Getting ready for a math final involves a bit of strategy. First off, it's all about tackling the tough stuff head-on. When diving into your study material, start with the tricky, unfamiliar problems. Sure, they might seem daunting at first, but facing them early on means you'll have more time to figure them out and seek help if needed. And if they start to overwhelm you, don't sweat it! Take a step back and warm up with some easier problems related to the same topic. It's like building up your muscles before lifting the heavy weights.
How to prepare...
Prioritize your study time by tackling the tough, unfamiliar problems first. If they overwhelm you, start with easier related problems and work your way up.
When you encounter a problem you can't recall how to solve, simplify it to jog your memory. For instance, if converting 5.6% to a decimal stumps you, start with 5% and adjust accordingly. Simplifying can often spark your memory.
Keep a list of equations you need to memorize for the exam. Practice writing them down from memory to ensure they become second nature by exam day.
Take planned breaks during study sessions to improve retention, reduce stress, and maintain enjoyment. Focus on activities that refresh your eyes, neck, and mind, like walking or dancing, rather than screen-based distractions.
Review past assignments and exams to identify recurring topics and prioritize your studying accordingly.
Start studying early to avoid overwhelming yourself with last-minute cramming. Divide your study time into manageable segments over several days or weeks leading up to the exam.
Utilize practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas needing extra review, especially for cumulative exams covering material from the entire semester.
Review similar exams to practice the format of questions and simulate the test-taking environment. Consider taking timed practice exams to build confidence and familiarity with exam conditions.
During the final…
Another tip from one of my successful students: When you get your math final, close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and then open your eyes to begin. This will help you focus.
Write down all of the equations you need to know at the top of the page before you even look at any of the problems. That way you won’t need to worry about keeping them in your brain while you’re going through the test. It will be way more relaxing knowing they’re already written down and right there for you.
Once you start going through the test, make sure to do the easy problems first.
No one problem is worth a lot of your time or worth freaking out over. So if you find yourself getting really bogged down, stop, mark the problem so you know to come back to it later, and move on. You can always come back to it later after you’ve gotten the easier points first.
Encounter a problem you're unsure about? Take a deep breath and read it again. If you're still unsure, mark it and revisit it later. Try simplifying it to trigger your memory, similar to your study approach. Another helpful tip from a student: sit quietly with closed eyes, take deep breaths, and mentally review your math knowledge to spark ideas.
Don't fret if others finish before you. Their speed doesn't necessarily indicate accuracy. Remember, it's just an exam. Losing a point isn't catastrophic, as one of my students wisely remarked.
Throughout the entire exam, remember, it’s just an exam. If you get a point off, it’s not the end of the world. (This is an exact quote from one of my students!)
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