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STUDYING » TESTS AND EXAMS

How to Pass Final Exams

Co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

Last Updated: February 18, 2023 References Approved

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If you’re a student, exams are an important part

not only of any class, but also your final grade.
Preparing throughout the semester is the most
effective way to do well on your final exams.
Ultimately, there’s just no shortcut for knowing
the material. However, even if it’s the night before
your final exam and you’re feeling unprepared,
don’t panic. There are plenty of things you can do
to help you pass your exams.

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Preparing Throughout the Semester
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 Read the syllabus. At the beginning of any term, teachers or professors will usually hand out a syllabus
1
with the assignments and expectations for a class. Make sure you read the syllabus carefully to know
exactly what you need to do to pass the course.

Make sure to pay attention to the breakdown of how assignments, attendance, and exams factor in to
your grade. This will help you prioritize how much you need to study, and where to focus your attention.
If you have any questions on the syllabus, ask the professor. It’s much better to ask a question at the
beginning than plow on with no idea of what you’re doing.

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 Attend class regularly. You cannot successfully pass a class or exams if you do not attend the class.
2
This will allow you to hear vital lectures and take notes, as well as help you understand your readings and
assignments.[1]

Most exams are based on what is covered in class, so skipping class is never advisable. Some teachers
will penalize absences, meaning you might not even pass the class if you skip.
Teachers and professors usually discuss what is likely to be on an exam during classes, so if you aren’t in
class you can’t get this crucial information.
If you cannot attend class, let your professor know in advance. Ask her what you will miss in class and if
there is anything you can do to make up for the absence and get the information.
Don’t ask your teacher or professor questions like “Did I miss anything in class yesterday?” The
assumption is that all days give you valuable information, and questions like this come across as
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Don’t “zone out.” Sometimes, it’s tempting to play solitaire or check your phone during class instead of for wik
listening, especially if you’re in a class you feel you understand pretty well. However, you might miss
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something important if you do this. Stay attentive for the whole class period.[2]
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Take notes. Lectures and discussions are a key component to a class and contain information you will
3
need to pass the exams. By paying attention and taking notes throughout the term, you will have a built in
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that will help you effectively study without scrambling for additional information.[3]
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Come prepared. Use a binder or notebook, and bring pens or pencils to class. If you will be discussing
things from a book, bring a highlighter too. Teachers will often say things like, “This passage is very
significant for understanding ____ in general” or “Make sure you understand the information in this
sidebar.” If your teacher notes something specific in class, mark it immediately.[4]
Taking notes is a delicate balancing act between getting too little and too much information. You don’t
want to write down everything a professor says, just the important information. For example, it’s less
important to know what type of planes bombed Dresden in February of 1945 than why the bombing was
significant for World War II.
Try using keywords instead of trying to copy out full sentences. Trying to take dictation from your
professor could mean you don’t get the essence of what’s really important. Try using key phrases and
words instead of full sentences.
Take notes by hand. Studies have shown that people learn more by writing notes instead of typing them
in to a computer or recording them on a device.[5]
Check out some note-taking systems. There are a bunch of systems for learning how to take notes. Cal
Poly has information on several types, along with their pros and cons.

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 Do all reading assignments. Most professors and teachers will assign reading during the semester and
4
then draw upon this as they write the exam. By doing the reading assignments, you will not only be able
to participate in class discussions, but will also have the information you need to pass the exam.

Make sure to take notes on the reading assignment as you read. Just like taking notes from lectures, you
only need to write down the most important information.[6]
Skim back over your reading assignments every few weeks. You don’t have to go through everything in-
depth, but going back over the main points will help them “gel” in your memory, so you can access them
later on the exam.

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 Do papers and other class assignments. Since class assignments are usually meant to help you learn a
5
subject more thoroughly, it’s important that you do them. They may even serve as practice for exam
questions.

