UML - Centers for Learning: Final Exam Preparation
Final Exam Preparation
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL EXAMS!
Centers for Learning & Academic Support Services, UMass Lowell
www.uml.edu/class (978) 934-2936
Organization 3 WEEKS BEFORE: April 27 - May 1
• Ask instructors about the content and format of final exams.
• Review your old tests and quizzes for cumulative finals.
• Answer questions/review solutions you didn’t know the first time.
• Go back to early chapters in your texts and review chapter summaries; re-work some homework problems.
• Determine what you know/understand and what you do not know/understand.
• Writing a research paper or essay? Meet with a tutor at the Write Place: SO321 x2292 or O’Leary x2941.
• Map out your final exam schedule on the reverse side of this sheet.
Mini-Review 2 WEEKS BEFORE: May 4 – May 8
• Pick up sample exams from Tutoring Centers: SO 321 and O’Leary 3rd floor.
• Organize your notes and outline topics for systematic review.
• Create a study checklist of all material to be reviewed, including chapters from text and notes.
• Form a study group with classmates; share your strengths and quiz each other.
• Get help from a peer tutor in SO 321 and O’Leary 3rd floor.
• Be sure you don’t spend more time on the stuff you know than on the stuff you don’t know.
• Develop summary sheets/mind maps of important topics.
• Check professors’ websites for supplementary course material.
• Develop a study schedule by estimating how much time you need for each item on your study checklist. This is your Plan of Action!
Intensive Study 1 WEEK BEFORE: May 11 – Reading Day May 14
• Follow study schedule developed previous week.
• Keep up with current course readings and assignments.
• Review your lecture notes and textbook notes.
• Take breaks!
• Use mind maps to get “big picture” of course material: relationships, connections, associations.
• Use flash cards for memorization of detail.
• Create mnemonic devices for memorization of vocabulary terms.
• Outline answers for possible essay questions.
• Complete practice problems for math-based courses.
Review EXAM WEEK May 15 – May 21
• Breathe! You are prepared, so feel confident and positive in your ability.
• Attend a review session at the Tutoring Center: SO 321 and O’Leary 3rd floor.
• Continue to review textbook: look over headings, introductory and summary statements.
• Recite information aloud.
• Create and take self-tests.
• Reduce test anxiety by avoiding last-minute cramming right before your exams.
• Eat well and stay active! Get plenty of sleep.
Centers for Learning & Academic Support Services, UMass Lowell
www.uml.edu/class (978) 934-2936
Organization 3 WEEKS BEFORE: April 27 - May 1
• Ask instructors about the content and format of final exams.
• Review your old tests and quizzes for cumulative finals.
• Answer questions/review solutions you didn’t know the first time.
• Go back to early chapters in your texts and review chapter summaries; re-work some homework problems.
• Determine what you know/understand and what you do not know/understand.
• Writing a research paper or essay? Meet with a tutor at the Write Place: SO321 x2292 or O’Leary x2941.
• Map out your final exam schedule on the reverse side of this sheet.
Mini-Review 2 WEEKS BEFORE: May 4 – May 8
• Pick up sample exams from Tutoring Centers: SO 321 and O’Leary 3rd floor.
• Organize your notes and outline topics for systematic review.
• Create a study checklist of all material to be reviewed, including chapters from text and notes.
• Form a study group with classmates; share your strengths and quiz each other.
• Get help from a peer tutor in SO 321 and O’Leary 3rd floor.
• Be sure you don’t spend more time on the stuff you know than on the stuff you don’t know.
• Develop summary sheets/mind maps of important topics.
• Check professors’ websites for supplementary course material.
• Develop a study schedule by estimating how much time you need for each item on your study checklist. This is your Plan of Action!
Intensive Study 1 WEEK BEFORE: May 11 – Reading Day May 14
• Follow study schedule developed previous week.
• Keep up with current course readings and assignments.
• Review your lecture notes and textbook notes.
• Take breaks!
• Use mind maps to get “big picture” of course material: relationships, connections, associations.
• Use flash cards for memorization of detail.
• Create mnemonic devices for memorization of vocabulary terms.
• Outline answers for possible essay questions.
• Complete practice problems for math-based courses.
Review EXAM WEEK May 15 – May 21
• Breathe! You are prepared, so feel confident and positive in your ability.
• Attend a review session at the Tutoring Center: SO 321 and O’Leary 3rd floor.
• Continue to review textbook: look over headings, introductory and summary statements.
• Recite information aloud.
• Create and take self-tests.
• Reduce test anxiety by avoiding last-minute cramming right before your exams.
• Eat well and stay active! Get plenty of sleep.