Learning Assistance
& Resource Center

West Chester University

Contact Info
224 Lawrence Center
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-2535
Fax: 610-436-2600
larc@wcupa.edu


Tips: Final Exams

Follow these suggestions and you'll be better prepared for your final exams:

  • Review should come early while material is still fresh in your mind.
  • The first reading of the material should be followed by a break of several hours before a second reading of the same material.
  • Predict exam questions using as possible questions the textbook headings, class notes, and previous quizzes and exams.
  • Keep all previous tests and review them prior to taking the final exam.
  • Several days before the final exam, plan four or five assigned times in which to cover all of the term's material.
  • The last session should be spent looking over the material of the whole course.
  • Review the main points, especially those you find most difficult to recall.
  • As a rule of thumb, go through the main headings of the text or your notes and see if you can remember the content.
  • For the week before and during exams, life should be as normal as possible and normal habits of sleeping, eating, exercising, etc. should be maintained.
  • Get rest. A clear head is important for the efficient taking of exams.
  • Eat a nutritious breakfast (or meal) before the exam, but do not overeat. Complex carbohydrates are better than foods high in fat content.
  • Arrive early and choose a seat where latecomers will not disturb you. Do not sit by a window or next to the door; you will be distracted and will lose your train of thought.
  • Look over the entire exam to see how long it is, which parts count more in scoring, or which parts may be easier to answer or require more time.
  • Answer the easy questions first! Attack only one question at a time without worrying about the ones to come.
  • Outline before answering essay questions.
  • Leave a few minutes at the end to review your answers. Do not second-guess your answers to multiple-choice questions; your initial "hunch" is usually right.