Final exams are quickly approaching. Students have two weeks until the madness of comprehensive exams, final projects and for some, endless nights studying at Milner Library.

If the thought of finals week makes you cringe, Rebecca Elliott, Coordinator of Academic Services, recommends that you should start studying now. Preparation, especially for comprehensive exams, will help ensure success.

However, before students hit the books, creating a study plan is crucial. Some classes will need more attention than others.

“I encourage students to actually sit down and ask, ‘What is my grade right now?’ And then ask, ‘What do I need to get on the final to get the grade I want in the class?’ or in some cases just to pass the class. This can really help students prioritize their studying. You might have four or five finals. So this tells you which class to spend the most time studying for,” Elliott said

Cramming is never encouraged. The eight-day study plan is used by many students to avoid cramming. Students should study one section each day for four days. The fifth day should include the first and second sections, the sixth day should include the third and forth and so on.

Avoiding cramming will not only help students academically, but it also helps mentally and physically prepare students for finals. Studying a little bit each day helps students keep their routine. Often times, students stop exercising and eating right during finals.

“Eating healthy and making sure you have healthy snacks and sleeping will help you prepare for finals. When you are stressed, you are more likely to get sick. No one wants to have the flu during finals,” Elliott said.

How and where students study is also important. Studying with a group can be beneficial. Sharing study guides and making up example test questions helps students stay on track. Flash cards also help students remember key terms and ideas.

“I usually make notecards for all of my classes, and I’ll either study in my apartment or Milner,” Mary Patterson, junior visual communication major, said.


Andrew S. Avitt / Daily Vidette Photographer: 'Eating healthy helps to ensure the brain gets enough energy. Eating healthy and making sure you have healthy snacks and sleeping will help you prepare for finals,' Rebecca Elliott, Coordinator of Academic Services, said.

The location in which you study also has an effect on your success.

“Studying in an environment that is similar to where you will take the test is the most conducive. A quiet place where you can sit comfortably is ideal. A lot of students try studying in bed. This is not a good place to study, you are more likely to fall asleep. You also want to be in a place where you can minimize distractions … If you are one who studies a little then looks at Facebook, you need to go to a place with as little distractions as possible,” Elliott said.

University College will be holding a workshop on studying for finals from Nov. 27 through Dec. 6. The workshop will include tips on studying techniques, relaxation, and how to create study guides and example questions. For more information visit ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/workshops/finals.