The material you use and produce for any type of assignment may show up on an exam. Everything from
math or scientific problems to short essays will help you be prepared and pass an exam.
Participating in class discussions will also help you pass an exam because it gives you a chance to
verbalize and work out your thoughts with other students and the professor.
Don't save your assignments until the last minute or you'll feel stressed and have to rush through them.
Give yourself enough time to work on them at your own pace so you can really learn the material.[7]

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 Prepping for Each Exam

Know where you stand in the class. It’s important throughout a term to know what your grade is. If you
1
keep this information in mind, it will help you know how much time you need to devote to studying for an
exam.

If you aren’t sure what your grade is, check your syllabus. Most teachers give “weights” to assignments
and other course elements (participation, etc.). You should be able to get a rough idea of how you’re
doing from this.
If you’re still unsure about your performance, talk with your teacher.

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 Find out what material the exam is going to cover and what format it is. Teachers and professors have
2
different methods and formats for final exams. Some will make an exam comprehensive, while others
will only test on a certain section of the material covered in class. Some exams are essay-based while others
are multiple choice. Finding out what information the exam will cover and its format can help you study more
effectively.

Check to see if this information is on the class syllabus. Paying attention in class will also help, since
most teachers and professors will announce what material the exam will cover.
If you are not sure or missed a day of class, you can ask your teacher or professor, but it’s important to
not annoy them with repeated or overly detailed requests. Simply asking “could you please tell me what
material I need to know for the exam?” is enough to direct your study time.[8]

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 Understand how you study best. Every individual learns differently. Knowing the conditions under which
3
you study best will help you most effectively learn and retain information that you need for your exam.[9]

For example, if you know that you need absolute silence to concentrate on the material you need to learn,
you can either study in a library or in a quiet room at home. You may also be someone who needs a little
noise or commotion to help you focus.
”Multitasking” is a myth. While you might think you’re able to watch TV, text your friends, and study for
exams at the same time, your brain simply can’t handle that many competing streams of information.
Give yourself some quiet, dedicated study time, and leave the other stuff for your leisure time.[10] [11]

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 Prioritize your study time. Figure out which exams are the most important and devote the most study
4
time to them. By doing this you will optimize your study time and help ensure that you pass your
exams.[12]

If you are in college and have an exam in one of your major or minor fields, you’ll want to give the most
time to studying for these exams over general education courses, for instance.
If you are doing poorly in any class, devote enough time to studying for this class to make sure that you
pass it and don’t have to repeat it.

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 Start studying early. It is never too early to start studying for a final exam, but at the very least, a month
5
before the test date is a good time to begin your preparations. This will ensure that you’re not cramming
information too close to the exam and then forgetting it on test day.

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

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 Study. No matter in which class you have an exam, from the easiest subject to the most difficult, you
6
need to study. Even if it’s only reviewing class notes for 30 minutes, studying the material from your class
will benefit you on the final exam.

Studying by reviewing class notes, thinking of discussions, or going to a study group will often remind
you of information you forgot over the course of the term.
It’s important to have confidence that you will pass. But beware of overconfidence, which can sabotage
your ability to think clearly about an exam.
Consider making free associations between information you learn and what you know. You can also
make up things to help you out.[13]
It may also help you to write index cards with information you need to know.

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 Join a study group or class study session. Taking part in a study group or attending a class study
7
session can be very useful in understanding course material for an exam. Just make sure that you’re
actually studying and not socializing.[14]

Teachers and professors will sometimes offer study sessions for their classes. These are an excellent
opportunity to learn material that will likely be on an exam as well as ask any lingering questions you may
have.

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 Switch up your study spots. Studies suggest that changing your environment after spending a long time
8
studying in one place can help improve your brain’s retention.[15] Having a couple of different study spots
-- your room, a quiet coffee shop, the library -- may help boost your brainpower.[16]

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 Do a practice exam. Practice exams are an excellent, highly effective way to study for tests. They will
9
help you relax and point out any weak areas you may have. In fact, some studies suggest that practice-
testing is a more effective way to study than highlighting, re-reading, or summarizing material.[17]

You can take any essay or problem and use it as your mock exam.[18]
Make sure you do the mock exam in the same allotted time as the actual exam.[19]
If you test yourself just twice, you will remember 75-80% of the material two weeks later. With no practice
tests, that figure is just 20%.

