How to Pass the Final Exam

If you are a student, exams are an important part of every subject and final grade. Preparing throughout the semester is an effective way to do well on the final exam. Basically, there are no shortcuts to complete the material. However, even if it’s only one night before the final exam and you feel unprepared, don’t worry. There are still some tips to help you pass the exam.

Table of Contents

Prepare for the Semester

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Read the course outline. On the first lesson, the teacher or professor will always give the course outline along with assignments and requirements to the class. Make sure you read the outline carefully to know exactly what to do to pass the exam. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Always pay attention to how homework, attendance, and tests affect your score. This will help determine how you need to prioritize your studies and where to focus.
If you have any questions about the program, ask the professor. It’s better to ask right on the first day of class than to keep studying without knowing what you’re studying.

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Go to class regularly. You cannot pass the exam successfully without attending the study sessions. When you come to class, you have the opportunity to listen to lectures and take notes, as well as help you understand the material and assignments. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Association for Psychpogical Science Go to Source}

Most tests are based on what is taught in class, so you shouldn’t miss school. Some teachers will penalize students for absenteeism, which means you may not pass the course if you don’t come to class.
Teachers and professors often discuss the test throughout the course, so if you don’t come to class, you won’t be able to stay up to date with important information.
If you are unable to attend class, notify your professor in advance. Ask them what you will miss out on or what you can do to make up for the absence and gain knowledge.
Don’t ask the teacher or professor questions like “What did you miss yesterday?” If all other lessons give you valuable knowledge, then this type of question is like disrespecting the teacher.
Don’t be absent-minded. Sometimes you play games or stare at your phone during class instead of listening to a lecture, especially when it’s a lesson you feel you’ve understood. However, you can miss important knowledge if you are not paying attention. Be serious during class. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Note. Lectures and discussions are an important part of the classroom and contain much of the essential information you will need to pass the exam. By paying attention and taking notes throughout your study, you’ll have a foundation of knowledge that will help you study effectively without struggling for more information. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Prepare before class. Use a pad or notebook, and bring pencils and pens to class. If you need to learn knowledge from books, you should also bring markers. Teachers often say things like, “This passage is important for understanding ____ in general” or “Make sure you understand this section.” If the teacher focuses on a particular part of the class, mark it off right away. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
Taking notes is a delicate balancing act between recording too little and too much information. You shouldn’t write down everything the professor says, just write down important information. For example, it is not very important to know about the type of bomber that hit Dresden in February 1945, but it is really important to know why bombing was such an important event in World War II.
Try using keywords instead of writing complete sentences. Trying to write every word the professor says also means that you don’t grasp what is really important. Try using key words and phrases instead of complete sentences.
Take notes by handwriting. Some studies show that instead of typing on a computer or recording lectures with some electronic device, students can learn more by taking notes by hand. ^{[6] X Research Sources}
Try a few note-taking methods. There are many methods to learn how to take notes. Cal Ppy provides information on several types, along with their advantages and disadvantages. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Do all the exercises. Most professors and teachers will assign assignments throughout the semester, which they then use when designing the test. By completing the exercises, you will not only be able to participate in class discussions, but also have the knowledge needed to pass the exam.

Make sure to take notes on assignments as you read. Just like lecture notes, you just need to write down the most important information. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
Skim the entire assignment each week. You don’t have to dig into every detail, but skimming the main ideas will make them “stick” in your memory, so you can use them for the test later.

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Take class tests and assignments. Class exercises often help you to better grasp the lesson, so doing those exercises is important. They can even be useful as practice questions for exams.

Use materials with the type of assignments that may appear on the test. Everything from math or science exercises to short essays will help you prepare well and pass the exam.
Participating in class discussions will also help you pass the exam because they give you the ability to present and demonstrate your ideas to other students and professors.

Prepare for each test

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Know your score. Knowing your grades is really important throughout the semester. If you remember your score, you know how much time you need to prepare for a test.

If you are not sure about your score, check the curriculum. Most teachers provide “measurements” for essays and other subject elements (attendance, etc.). You can get a rough idea of how you are doing for this subject.
If you’re still unsure about your score, talk to your teacher.

