Seven Step Plan to Ace a Math Final

May 6, 2018 | Kendall

The end of the school year is coming. Your math final is looming on the horizon. It is going to cover a wide range of concepts covered in class this semester. To increase your odds of getting an “A” on a big test, you need to develop a study strategy. Plan to get started one to three weeks in advance, depending on your level of mastery of the course material and your other obligations.

Use this guide to set up a winning study strategy.

Step 1: Gather information.

Collect all your quizzes and tests from the past semester. Analyze those tests. Ask yourself the following questions: “What problems did you get correct? Do you still remember how to do those types of problems? What happened on the ones you got wrong? Did you run out of time and/or neglect to double-check your calculations? Did you forget an important formula? Did you have trouble with a particular concept?”

Step 2: Optimize your time.

Use your answers from step 1 to decide which topics need a quick review and which topics you have forgotten. Plan about thirty minutes for each concept that you need a quick review. Plan several hours for concepts you didn’t previously master.

Step 3: Create a plan.

Do not cram all of your study sessions into the days just before your exam. Begin studying a couple of weeks before your big test day. Break the study sessions into several nights. Five one-hour study sessions is more effective and less stressful than one five-hour study session.

Step 4: Communicate with your support system.

Here are sample support teams and how they might help.

  • Teacher - Ask your teacher for extra study problems, help with a concept, or for more information about what will be covered on the exam.
  • Mathnasium - Talk with us about how we can best help you prepare.  Do you want to discuss test-taking strategies? Which concepts are giving you the most trouble? We are here to listen and help!
  • Parents - Tell them your study plans so they have realistic expectations. Studying for a math final is a great reason to ask for fewer chores.  They will love to see you putting forth your best effort to succeed in class!
  • Friends - Explain to them that you need to focus and you will catch up with them when you aren’t studying. Your cell phone can be a big distraction, so put it in a different room or turn it off when you study.
  • Coaches and Leaders of Extra-Curricular Activities - Request to be home by dinnertime. They won’t know your academic pressures unless you tell them. You will want adequate time for studying and resting.
  • Study Buddy or Study Groups - The best study groups focus on studying. Friends often aren’t the best study partners because you get tempted to veer off task. Consider finding a partner who needs your help. Helping someone else understand a math concept cements it in your own brain. Just make sure you are both helping each other learn.

Step 5: Start studying.

Make sure you take a short break about every half hour or so to stretch and get your blood flowing. Short bursts of exercise, like running in place for five minutes, and eating healthy snacks will help keep your mind focused to study efficiently. Check off topics on your study plan as you master them. It is very encouraging to see yourself making progress through what originally may have seemed like a daunting list of study topics.

Step 6: Feel your best on test day.

Get plenty of rest the night before the test. Eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the test so your brain gets the nutrients it needs.

Step 7: Feel proud.

If you took steps one through six, you should feel proud of your effort. Hard work takes time but it pays off. Make sure you come into Mathnasium to show us the test results. We love seeing success!

Mathnasium of Kendall feels honored to be part of your support team. Call us today for more information on how we can help your child succeed!