Finals week is the most stressful time of the year for many students. As time is ticking and we are getting closer to Finals week, it is important to brainstorm and consider strategies that may be very useful for studying for finals. Earlier on in the semester, academic life coach Gretchen Wegner returned to campus to share “The Study Guide and the Anti- Cram Plan” with students in the theater. Wegner breaks it down into simple, approachable steps.

First, Wegner suggests that studying for finals should begin approximately three weeks prior to taking the tests, to avoid last minute cramming and leaving yourself with only a day or two to study. Wegner emphasizes the importance of maintaining good posture and sitting in a productive physical position, which is the first step to her plan. After adjusting your position, she suggests you start off by creating a physical To-Do list, that way you can stay organized and not worry about forgetting anything. When it comes time to actually begin studying, she shares that you first need to “Encode, get the information FROM the basket of knowledge and SKILLS into your brain.”

Next, Wegner highlights that an effective way to “Retrieve and Assess” the information (step 2), is by quizzing yourself, whether this be with flashcards or having someone else ask you questions. She highlights that “looking over your notes while you test yourself doesn’t count”. Lastly, step 3 of Gretchen Wegner’s study plan is to “Encode in a New Way,” her strategy to make studying a less boring task. This includes re-teaching yourself information in a more creative way, rather than “passively re-reading your notes and textbook”. As you approach finals week, consider Gretchen Wegner’s “Study Guide and the Anti-Cram Plan” to help you prepare and obtain information in a productive way!