Why is studying for finals so hard

Skip to content Home What is finals week like in college? Ben Davis May 31, What is finals week like in college? What are finals in college? When should you start studying for college finals? Do you have to pass finals in college? Are Finals hard? How long do Finals last? The right music can make your study session both more enjoyable and more effective. Several studies highlight the value of classical music, in particular. For example, in a study published in Learning and Individual Differences , researchers discovered that lectures involving classical background music prompted higher quiz scores than similar lectures that lacked such music.

The main theory underscoring these results: Music places students in a heightened emotional state that makes them far more receptive to information than they would be under ordinary circumstances.

Experts at the Duke Cancer Institute also believe that music boosts retention because it reduces anxiety. Research suggests that the mere presence of a smartphone is enough to prevent most people from learning effectively—even when showing restraint and managing to avoid scrolling through notifications.

While apps and alarms might seem helpful, they may not make up for the inherent distraction that comes with keeping your phone in your study space. For best results, commit to turning your phone off for at least an hour and placing it in a safe space as far from your desk as possible.

No one study method works equally well for everyone. Some people learn best from reading notes out loud, while others benefit from flashcards or highlighters. Experiment with several approaches until you find a strategy that best addresses your unique needs.

As you try different approaches to studying, consider this effective option: Develop and answer questions that might realistically be found on your exams.

This method provides a variety of benefits. First, it forces you to boil down weeks of learning into a few basic takeaways. Writing sample questions also allows you to think like an instructor. This thought process may benefit you when the actual exam arrives. Finally, self-created tests help you determine where your main gaps in knowledge lie for a clear indication of the topics that warrant closer review.

While these gatherings are most beneficial if they take place throughout the entire course of the semester, they can provide plenty of value in the last few days before finals. If nothing else, commiserating over test prep may ease your stress. Make a plan with friends to review the class material, compare notes, or work through tricky concepts. You'll benefit from the good study habits and notes of the other members in your study group.

Now that you know what key concepts from each subject you need to prioritize, find the best way to review and internalize what you predict will be on the final exam. Make flash cards to help you memorize dates and equations. For example, using the name Roy G. Biv helps to remember the order of colors in a rainbow. Outline your class notes for daily review. Notes and flashcards are also great for last-minute review the morning of your exam. Students tend to remember the information they've been quizzed on better than the information they simply review.

You may even forget some of it by the time the test begins. Take breaks to improve your concentration when you return to studying: Veg out with an episode of your favorite TV show or play a couple rounds of Wii tennis.

Memorizing means finding ways to remember and repeat facts. Understanding goes a little deeper, and means you can apply new knowledge to various scenarios and know how it relates to other concepts. College exams often test understanding, not just memorization. If your professor or teacher assistant is offering a pre-test review session before finals week, make sure to attend.

This is where you can learn important information on the format of the exam and what may be covered in the questions, as well as key topics to focus your studies. TIP: Final exams and midterms tend to count heavily toward your final average, whereas classwork, papers, and quizzes tend to factor in less. Check your syllabus to find out how your college exams will affect your final grade.

Keeping your mind on track can be as simple as taking a break from your phone and your friends. Put on some instrumental music or noise-canceling headphones and put your mobile on airplane mode to help you focus on your studies.

Give your brain and body a chance to refresh so you can approach the material with energy and focus. Short study sessions are more effective and help you make the most of your study time. TIP: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can give you more energy and better comprehension.

A yoga or stretching session can help with concentration and focus. Filling up on junk food to save time is not the smartest strategy for studying. Cramming in all your studying during finals week can lead to burnout and anxiety. Split the material into topics and review in stages to fully absorb information into real understanding see tip The night before, write out a few key ideas to look over before the exam.

If you take a one-hour class, you need to take two extra hours out of the classroom to study. Different types of college exams require different study approaches.

Multiple choice means focusing on definitions and concepts. Essay tests require you to exhibit a conceptual understanding of the material. Ask your professor about the format of the exam so you know how to prepare. Explaining concepts to a classmate is a great way to make sure you really understand the material yourself—and to help them learn as well.

When you find new ways to explain a concept, you are mastering the information by processing it for others. Breaking down the material into small pieces and creating acronyms, phrases, rhymes, or metaphors can be a valuable—and fun—way to memorize concepts. No matter how silly, this method can help you remember important concepts for your exams. Share your useful acronyms and rhymes with your study group to give other students interesting and unexpected study techniques.

Once you know the format, try creating a practice exam based on what you think the test might cover. This will help you understand the material on a deeper level, and guide what you should be studying. You can then use your practice exam to quiz yourself and your study group.