The first exams of the year are more important than most students think.
A course syllabus may say one test is only worth 10 percent of the overall grade, but that is 10 percent that just can”t be failed. College courses generally don”t assign a lot of busy work, so most of the course grade depends on the tests or papers. Receiving a “C” on the first exam makes it hard to come back to an “A” by the end of semester.
To combat failing exams, it is imperative that students study the material. Studying is made easier when there is a friend to study with or when there are study groups to join in the class. Don”t ever be afraid to ask the professor for help, either. If there are things that don”t make sense in the lecture notes or clarification is needed, schedule an appointment or visit during their office hours to ask for help. Professors want their students to succeed.
Grades aren”t just given in the classroom though. While studying is a huge part of knowing the material on a test, it is also important for students to take care of themselves. Rest and proper nutrition are key parts in staying focused and energized during class, while studying or taking the test. Pulling all-nighters in order to study is not actually beneficial, and can hurt a student”s chances of receiving a high grade.
It is beneficial to study before sleeping, but not cramming. The brain is more likely to remember things that were done right before sleep, which is why people say to study a foreign language before bed. The subconscious creates dreams around the material and works through tough problems while bodies sleep. The information is retained better and more effectively.
Having proper nutrition also helps. Students who skip breakfast, lunch or dinner in order to spend extra time studying for the exam will find it more difficult to focus on the test. Every bit of studying matters and helps, but not at the expense of staying healthy enough to make it through exams.
A final key ingredient to success is managing stress. College is stressful, studying even more so, which is why it is important to start practicing stress relief preemptively. Working out in any form usually helps get rid of stress. The Student Recreation Center is free for students and offers opportunities to do yoga, climb the rock wall, lift weights or just run around the indoor track. Exercising also gives the brain some time to figure out complex problems on its own.
Another stress reliever is simply being with friends. Play some games, cook dinner or just sit and talk. It is OK to take a break from studying to just get some human interaction during the day.
The same study strategy doesn”t work for everyone. Find what works for you and stick to it.
Developing good habits on the first test of semester is a great way to ensure success further down the road.
– CW