Finals week is right around the corner. Hopefully you’ve been preparing for your finals ahead of time. Whether you have (or haven’t), here are some tips to help you finalize your preparations, or in some cases, begin the process.

1) Study in Chunks

Study in 20-25 minute sessions then give yourself a 5-10 minute break. This helps increase memorization and reduces the feeling of stress. For best results, do this for one full week per subject.

2) Alternate Study Spots

Studies have shown that by changing study spots helps you focus better. If you do not have that option, find a relatively quiet place (away from the normal busyness of your life) to study.

3) Form a Study Group

Study groups can help you get motivated. Also, getting a group together makes it easier to conquer definitions. Being able to explain a concept to someone means you fully understand and comprehend it.

4) Prevent Test Anxiety

If the word “test” or “final exam” makes you feel anxious, take a few moments to envision yourself taking the test. Take a few deep breaths, focus on what you know and don’t rush through the test.

5) Manage your Time

Postpone unnecessary commitments and dates. Time is precious, especially during finals week. Make sure to give yourself enough time to properly study and for breaks.

6) Build on what you know.

When you begin to study, figure out what you know best. Then gradually add in what you don’t know. As you proceed, you can associate new information with known material.

7) Don’t Cram!

Cramming may be inevitable, but try to avoid it. If you feel the need to cram means you haven’t allocated your time properly. Cramming also increases anxiety and stress. Avoid it!

8) Make it Interesting

Find something to connect what you are learning to a visual aid, something person or some mnemonic device. This will help you remember the test material better.

9) Get a Full 8 hours.

Sleep is very important to keep you healthy mentally and physically. It helps you be awake for your final, which will help increase your memory.

10) Limit Distractions

This may be the hardest of all. Put away your cell phones, turn off the TV and stay away from the computer. All of these things tempt a person which minimizes allotted study time.

With these tips, hopefully you’ll ace those finals!