The flowers are blooming on Concordia’s campus, end-of-semester celebrations are coming up and friends are discussing summer plans. But what about (cue dramatic music) … finals? While perhaps not everyone’s favorite spring tradition, any student can get through it with confidence using a few key strategies. These tips will help you to study smarter, boost your focus, master the material, and keep your mind and body healthy.

1. Make a Schedule & Prioritize: Plan out your study time leading up to exams so you’re not cramming last minute. Use a calendar or planner to block out specific subjects each day. Focus on the subjects or topics that are hardest for you, or those that make up a larger percentage of your grade.

2. Break It Up: Study in chunks (25-50 minutes with 5-10 minute breaks). This helps keep your brain fresh and focused. Also, switch up your topics; don’t study one subject for hours straight. Rotating subjects helps with memory and keeps you more engaged.

3. Quiz Yourself with Practice Questions: Do old exams, practice problems or quizzes. Actively testing yourself is way more effective than just re-reading notes. You can also use flashcards, which are great for memorization-heavy subjects.

4. Teach It: Try explaining the material out loud like you’re teaching someone else. If you can’t explain it clearly, you probably don’t know it well enough yet.

StudyTips_540x356.jpg5. Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet spot, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and consider using apps that are designed to help you stay on track.

6. Stay Organized: Keep your notes, formulas and study guides neat and uncluttered. Color-code or use headings to make information easy to review quickly.

7. Get Enough Sleep: Pulling an all-nighter hurts more than it helps. Sleep is essential for maintaining mental focus and maximizing recall, which you will need if you want to ace your finals. Aim for 7 to 9 hours before the big tests.

8. Stay Hydrated & Eat Well: Your brain runs better with good fuel. Drink water, eat protein and avoid vending-machine junk food when possible.

9. Move Around: Even a quick walk can reset your focus and reduce stress. Step out into the Triangle for a burst of fresh air. If you have a usual fitness routine, keep it up during this time.

Take a deep breath, Cougars. You’ve got this!