5 tips to prepare for finals at CU Boulder
Final exams may still be a few weeks away, but now is a great time to start preparing. Between upcoming projects, papers and exams, making a plan early can help you manage your workload and feel more confident heading into finals.
Here are five ways to get organized, make the most of your study time and finish the semester strong.
Check your finals schedule and upcoming deadlines
Start by reviewing your syllabi and making a list of remaining assignments, projects and exams. Check the dates, times and locations of your finals, as they may differ from your regular class schedule.
Take note of what material each exam will cover and identify any questions you have about assignments or expectations. You can attend faculty office hours to get clarification and discuss topics you find challenging.
Create a realistic study schedule
Once you know what's coming up, make a study schedule that works with your other commitments. Start with your exam dates and assignment deadlines, then work backward to decide when you'll study or complete specific tasks.
Break larger projects into smaller steps and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and how much time they'll take. Build in breaks and some flexibility for unexpected changes. Check out these time management tips for more ways to stay organized.
Find study strategies that work for you
As you prepare for finals, focus on study strategies that help you understand and remember course material. Instead of only rereading notes or highlighting textbooks, try testing yourself, working through practice problems or explaining concepts in your own words.
You can also spread your studying across several days or weeks rather than saving everything for the night before an exam. Focus extra time on topics you find challenging and revisit material regularly to help reinforce what you've learned. Spaced practice helps you move information into your long-term memory, helping you retain the information for your exams.
Take advantage of campus resources
Whether you need help understanding course material, managing stress or navigating personal challenges, CU Boulder offers resources to support you as you prepare for finals.
- Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring): Get free peer tutoring if you're a first-year student, new transfer student or student living on campus.
- Tutoring and learning resources: Explore additional academic support options available across campus to help you prepare for exams and complete coursework.
- Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Find support for stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns through counseling, workshops, groups and additional services.
- Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support: Connect with support for personal challenges that may be affecting your academics, including family emergencies, mental health concerns or basic needs.
Make time for rest and activities you enjoy
Taking care of yourself can help you stay focused and manage stress as the semester wraps up. Prioritize getting enough sleep, eating regular meals and making time for movement or activities you enjoy.
Give yourself breaks between study sessions to recharge. Spending time with friends, attending a campus event or taking a short walk can help you return to your work feeling refreshed.
Looking for more support as finals approach? Visit CU Boulder's finals website for additional resources and information to help you prepare.