As the summer months approach, plenty of students are beginning to feel the familiar fatigue that sets in after a long school year comes to a close. But in order to keep grade point averages up and momentum running strong into summer, adequately prepping for final exams is a must.

Here are five tips and tricks to ensure that students make the most of final exams—without succumbing to stress, study fatigue, or the distraction of the sunny days ahead:

1.     Avoid Cramming – Study in Intervals!

While the temptation of summer vacation may be calling, avoid the impulse to prepare for exams by squeezing in a few last-minute cramming hours before test time. Research consistently shows that studying in intervals—rather than in a last-ditch rush—provides better long-term retention, ultimately leading to higher test results. The ideal interval windows for studying are in 20 and 50 minute segments, with respective 5 and 10 minutes breaks in between. 

2.     Get Moving

Everyone knows that daily exercise is a boon to overall wellness, but did you know that just twenty-minutes of activity a day could improve your memory, too? Whether you enjoy biking, hiking, running, organized sports, or otherwise—upping your heart rate for at least twenty minutes a day can relieve stress and boost your retention, too! Pair regular exercise with your study time and watch your scores climb.

3.     Manage Your Time

Just as cramming or pulling an all-nighter might seem like a good last-minute effort, both bad habits ultimately impair judgment, heighten your stress level, and typically result in less than desirable test performance. By creating an organized study schedule where predetermined time periods are allotted for specific study material, you can reduce your stress and nip procrastination in the bud.

4.     Diminish Distractions

Avoiding distractions while studying may seem easier said than done, but there are a few surefire tricks to employ to keep yourself on task while studying for final exams, such as: scheduling venue changes for your study location to keep your surroundings fresh; avoid listening to music while prepping; have pre-portioned snacks available to keep yourself fueled; take intermittent breaks to avoid burnout.

5.     Trust an Expert

No matter how many preparations are taken, studying for final exams can feel like an overwhelming endeavor. One of the best ways to successfully prepare for final exams is to pair yourself with a tutor who can help you craft a winning strategy come test time, keep you on task, and help you identify your academic strengths and weaknesses. Having an experienced, professional tutor who truly cares about your academic success will help you to streamline your studying, develop healthy study habits for the future, and ensure that you finish your school year on a high note.

We seek to meet the needs of each and every student, no matter his or her goals, interests, or academic background. Through one-on-one personalized tutoring and small group classes, we address the individual learning needs of all students, especially during the critical end of the year stretch. Finishing strong during final exams keeps transcripts and GPA’s on track, showing teachers and future college admission committees that a student is consistent and serious about his or her education.

Vogel Prep Tutoring and Test Prep offers private tutoring and small group classes for students in Phoenix’s East Valley including those from Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Care Free, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley, who are looking to elevate their scores on exams including (AP) Tests, the ACT, the SAT, the PSAT and the SAT Subject Tests. With our conveniently located tutoring center at 13951 N Scottsdale Rd in Scottsdale, Vogel Prep also provides academic counseling services to students and their families.