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 Stop studying. At some point, you cannot study any longer without stressing yourself out or confusing
10
yourself. Within a day of the exam, set aside your study material and be confident in the fact that
you’ve done the work.[20]

You will not learn a lot of new content within 24 hours of an exam.[21]

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Caring for Your Body and Mind
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 Get enough rest. It may sound like a good idea to stay up all night cramming, but without sleep, your
1
brain just won’t function. Almost all students pull all-nighters at some point, but they can have damaging
effects on your brain for up to four days.[22]

Stick to your regular sleep cycle as much as possible. Disrupting your sleep schedule by staying up too
late or waking up before your body has fully rested messes with your REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep,
which will leave you feeling sluggish and can hinder your memory.[23]
Set aside a specific time to study for an exam and use that time wisely. Then, go to bed![24]
Take off at least one full day a week to give your brain and body a chance to rest and recover from
studying.

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 Eat well. If you’re not eating properly, your brain won’t be able to function at its best. Getting enough
2
nutrients will allow your body and brain to function optimally on exam day and while you study. Make
sure that you eat at regular intervals and don’t mindlessly snack on junk.[25]

Try starting your day off with complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal and whole grains. Complex
carbohydrates help your body produce energy that your brain needs to perform. Because they digest
slowly over a longer period of time, you’re less likely to get nasty blood sugar spikes and crashes, too.
You might also want to incorporate some eggs into your diet. Eggs contain choline, which is linked to
memory and cognitive performance.[26]
Oily fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, are also tied to brain function. A salmon
croquette isn’t going to ace your test for you, but the protein and nutrients will definitely help boost your
brainpower.[27]
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Avoid simple carbohydrates and processed sugar. These may give you a temporary energy bump, butthe best ho
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they cause crashes and fatigue later. If you crave something sweet, go for fruits -- especially those up for wik

contain vitamin C, which may help improve your mental functioning.[28] Salty snackers may prefer
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pumpkin seeds or nuts, which have vitamin E and zinc.
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 Stay hydrated. It’s tempting to load up on caffeinated beverages when you’re studying for final exams,
3
but be careful. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it will dehydrate you. It can also give you a wicked case of
the caffeine jitters. Dehydration can cause fatigue, so drink plenty of plain, clear water.[29]

Adolescents (under 18) should limit caffeine intake to about 100mg a day.[30] Depending on the variety,
that can be as little as a single cup of coffee, or two 12-ounce cans of cola.[31] Adults should keep
caffeine intake between 200mg-400mg a day.[32]
Men need, on average, 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day. Women need about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water
per day.[33]
Get yourself a refillable water bottle. You may be more likely to drink water from a bottle than a glass,
especially if you often drink bottled soft drinks.
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Avoid alcohol, especially the night before a big exam. In addition to the hangovers and other nasty
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effects, alcohol dehydrates you, which can cause fatigue on test day.
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 Use visualization. There are several ways that visualization can help you feel more prepared for a final
4
exam. You can use “outcome and process visualization” to help you imagine achieving your goal, and
relaxation visualization to help you destress.[34]

Use outcome and process visualization to imagine yourself achieving your goal. Imagine what it looks
like for you to pass your final exam. Imagine this success in as much detail as possible. Then, imagine
the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. In this case, things like “taking notes,” “going to class,”
and “studying” are obvious steps you could envision.[35]
Use the “palming method” of visualization to help you relax. Close your eyes and cover them with the
palms of your hands. Don’t touch your eyeballs. Imagine a scene that’s very relaxing to you, such as a day
at the beach or curled up in bed with a good book. Picture as many details as possible to make it realistic,
and spend 1-2 minutes enjoying the relaxing scene. Open your eyes and wait 1-2 minutes, then repeat the
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 Reduce your anxiety. This probably sounds counterintuitive: you wouldn’t have anxiety if you weren’t
5
worried about passing your final exam, right? However, research shows that anxiety blocks your ability to
focus, which can really put a damper on your studying and test performance.[36] Try some relaxation
techniques when you’re feeling freaked out.