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Find the material the test will contain and the test structure. Teachers and professors have different methods and formats for the final exam. Some people will make the topic easy to understand, while others will only check on a certain part of the material learned in class. Some tests are essay type, while others are multiple choice multiple choice tests. Find out what knowledge the exam will include and how to study more effectively. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Check the course outline to see if the information is on it. Paying attention in class will probably help, as most teachers and professors will announce what the test will cover.
If you’re unsure or miss a class, you can ask your teacher or professor, but don’t bother them with overly detailed or repetitive questions. It’s as simple as asking “can you tell me what kind of material I need to study for the exam?” is enough to direct study time. ^{[10] X Research Source}

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Understanding how you should study is best. Each individual will have a different way of learning. Knowing in which conditions you study best will help you study most effectively and help you remember the knowledge you need for the exam. ^{[11] X Research Source}

For example, if you know you need absolute silence to concentrate on studying, you can study in the library or in a quiet room at home. You may also be someone who needs a little noise or movement to be able to focus. ^{[12] X Research Source}
“Being able to multitask” is a myth. While you think you can watch TV, text with friends, and study at the same time, your brain won’t be able to process that many sources of information. Give yourself time to study seriously, quietly, and do other miscellaneous things in your free time. ^{[13] X Research Source}^{[14] X Research Source}

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Prioritize study time. Find out which tests are the most important and spend the most time on them. This way you will make the most of your study time and rest assured that you will pass the exam. ^{[15] X Research Source}

If you’re in college and have an exam coming up in one of your major or minor, you need to spend the most revision time on those subjects instead of general education courses.
If you do poorly in any subject, spend enough time studying the subject so that you can pass the exam and not have to retake it.

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Start studying early. It’s never too early to study for the final exam, but a month before the exam is the best time to start preparing. This will save you from cramming your knowledge close to the exam and forgetting it all on test day. ^{[16] X Research Source}

You can learn simply by reviewing what you take notes for 20-30 minutes a day. If you have any questions, ask your professor.

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Learn. Regardless of the exam, from the easiest to the hardest, you need to study. Even just reviewing class notes for about 30 minutes, reading these materials will help in the final exam.

Learning by reviewing class notes, thinking about a discussion, or going to a group study will help you recall knowledge you forgot during the course.
Confidence that you will pass the exam is important. But be careful, because overconfidence destroys your ability to think clearly about the test.
Consider making connections between what you learn and what you know. You can arrange them to help yourself in the exam. ^{[17] X Research Source}
Writing out flashcards that list what you need to know can also help.

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Join a class or study group session. Participating in a group study or going to class can be very helpful in understanding the material for the exam. Just make sure you’re actually studying and not chatting. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Studying in groups with friends or classmates can be a very beneficial learning method. Everyone has their own learning strengths and it’s possible that they’ll understand something you don’t. ^{[19] X Research Source}
Teachers and professors will sometimes offer review sessions for the whole class. The review session is a good opportunity to understand the material for the test as well as to ask some questions that you find confusing.

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Change places to study. Research shows that changing the learning environment after spending a long time studying in one place can help improve memory. ^{[20] X Research Sources} There are a few different places of study – classrooms, a quiet coffee shop, a library – that can help improve thinking ability. ^{[21] X Research Source}

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Take the test. Practice tests are a great and highly effective way to study for the exam. They will help you practice comfortably and point out any weaknesses you might commit on final exam day. In fact, some studies show that taking practice tests is a more effective way of learning than learning to mark up, reread, or summarize material. ^{[22] X Trusted Source Association for Psychpogical Science Go to Source}

You can take an essay or problem and use it as a sample test. ^{[23] X Research Sources}
Make sure you take the sample test in the time allotted as if you were taking the real test. ^{[24] X Research Source}
If you take the sample test twice, you’ll remember 75-80% of the material two weeks later. If there is no practice test, you only remember 20%. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

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Stop studying. At some point, you may get stressed and confused if you study any more. For the day before the exam, put the material aside and be confident that you have studied well. ^{[26] X Research Sources}

You should not learn too much new knowledge within 24 hours before the test day. ^{[27] X Research Source}

Take care of your physical and mental health

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Full rest. It may seem like staying up all night to study for an exam is a good idea, but a lack of sleep will make your brain work poorly. Almost all students stay up all night studying at this time, but this can have an adverse effect on the brain for up to “four days”. ^{[28] X Research Sources}

Follow your sleep cycle as regularly as possible. Disrupting your sleep habits when staying up too late or waking up before your body regains its energy with a deep sleep (REM sleep is when the pupils move under the eyelids and we fall asleep) will make you feel feel sluggish and memory loss. ^{[29] X Research Sources}
Set aside a certain amount of time to study and use this time wisely. Then get enough sleep! ^{[30] X Research Source}
Set aside at least one full day each week for your body and mind to rest and regain energy after studying.

