Preparing for Exams

Exam season is almost here, so it is time to start preparing for my finals. Below are some tips which have helped me survive the exam period- both before I write my exam and on the day I take my final.

Before the Exam

Get Organized

I like to log onto MyOntarioTech and check out my personalized exam schedule as soon as it is available and write down the dates, times, and locations of all my exams in my agenda. Exams may sometimes run at different times and places than the class generally occurs, so it is essential to check your exam schedule. Looking at my exam schedule allows me to picture my exam period, plan when I want to start reviewing for each final and determine how I will get to and from campus on the day of the exam.

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Prioritize

I don't have the time to rewatch every lecture and re-read every chapter in the days leading up to the exam. For each course, I like to note the concepts I struggled to understand and the ideas that were emphasized the most on past assessments and focus on those key areas. I also want to consider which exams are happening the soonest and which will take me the most time to study for. This helps me budget my time accordingly.

Day of the Exam

Arrive Early

If you're anything like me, you hate arriving at the test room a minute before the exam starts and scrambling to get all your stuff together so you can begin on time. I like to take an earlier bus, so I have extra time to find the exam room if needed and have time to organize all the supplies I need for the exam once I get to the room. 

List of Things to Bring to an in-person Exam:

• Ontario Tech Ucard: You must bring this (or a government-issued ID) to all your in-person finals.
• Sharpened pencils: I sharpen them beforehand, so I don't have to worry about doing them during my exam.
• A highlighter: I like highlighting essential parts of a question, so I know what to focus on.
• Eraser: We've probably all changed our minds about an answer we initially gave on a test, so bringing an eraser is essential.
• Pencil case: To keep all my supplies organized.
• Calculator: Ask your professor if you must do calculations on the exam.
• Lecture notes, textbook, and/or crib sheet if your professor allows.
• Lined sheets of paper: If allowed by your professor. Writing down your thought processes on an extra paper sheet may be helpful.
• Laptop: If instructed to do so by your professor.
• Water bottle: Exams are long, so staying hydrated is essential.

I find exam season stressful, but coming prepared and staying organized have made the experience easier for me to manage. I encourage you to consider these ideas when preparing for your finals this term. Good luck with your exams, and have a restful Winter break!

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