A few minutes of deep breathing will oxygenate your brain and help you feel relaxed and ready to
perform. Inhale deeply through your nose for a 4-count. Hold the breath for 1-2 seconds, then slowly
release the breath through your mouth for a 4-count. Repeat this 6-8 times per minute for 5 minutes or
so.[37]
Try yoga. The deep breathing and meditation in yoga have been scientifically shown to reduce test
anxiety.[38]
Try the “tensing and differential relaxation method.” This involves tensing and relaxing your muscles all at
once. Put your feet flat on the floor while sitting in a chair. Grab the seat. Push down with yourGet all and
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pull up on the chair at the same time for 5 seconds. Relax for 5 seconds, then repeat 2-3 times.

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 Get some exercise. Physical exercise has been proven to reduce stress. It also helps you get better
6
sleep, improves your alertness and concentration, and can even enhance how your brain functions.[39]
Regular aerobic exercise can even boost your learning and memory![40]

Get at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity, such as jogging or brisk walking, per week.[41]
Try things that get your heart rate pumping, like swimming, jogging, martial arts, or even dancing.
A little is better than none. Even 20 minutes a day of cardio can boost your memory.[42]

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 Take regular breaks.[43] Study breaks are important for several reasons. There’s a limit to what your
7
brain can handle in any one study session. Trying to push past that without giving your body any time to
recover will just leave you tired.

Your brain consumes glucose when you’re studying. Give yourself a mini-break (5 minutes or so) every
hour. Stretch, take a short walk, or grab a brain-boosting snack such as fruit or almonds. This gives your
body time to replenish your glucose stores.[44]

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 Cram for the exam. If you didn’t have time to prepare for your exam in advance, you may need to cram, or
1
learn as much as possible in a short period of time, for the exam. It’s not a very effective way to study,
but cramming is better than not preparing at all.

Read over your course notes the morning of the exam. Figure out if there were any subjects the professor
highlighted in lectures and focus on these.
If you haven’t done any reading, read the introductions and conclusions of any article and books. This will
help you figure out the most important arguments and facts about a subject.
Have a study group with friends the night before the exam if you can. Talk through any points that you
may not understand.
Review the hardest stuff right before you go to bed the night before the exam. This may help you recall it
more easily during test-time.[45]
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 Stay calm. You will likely be a bit nervous on the day of the exam, and it’s important to stay as calm as
2
possible so that you can effectively take the test. There are different ways to help calm yourself,
including have a good breakfast and taking a walk.[46]

A good meal will give your body and brain energy to perform their best during the exam.

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 Eat and drink to stay alert. You want to make sure that your body and brain are as alert as possible
3
before and during an exam. Eating and drinking the right foods and beverages will help ensure that that
you not only are awake but also attentive to your exam.

Don’t eat heavy meals before an exam, which will divert blood from your brain for digestion. Soup or a
salad with some protein are good, light choices that will give you energy without weighing you down.
Make sure that you’re hydrated before an exam. One of the symptoms of dehydration is fatigue, so bring
a bottle of water with you.
You can have a cup of coffee or tea if you like. One or two cups may temporarily increase feelings of
alertness.[47] The effect wears off fairly quickly, however, and more than two cups could actually cause
impairment, so use moderation.[48]
Chewing mints or mint gum will also help you stay alert. Studies have shown that mints or mint gum
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increased alertness, accelerated reaction time, and increased how people process information. [49]
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Don’t load up on sugar just before a test. If you’re craving something sweet, try dark fruits (plums,
blueberries, etc.) or a small square of dark chocolate.[50]
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 Be confident. If you’ve attended class, taken notes, done the assignments, and studied, you can be
4
confident that you’re ready to take the exam. Having this confidence and visualizing yourself passing the
exam will help you be successful.

If you attended class, did your work, and studied, you can be confident that you will pass the exam.
If you took the time to go to a study session or discuss the exam and your standing in class with your
professor, you can have confidence in your ability to pass the exam.
Knowing that you have formulated a plan to complete each section of the exam will also instill
confidence in you.