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Healthy eating. If you don’t eat right, your brain won’t be able to function at its best. Getting enough nutrients will help your body and brain function at its best for exam day and during exam preparation. Make sure you eat in moderation and don’t eat unhealthy fast food. ^{[31] X Research Source}

Try starting your day with complex carbohydrates, like oatmeal and cereal. Complex carbohydrates help the body create the energy needed for the brain. ^{[32] X Research Source} Because they’re digested slowly over a longer period of time, you’re less likely to experience blood sugar spikes and fatigue.
You can also add some eggs to the meal. Eggs contain cpin, which is good for memory and cognition. ^{[33] X Research Sources}
Fish oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, help activate brain function. Salmon fat won’t help you succeed in the exam, but the protein and nutrients will certainly boost your thinking ability. ^{[34] X Research Source}
Avoid simple carbohydrates and processed sugars. These things can give you a temporary boost of energy, but they do harm and then tire you out. If you crave sugar, eat fruit – especially those containing vitamins, which improve brain performance. ^{[35] X Research Source} People who like salty snacks can eat pumpkin seeds or nuts, which are rich in vitamin E and zinc.

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Add water to the body. You may be tempted to drink caffeinated beverages while studying for an exam, but be careful. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it removes water from your body. It can also lead to bad conditions like caffeine jitters. The body will get tired when lack of water, so drink plenty of water. ^{[36] X Research Source}

Adolescents (under 18) should limit caffeine intake to about 100mg per day. ^{[37] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Depending on the difference, just one cup of coffee, or two 350ml cans of cpa per day. ^{[38] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Adults should drink about 200-400mg of caffeine per day. ^{[39] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
The average man needs 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day. Women need 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water per day. ^{[40] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Buy a water bottle. Maybe you’d rather drink from a bottle than a glass, especially if you usually drink bottled soft drinks.
Avoid drinking alcohol, especially the night before the test. In addition to the discomfort caused by excess alcohol the next day, alcohol also causes dehydration and makes you tired on the day of the test.

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Use imagination. There are several ways that visualization can help you feel better prepared for the final exam. You can use “progress and outcome visualization” to imagine a scenario where you reach your goal, and relaxation visualization helps you reduce stress. ^{[41] X Research Source}

Use your imagination of the process and the outcome to think of yourself achieving your goal. Imagine what it will be like when you pass the final exam. Imagine this success in as much detail as possible. Then think about each step you need to take to reach your goal. In this case, things like “take notes”, “attend class”, “review” are the obvious steps you can imagine. ^{[42] X Research Source}
Using the “eye cover method” to visualize will help you relax. Close your eyes and place your hand over your eyes. Do not touch the eyeball. Visualize a setting that puts you at ease, like a day at the beach or lying in bed with a good book. Draw out as much detail as possible to make the visualization more realistic, spend 1-2 minutes enjoying the comfortable scene. Open your eyes and wait 1-2 minutes, then repeat this visualization. This process will give you a “safe place” to feel calm and comfortable before sitting in the exam room.

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Reduce anxiety. The following may sound unusual: wouldn’t you be nervous if you weren’t worried about passing the exam? However, research shows that anxiety is hindering your ability to concentrate, which can actually discourage you from studying and taking exams. ^{[43] X Research Source} Try some relaxation techniques when you’re stressed.

A few minutes of deep breathing will push oxygen to your brain and help you feel relaxed and ready for the test. Breathe deeply through your nose for 4 hours. Hold the breath for 1-2 seconds, then exhale slowly through the mouth for 4 hours. Repeat 6-8 times per minute, for 5 minutes or so. ^{[44] X Research Source}
Try yoga. Deep breathing and meditation in yoga are scientifically proven to reduce exam stress. ^{[45] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}
Try the “stretching and stretching method”. This method involves stretching and relaxing the muscles at the same time. Place the soles of your feet on the floor while sitting in a chair. Grab a seat. Push your body with your feet, and pull away on the chair for 5 seconds. Relax for 5 seconds, and repeat 2-3 times.

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Do exercise. Physical exercise has been shown to reduce stress. They also help you sleep better, improve focus and alertness, and may even boost brain function. ^{[46] X Research Source} Aerobic exercise can even boost memory and learning! ^{[47] X Trusted Source Harvard Medical Schop Go to Source}

Get at least 2.5 hours of moderately vigorous activity, like jogging or brisk walking, each week. ^{[48]X Research Source}
Try something that increases your heart rate, like swimming, jogging, martial arts, or even dancing.
Better to practice a little than not at all. Even 20 minutes a day of cardio can help boost memory. ^{[49] X Research Source}

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Rest regularly. Taking breaks during study is important for a few reasons. The brain has a limit to how it can handle a study session. Trying to speed up your learning without giving your body time to recharge will only tire you out.

