Study Tips for Finals

Back to News List

Thursday, May 09, 2013

As the academic transition coach in the Center for Teaching and Learning at York College, Kimberly Witzig provides study tips to students throughout the academic year. As finals approach, more and more students have questions about their study habits and what they can do to get to the best grades possible on their exams.

Below are just a few tips from Witzig to help students get started.

1. DO NOT CRAM.
2. Think of exams as a challenge and embrace them! 
3. Set up a finals schedule according to difficulty. “Not all finals need the same amount of attention.”   
4. Study in a quiet, low traffic environment. “The best place at York College is the top floor of the library.”
5. Study in increments of 30-45 minutes for three-hour spans. “Then, take a large break for 2-3 hours, then repeat.”
6. Make sure after every 30-45 minute study session you take a 2-5 minute break. “Taking a break between subjects allows different parts of your brain to rest and others to be activated, resulting in motivation to go back to studying. During these breaks, exercise, listen to music, have something to eat or drink, or take a bathroom break.”
7. Items not allowed during 30-45 minute study sessions: phone, computer, friends, family, music, food or drink. “All of these items are considered ‘Black Holes.’ They are all things that distract us from truly comprehending information. The objectives of the 30-45 minute study sessions are to be efficient and effective with our time and comprehension.”