Leading up to Final Exams

My students and I are back from Thanksgiving break and heading into the last two weeks of classes and final exams.  The time will go fast and there is lots to do.  Some things students have to consider are:

·         When and where are your finals?

·         Do you have any back-to-back or several in one day?  If a professor teaches more than one section of the course he or she may be willing to let you take the exam with a different section.

·         Is each final cumulative or just on the final unit of the course?

·         Do you have all of the information you need?

·         What is your current grade in each course?  If it is right on the edge of either a higher or lower grade, you need to put extra effort into that class.

·         Make sure you are not missing any work from each course.

Many institutions had an entire week off, and it is often difficult to get back into the academic routine.  One thing you can do is review your goals for the semester in order to get a little extra motivation.  It is also helpful to attend some fun holiday activities sponsored by the college or university, but not too many.

This time period goes extremely quickly, so it is important to focus and work hard.  At this point easing off on your studies or pushing a little harder can make a difference in your grades.

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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.  It is a great Christmas gift for a high school senior!