!) or stretch your legs. These little breaks help your brain stay fresh.

Also, make sure to mix up your subjects. If you study math for an hour, then switch to literature, your brain will stay engaged without getting too tired of one thing.

Self-care is extremely important

A man with a skin care mask is eating a cucumber and putting it back on his eye. — *Via GIPHY*

It’s easy to forget about self-care when you’re buried in textbooks, but your body is your vehicle and you wouldn’t let your car run on empty, would you? So don’t let yourself do the same.

Aim for seven-eight hours of sleep, even if it means cutting back on those late-night study marathons. Drink water like it’s part of your job. When you are hydrated, you are more sharp and focused.

Don’t forget to take real breaks too. Step away from the books for a bit. Go for a walk, listen to music or even try some yoga (even if it’s just lying down on the floor for a few minutes to recharge). These breaks are essential for keeping your energy up.

Revise and review

A man is rapidly turning the pages of a book. — *Via GIPHY*

When it comes time for revision, don’t try to cram everything into one night. Trying to memorize all of your notes at once is like trying to shove all your belongings into one cupboard — it’s just not going to fit. Instead, revise the most important points and focus on what you don’t feel confident about.

One simple way to revise and review is to pretend you’re teaching it to someone, like your pet for example (your cat might not be interested in organic chemistry). Explaining the material out loud helps your brain process it better.

Flashcards are another great tool, especially for memorizing key terms or concepts. Keep it light and don’t stress over trying to memorize everything at once!

Staying positive and focused

A dog is happily working on a computer and the words "POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE" are written below. — *Via GIPHY*

At the end of the day, finals are important, but they’re just one chapter in your entire academic journey. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the moment, but try to remember: no matter what happens, you’re doing the best you can and that’s truly all you can ask of yourself.

Stay calm, keep things in perspective and focus on tackling one task at a time. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to give it your best shot. And at the end of it, that’s something to be proud of.

When you finish your last exam, don’t rush off immediately to worry about what’s next. Take a moment to pause, breathe and appreciate what you’ve just accomplished.

You’ve put in the work and now it’s time to take a well-deserved break and recharge for whatever comes next.

A woman is saying the words "YOU'VE GOT EVERYTHING THAT IT TAKES." — *Via GIPHY*

Finals might seem like an uphill battle, but with the right approach, you’ll get to the top. Organize your materials, manage your time, take care of yourself and revise smartly. It’s all about taking things one step at a time, like walking up a mountain, you’ll get there and it’ll be worth the climb.

Whether you nailed every question or didn’t get the grade you hoped for, finishing final exams is a victory in itself. Celebrate that.

Keep your head high, stay positive and know that this too shall pass. Finals will be a memory before you know it and you’ll come out stronger on the other side. You’ve got this!

So go ahead, take that first step and conquer those finals like a boss!

Feature image courtesy of Jeswin Thomas via Unsplash.

Looking for more resources to ace your finals? Check out best on-campus resources to help you nail your final exams!