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A Survey of Study Habits for Final Exams

As students, we want to do our absolute best, not only to attain a high grade, but also for self confidence on future tests and to know that we can successfully demonstrate our knowledge. A test is not only a test. It is a performance of understanding that reflects how smart of a student you are and how well you can study the materials required.

Different students have unique ways and habits to study for finals. This past spring, I  journeyed to many schools, made numerous phone calls, and sent a myriad of emails to discover how students prepared for their final exams.  Here are the results:

Having Someone Quiz You

• “I always take notes and outline about four to five sentences on the material I need to know. Then I review it with a friend or family member.”–Charles Guirad (age 14, 9th grade, Xavier High School, New York, NY)
• “I get help from my older brother and he quizzes me on the things I need to know.”–Jessica Hamilton (age 8, 2nd grade, P.S. 49, Staten Island, NY)

Note/Flash Cards

• “Usually I study by myself with note cards which help me memorize what I need to know.”–Samantha Colon (age 12, 6th grade, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Staten Island, NY)
• “Making note cards and using them as flash cards is the way I do it.” –Megan Caccavale (age 14, 9th grade, LaGuardia High School, New York, NY)
• “I read over my notes and write down key points on my chalkboard. It really helps!” –Paris Garcia (age 15, 9th grade, Notre Dame Academy, Staten Island, NY)

Outlines

• “I find the best way for me to study is to type up an outline of the information on the test and study from that.” –Gabrielle Lacqua (age 11, 6th grade, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Staten Island, NY)

Reading Aloud

• “I do everything I can to study–make study sheets and read them aloud, over and over again and write down all the significant information.” –Crista Lacqua (age 13, 8th grade, Notre Dame Elementary School, Staten Island, NY)

Reading/Doing Sample Problems

• “The best way to do it is to go into the textbook and read the examples, especially for Geometry.” –Joseph Klien (age 14, 9th grade, Xavier High School, New York, NY)

Read, Read, Read

• “I read and read and read. Then take a break, and read some more.”  –Lawrence Little (age 15, 9th grade, Regis High School, New York, NY)

Studying to Music

• “I go up to my room and listen to music while I study.” –Brooke Weinandy (age 12, 7th grade, Mohawk Junior High School, Sycamore, OH)

As you can see, students from many different schools study differently. This may depend on the school they go to, the friends they have, their interest in school, or how smart they already are. Students have their own unique ways to study, which helps them in the best way possible. Whether you make note cards, study in a group, or just hit the books and read, studying is studying.  Your way of studying might be different from your friends, but that one way is what helps you conquer the finals, or any test!

(Interviews were conducted spring 2009.)

About the Author: Andrew Lacqua is 15 years old and is a sophomore at Xavier High school in New York City. Some things he likes to do are play tennis, hang out with friends, listen to music, and play paintball every now and then.