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 Arrive before the exam starts. In order to help yourself remain calm, make sure to arrive at the exam
5
room before the exam starts. This will not only relax you but also ensure that you can get settled in to
take the test.

Make sure to find out where your exam is ahead of time, and note the location in a place you can easily
find it later.
Set an alarm so you arrive on time. In fact, setting more than one alarm may help you feel more at ease.

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 Attack the exam strategically. After you’ve given the exam a once-over, approach it strategically. This will
6
help you maximize your knowledge and avoid getting “stuck” on things you don’t know.[51]

Answer easy questions first. Not only will this get them out of the way, it can help boost your confidence
for the harder stuff.
Eliminate any obviously wrong answers. If you can, cross out any answers that are obviously wrong. Even
if you don’t know the right answer, you increase your chances of guessing correctly.
For essay questions, write an outline before writing the essay. Note down your main “argument” or thesis
plus the main points you want to hit. This will help you stay on track as you write your response.
Review your answers before you submit your exam. Look for any incomplete or missing answers, errors,
etc.

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 Don’t cheat. Whatever you do to pass an exam, never cheat. Looking at your notes, writing information on
7
your hands, and copying from someone else's exam paper are all forms of cheating.

Cheating will guarantee not only that you fail a class, but also could have other significant consequences
such as expulsion.

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 Pace yourself. You only have a certain amount of time to complete an exam, so pace yourself as you
8
work. This will ensure that you get through every section of the exam.[52]

Before you start, read over the entire exam and identify the easiest, most difficult, and most time
consuming sections of the exam.
Break the time of the exam down by section. For example, if you have two hours to finish two essays, you
can take one hour to compose each. Or if there is one essay and eight identification and short essays,
you can break this up based on time as well as your strengths and weaknesses.[53]
Decide on the best strategy for you. After you’ve read the exam, figure out the best strategy to finish the
exam based on your strengths and weaknesses.

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 Expert Q&A
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Question
What should I do before my final exam?

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

Educational Consultant
Expert Answer
Try writing out your notes in your own words. This can help you better understand the material. Also, if you
can, avoid studying for multiple challenging exams in one day. Instead, spread out your study time so you
don't feel as overwhelmed.
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How can I stay motivated while studying?

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

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Study groups with friends or classmates can be very helpful study tools and help you stay motivated.
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How can I be confident when taking my exams?

Community Answer
Believe that you will do well. Imagine yourself completing the exam and getting a good score.
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 References

1. ↑ http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2011/april-11/how-should-students-
study-tips-advice-and-pitfalls.html
2. ↑ http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/taking-notes-5-college-success-tips/
3. ↑ http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/notes.html
4. ↑ http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/taking-notes-5-college-success-tips/
5. ↑ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-learning-secret-don-t-take-notes-with-a-laptop/
6. ↑ https://wisdomfrombooks.wordpress.com/how-to-pass-exams-7-useful-tips/
7. ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
8. ↑ https://wisdomfrombooks.wordpress.com/how-to-pass-exams-7-useful-tips/
9. ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/advice/school-advice/2012-05/final-exams-study-tips

More References (44)

About This Article

Co-authored by:
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the
Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides
customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a
decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-
awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education.
He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern
University. This article has been viewed 718,574 times.

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Article Summary
To pass final exams, take practice exams from the back of your textbooks or online to identify your weak areas
so you can give them extra attention. You can also study for your exams by reading the introductions and
conclusions to your assigned readings, which will help you learn the most important points without reading all
of the chapters. If you took notes in class, go over them the morning of the exam to quickly refresh your
memory. During the exam, answer easy questions first to get them out of the way and boost your confidence
for harder questions. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to tackle essay questions on an exam, keep
reading!

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Español:pasar los exámenes finales ‫اجتياز االختبارات النهائية‬:‫العربية‬
Italiano:Passare gli Esami Finali Nederlands:Je eindexamens halen
Français:réussir aux examens de fin d'année 中文 通过期末考试
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