1. P REPARING FOR F INALS University Counseling Center Study Skills Seminar Memorial Hall, First Floor

2. U NIVERSITY C OUNSELING C ENTER (UCC) Memorial Hall 102 M, T, W, Th 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (309) 298-2453 www.ucc.wiu.edu

3. UCC S ERVICES o Individual Counseling o Group Counseling o Career Counseling o Academic or learning skills assistance o Outreach Programming o Academic Instruction o Assessments  Psychological  Vocational  Learning Disabilities  Standardized tests o Consultation o Training of Graduate Students/ Interns

4. T ODAY ’ S P ROGRAM Preparing for Finals

5. P REPARING TO STUDY Plan Ahead (beginning of semester) Check syllabus to convert over to personal calendar Create weekly/monthly schedule to remind of important due dates (e.g., reading assignments, homework, tests) Create daily schedule to remind of study times Determine what materials are needed (e.g., textbooks, notebooks, laptop, etc.) Meet with professor to discuss questions (at least 1 week prior to exam) What to expect on test? What types of questions are on the test? What are the take-home points? What should I be looking at/studying the most? What materials will be covered on the test

6. P REP T IME B EFORE THE T EST Make a list of what you have left to do (chapters to read, assignments to complete) Make a schedule Figure out how much time you have left before each exam, figure out how much studying you have to do, make a schedule for studying— (write it down) Meet with classmates (at least 2 days before exam) Compare notes Discuss understandings and confusions with material

7. F INALS S TUDY T IPS Take one exam at a time FLASHCARDS! Especially for tests with a lot of vocabulary Go through bold headings and summaries at the end of all chapters included on the midterm Read through notes several times Use Mnemonic Devices to memorize lists or important facts Examples? Fill out any study guides the professor may hand out!

8. P REPARING FOR E XAM W EEK Developing Appropriate Attitude Convince yourself you can do well on the test (otherwise, self-fulfilling prophecy—if you convince yourself you can’t do something, then you won’t be able to) Take time to breathe and relax Realize that no matter how you perform, you have a second opportunity with finals

9. P REPARING FOR E XAM W EEK C ONT. Keep yourself healthy Budget your time wisely for both studying AND sleep (aim for 6-8 hrs.) All nighters are NOT good—hard to retain information Take a nap, then allow enough time to recuperate (maybe go for a walk)—don’t forget to set your alarm clock!! Take time for yourself before going to bed (e.g., listen to music, take a walk); something to refresh your battery Eat healthy food/snacks in moderation (being too full can slow down your mind) Stay clear of excessive caffeine!! Use in moderation, if at all. If you normally drink coffee (or any other caffeine) stay on normal amount, but if you don’t usually drink any don’t start now! WATER is a great alternative! Make time for physical exercise, but not right before going to bed. Use relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, stretching, or yoga can help ward off anxiety and stress. Night before—pasta meal—carbs= brain food!

10. T HE B IG D AY : E XAM D AY Get to the test site early (10-15 minutes early) to allot enough time to be prepared/find a seat—Wear comfortable clothing Stay hydrated—brain will work better Don’t eat a lot right before an exam (small portions)– Relax – do stretches in your seat Psych yourself up

11. E XAM D AY C ONTINUED Write any mnemonic devices on your test – as soon as you are allowed to start, write out a few lists you’ve memorized in the margins of your test so you can use them later Read the instructions carefully Budget your time – make sure that when the class is half over, you are at least half way done with the test. If one question is too hard, skip it and come back later Look for answers/clues in the question or in other questions Don’t let mental blocks stop you – If a question has you stumped, move on. Make educated guesses—try not to leave questions blank Always check over your answers! If you have time run through the entire test (make sure ovals are filled) to avoid careless mistakes

12. T AKING D IFFERENT T YPES OF T ESTS Multiple Choice Answer the easy questions first – you can cycle through and answer the more and more difficult ones later. Read the question and the possible answers carefully – make sure you understand the question (is it a negative question “which answer is wrong?”) and don’t just go for the first answer that seems right – sometimes the alternatives only differ by one or two words Guess if you need to. Eliminate the answers you know are wrong.

13. T AKING D IFFERENT T YPES OF T ESTS C ONT. Essay Make a mental outline or write one down on scratch paper. It’s usually good to make one major point per paragraph. Make sure your answer is clear and concise; don’t say the same thing over and over by slightly rewording sentences. Incorporate your own insights and give examples to support the essay response.

14. T HANKS & GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR F INALS !