Anna Tsioulias: Grade 8

For seventh- and eighth-graders, the end-of-year final exams take place the week after Memorial Day. The students take one test for each core academic subject. Each exam has a duration of 90 minutes, and there are two assigned tests on each day. Many students often question their methods of studying and at times can feel overwhelmed with so much material. Here are some tips on how to study for any end-of-year exam:

1. Organize your study time

May is often the busiest month of the year, so it is important to plan your study time accordingly. Many teachers recommend that students begin studying for finals at least two weeks before the exams. That way, seventh- and eighth-graders can have time to prepare and organize their study materials. It is crucial to arrange time and to clear your schedule to study for the exams. It will be extremely difficult for a person to prepare for final exams if he or she leaves all the studying for the Memorial Day weekend. It is best to complete things in advance, so each student will feel comfortable with the academic material and will remember it.

2. Complete and study material in advance

It is important to study most of the material the week before finals, which is review week. During review week, most seventh- and eighth-grade teachers review the material covered over the year. Students should likely spend more time studying subjects that are more difficult for them, so that they feel prepared.

3. Ask questions and collaborate with peers

Since most teachers give study guides or a guideline of what should be studied for the exams, it is important to make sure that you know everything by the end of review week. It is also important to collaborate with peers and to compare answers. That way, you can help others, as well as check your answers on the topics for the exams.

4. Take care of the final steps

It is very important, the night before the exams, to get a good night’s sleep and to reread some of the material. Also, on the morning of the finals, it is crucial to eat a good meal, so that you will have the energy to focus on all the exams.

To everyone taking final exams: best of luck!