It’s that time again! Students across the country are gearing up for their final examinations. Studying for your finals does not have to be a shock to the nerve-system. Breathe, count to ten and get ready to ACE your finals.
Strategies to Prepare you for Your Final Exams
Your end of year exams are crucial. The marks you obtain affect your future choices greatly. Ensure that your study options after matric are not limited and apply these strategies when preparing for finals. With these tips, getting that matric certificate will be a walk in the park.
Create a Study Schedule – and Stick to it
By now you’ve learned that academic success is all about planning. Once you’ve gotten your exam timetable, create a study schedule. Be specific with dates, time and even include breaks. The more detailed you are, the more likely you’ll actually stick to it.
Start Early
Don’t wait for the night before an exam to start studying. You will only be setting yourself up for failure. Studying the night before will only create stress,making it more difficult to retain knowledge. Start studying way ahead of time and go through a piece of homework daily.
Organise a Group Study Session
Studying in groups is a great way to prepare for your matric exams. You and your fellow classmates will be able to share information and hold one another accountable. Remember, these groups are for studying so stick to that.
Ask Questions
There is no such thing as a dumb question. If you’re feeling unsure, go ahead and ask your teachers or classmates. The odds are there will be someone else in the class who is also uncertain. They’ll be thanking you for your bravery.
Study for the Style of the Exam
Go through old exam papers and get a feel on the style of each subject’s exam. Some papers focus on multiple questions and others need you to give answers with examples. Focus on the style of the exam and you won’t be thrown for a loop the day of.
Make it fun!
Can studying be fun? That’s completely up to you. Find ways to make it exciting for yourself. Study with mind maps, make up funny rhymes to remember things or do colour coded charts. Whatever works best for you, do that.
How Long Should You Study for Finals?
There is no right way to answer this question. Everyone learns different and remembers things differently. However, studying for your final exams is important. So, your best bet is to start studying as soon as possible. Go through your textbooks and make notes on what work you understand and which parts require more of your attention. Some subjects will require more time than others so you must consider that too.
What is the Best Way to Study for Final Exams?
Is there a right way to study for your exams? Absolutely. There are some key things you must avoid when preparing for end of year exams.
Say no to Cramming: DON’T cram all your work in the night before. This is why planning is crucial. Your long-term memory is much more effective than your short-term memory. So study ahead of time.
Take Care of Yourself: Cardio and eating healthy are proven to help stimulate the brain. Eat well, exercise and get enough sleep during this time.
Time Management: Most students have other responsibilities and work to complete while they are studying. Make sure you prioritise your study time. The sacrifices will pay off.
Avoid All Nighters: If you aren’t getting enough rest you won’t be able to concentrate during the exams. This could result in making silly mistakes. Try and enter the exam room well rested and calm.
NO Distractions: During this time, studying for your exams should be your top priority. Put your phone away and switch off the TV when you’re studying. It will make it easier to focus on what really matters.
What Study Resources are Available to me?
You don’t have to rely solely on your textbooks and notes for guidance. If you need a little more help, there are many resources you can access.
Past Matric Papers
If you are doing your adult matric with us, you can access past matric papers on our online student platform. Alternatively, you can also have a look at the Department of Basic Education’s Website. Going through past exam papers is a great way to prepare for finals.
Tutors
Our tutors are always ready and available to answer any questions students may have. Feel free to email or call them if you are having difficulties with the coursework. They are professionals in the field and offer quality service.
Online Study Groups
Engage with other students on our online study groups. Discuss the work and feed off one another’s energy. Other students may have insights that you haven’t gained yet. Ask for help and set up study dates. Teamwork makes the dream work.
Study Techniques That Work
If you haven’t found the study technique that works for you yet, try the following methods. They all have been proven to work. So find the method that works for you and stick to it.
Note Taking: Take lots of notes during class or when you’re studying for your finals. Try and simplify certain explanations and use language that you understand. This will make it easier to remember.
Auditory response: If you remember things best once you hear it, this method is for you. To understand concepts watch videos online or record your lecturers.
The Buddy system: Study with someone and talk through your work. Quiz one another and exchange notes.
Visual Aids: Some people are visual learners. Try mind maps, charts and colour coded cue cards to study.
Remember, the only way to succeed at your exams is start studying for your finals as soon as possible and stay focused! The results you obtain will influence your study choices, so it is important that you make it count. Apply these tips, get the marks you want and apply for our courses to access higher education.
Study SMART and ACE Your Final Exams!
Start your next adventure with a college that cares. We offer courses for everyone! Speak to our course consultants today. Contact us on 080 039 0027 or fill in our contact form – we’ll get back to you.
