Ever since the Spring semester began, we had been hearing about how the final exams would be held physically. However, with the recent restrictions announced by the government, IBA has been forced to shift its exams online. This means the finals will definitely happen, even though their mode has changed. From the experience we had last semester, it is safe to say the exams won’t be easy. Furthermore, with the exams approaching quickly, I bring you some of the steps you should follow to navigate the tricky domain of exam preparation:
Step #1: Make a schedule
No matter how much you plan on studying, you absolutely cannot do anything without having a certain schedule in mind. Make a schedule and allot time for each of your courses. Due to Ramadan, the daily routine for most people has changed. You should try selecting specific times of the day to study. You could either stay up all night and study before Sehri and sleep afterward, or you could sleep at night and wake up early and study the entire day. Do what suits you the best and does not overburden you. Make a schedule that helps you in studying efficiently for the final exams.
Step #2: For the love of God, watch those recorded lectures!!!
With this semester being hybrid and the relaxed attendance policy, it is possible that you missed a lecture or two or four. Or maybe you don’t even know how many lectures you missed. You might have missed a class to play a match of badminton or to have a cup of evening tea with your friends. Or maybe you just didn’t feel like going to class. Whatever the case was, it is high time now that you start watching those lectures you had put on the back burner.
Step #3: Set goals that are realistic
Congratulations!! by now, you should have finally watched all those recorded lectures and completed all the pending assignments. However, now you need to actually study for the individual courses. Try setting goals that are realistic and achievable. If you plan on studying a semester’s worth of topics a day before the exam, then of course you will not be able to do them at all. Plus, the anxiety of completing everything on time will just make things worse. It would be a better idea if you divide your work based on how many days you have before the final exams.
Step #4: Make a study plan for your final exams (and follow it)
You can either have a group of friends to study each topic together. However, if you prefer studying individually then you should try out the Pomodoro method. This involves using a timer to study for 25/50-minute sessions with 5/10-minute breaks in between. Moreover, doing so will provide you with much-needed breaks. You can either take a walk or have a snack during that break. This will help you not feel overburdened by all the work you have to complete.
Step #5: Remove any distractions and focus!
In order to study efficiently, you need to sit in a place that has no distractions. Before studying, log out of all your social media apps and put your phone aside. Or, if you do not have any self-control, just hide your phone in a place that is out of your sight. Scrolling through Facebook may seem very tempting after you’ve had your dinner, but it is not as important as your take-home exam which is due tomorrow.
Step #6: Reward yourself after a successful study session
Trying to study a particular course when you have little time left can be very overwhelming. However, if you manage to reach your daily goals, then you should definitely reward yourself. This could be by watching a nice movie or taking a break from studying (be careful with this one though). This will make you feel accomplished and will motivate you to study more for the final exams.
Good luck with the final exams!
You can study in whatever way suits you the best but I hope these tips help you in acing your finals. Happy studying!
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