Preparing for Final Exams

The fall semester at the University of Delaware is nearing its end. But first, final exams, which begin on Dec. 11.

UD's Academic Coaching and Tutoring (ACT) offers a variety of resources that help students gain a better understanding of course materials, improve their study strategies and receive confidence-boosting coaching sessions. Their office is located in the Center for Academic Success

Dawn Volpe, an academic success coach II, shared tips for students who are preparing for the challenge ahead.

Preparing for final exams

"Determine whether your final exam is cumulative or only information discussed in class since the most recent exam," Volpe said. "Create a study guide - include each unit or chapter, identify important topics and subtopics, and key concepts and terms."

Study guides can be created from lecture notes. Volpe suggests that as students review their notes, they rewrite them. "Filling in missing information and reformatting notes in ways that reorganize the information are additional steps that help us understand terms and concepts," she said.

Creating flashcards continues to be an effective study strategy to quickly review key terms, events or processes and formulas, said Volpe. Other active study strategies that she suggests include drawing and labelling diagrams, and creating and answering potential test questions. A creative option is for students to "teach" their friends by explaining the information out loud.

"Students should make sure they practice using the information in ways that could appear on the exam," Volpe said. "Remember terms, know how to apply ideas to new examples, compare or evaluate concepts, and solve problems, are various starting points to consider."

Reviewing and applying information from classes repeatedly over time is better for retaining information. Cram sessions the day before an exam are not always helpful - information retention is lessened, sleep is lessened and stress is increased, said Volpe.

The night before exams, students should gather all materials needed for their exam, plan to arrive a few minutes early and get a good night's rest.

On exam day, students should try to resist the urge to have an intense review of their materials. "Instead, plan to have a good meal, take a short walk, or do whatever helps you feel calm and focused," Volpe said. "As you proceed through each exam, you will be able to focus additional time on those that remain."

Preparing for next semester

ACT services are offered to all UD students, with most services offered free of charge. In addition, ACT offers online self-paced learning resources, academic skill-building workshops and one-credit courses.

"Students are encouraged to schedule time to regularly review and practice using the information for each class," Volpe said. "It is important to intentionally set aside multiple study sessions for each course, because repeated practice is a proven strategy for information retention."

Now is the perfect time to plan ahead; students should schedule an academic coaching session to talk through their academic goals and learn more about how an academic success coach can help.

Study spaces

Students can access locations on campus to study during the day, after hours or for a late-night snack to refuel during reading day and finals week.

Morris Library

• Wed., Dec. 10, 1 a.m.

• Thurs., Dec. 11, 1 a.m.

• Fri., Dec. 12, 10 p.m.

• Sat., Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

• Sun., Dec. 14, 1 am

• Mon., Dec. 15, 7 p.m.

Even when the library is closed, students have options to study in the building. The Morris Library Commons, which houses The Nest eatery, is open 24/7 year-round, and the Class of 1941 Lecture Room will be open to students when the library is closed. The Class of 1941 Lecture Room is located off the entrance vestibule to the library, across from the Morris Library Commons.

The Class of 1941 Lecture Room

• Thursday, Dec. 11, 1 a.m.-8 a.m.

• Friday, Dec. 12, 1 a.m.-8 a.m.

• Friday, Dec. 12, 10 p.m.- Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.- Sunday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.

• Monday, Dec. 15, 1 a.m.-8 a.m.

Rooms 114 and 116A will also be open for finals exam studying

During the hours when Morris Library is closed, students can access both the Morris Library Commons and the Class of 1941 Lecture Room with their UDID card through the door along the patio. The front doors to the library, which open to the main steps, will remain locked during these times. When the library is closed, students will only have access to the Morris Library Commons, the Class of 1941 Lecture Room and the adjoining vestibule.

Trabant and Perkins Student Centers

Trabant and Perkins will be open until 2 a.m. from Dec. 11 to 14.