The brain consumes glucose when you study. So give yourself a short break (about 5 minutes or so) every hour. Relax, walk around, eat snacks like fruit or almonds to boost brain activity. This gives the body time to replenish its glucose reserves. ^{[50] X Research Source}

Activities on exam day

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Study for test. If you don’t have time to prepare for the test in advance, you may need to practice fast, or study as much as you can in the short amount of time for the exam. This is not an efficient way, but cramming is better than not preparing at all.

Read through all your notes the morning before the test. Think of any topics the professor emphasizes in the lecture, and focus on that.
If you haven’t read the material, read the introduction and conclusion of each article or book. This will help you think of the most important arguments and parts of the subject.
Participate in a group review with friends the night before the test if possible. Talk about the parts you don’t understand.
Review the hardest part before going to bed the night before the test. This can help you remember them more easily during test time. ^{[51] X Research Source}

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Calm. You can be stressed on test day, and staying calm to do well on the test is very important. There are several ways to help calm you down, including having a good breakfast and going for a walk. ^{[52] X Research Source}

A full meal will help the body and brain have the energy to do the best on the test.

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Eat to stay awake. You definitely want your body and mind to be as sharp as possible before and during the exam. Eating healthy will not only help you stay sharp, but also focus on the test.

Don’t eat too many hard-to-digest foods before the exam, they will cause blood from the brain to focus on digestion. Soups or salads with a little protein are good choices that give you energy without leaving you feeling heavy.
Make sure you drink enough water before the test day. One of the symptoms of dehydration is fatigue, so it’s a good idea to carry a water bottle with you.
You can have a cup of coffee or tea if you like. A cup or two can temporarily help you feel awake. ^{[53] X Source of Study} The effect wears off quickly, however more than two cups can cause fatigue, so it should be used in moderation. ^{[54] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source}
Chewing gum will also keep you awake. Research shows that chewing gum increases alertness time and increases information processing. ^{[55] X Research Source}
Don’t take too much sugar before the test. If you have a sweet tooth, eat dark fruit (like plums, blueberries, etc.) or small pieces of chocolate. ^{[56] X Research Sources}

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Confident. If you’ve fully attended class sessions, taken notes, done assignments, and reviewed, then you can take the test with confidence. Having confidence and visualizing yourself passing the exam will help you succeed.

If you have attended the full class, done the assignments, and reviewed the papers, you can be confident that you will pass the exam.
If you’ve taken the time to review or discuss the test and talk to your professor about your rank in class, you may already be confident in your ability to pass the course.
Knowing that you have a plan in place to complete the sections of the test will also give you more confidence.

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Arrive before the exam time. To help yourself calm down, you need to get to the exam room before the test starts. This will not only put you at ease, but will also ensure that you are in a stable place to begin the test.

Remember to locate the exam room before the exam time, and write down the exact location so you can find it easily later.
Schedule time to arrive on time. Setting the timer more than once will help you feel more comfortable.

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Acceleration. You only have a certain amount of time to complete the test, so speed up when you do. This will ensure you can complete all sections of the test. ^{[57] X Research Source}

Before you begin, read the entire test and identify the easiest, most difficult, and most time-consuming parts of the test. ^{[58] X Research Source}
Divide the test time into each section. For example, if you have two hours to complete two essays, you will have one hour to complete one. Or if you have one long essay and eight short essays, identification, you can break down the topic by time and your strengths and weaknesses. ^{[59] X Research Source}
Decide on the best strategy for you. After you’ve read the test questions, think of the best strategy for completing the test based on your strengths and weaknesses. ^{[60] X Research Source}

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Take the test according to the strategy. Once you’ve been given the test, do it strategically. This will help you maximize your knowledge and avoid getting “stuck” on questions you don’t know. ^{[61] X Research Source}

Answer the easy questions first. Not only will this help pave the way for problem solving, but it will also help boost confidence for more difficult questions.
Eliminate all obvious wrong answers. If possible, ignore any obvious wrong answers. Even if you don’t know the correct answer, you can increase your chances of guessing correctly.
For essay topics, write an outline before writing your essay. Write down your “reason” or main argument along with the main idea you want to address. This will help you stick to the test while writing your essay.
Review your answers before submitting. Check for incomplete, incorrect, error, etc. ^{[62] X Research Sources}

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Don’t cheat. You can do anything to pass the exam, but never cheat. Looking at notes, writing knowledge on your hands, and looking at other people’s papers are all forms of exam cheating.

Cheating not only causes you to fail the exam, but it can also have more serious consequences such as expulsion from school.

Steps

Prepare for the Semester

Prepare for each test

Take care of your physical and mental health

Activities on exam day

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