7 Tips for Teens to Conquer Finals
We won’t sugar coat it: finals ARE overwhelming. There’s a lot to do and most teens feel they don’t have nearly enough time to do it all. But there is a way! With the following proven strategies from SOS4Students, students can tackle finals head-on and come out feeling prepared and confident.
Students, these tips are for you!
#1. Make a Daily Plan of Action
- List priorities in each class. Be very specific about what concrete actions to take.
- Don’t just tell yourself to study. Instead, for example, tell yourself to make flashcards for 20 of the words you don’t remember well, or that you need to review the test you had the lowest grade on by putting corrections on a study guide.
#2. Eliminate Phone Distractions
- Take your phone out of your room as you start work and plug it in somewhere else.
- Let friends and family know you are studying and silence notifications. (Your friends should be doing this too!)
#3. Make Time for Breaks
- Work 20–30 minutes, then take a break for 10 minutes. Your attention span and working memory will thank you.
#4. Exercise
- With the shorter school days, be sure and use time between 3:30 and 5:30 pm to get out for a walk with your dog or a quick bike ride for some fresh air (and time to get your thoughts together).
#5. Utilize Extra Support on Campus
- Be clear how you will utilize support (such as flex period, academy, or peer tutoring) and have an agenda.
- Examples: meet with your Spanish teacher to clarify questions you have about your upcoming oral, or connect with a friend to review APUSH together.
- If you are in Lamorinda or Danville/San Ramon, check Final Exam Cram at Lafayette Academy to see options for your school for content review.
#6. Get Organized for an Easy Morning Departure
- Lay out clothes the night before your exam.
- Put your phone and computer away. If possible, use something other than your phone for an alarm. (No, not your parents. That ship has sailed!)
#7. Eat Breakfast!
- While you might not be hungry early in the day, or interested in a full meal, you do need fuel.
- Things like yogurt, a smoothie, bagel, banana, hummus, and toast are great grab and go options.
Good luck … you’ve got this!
Winter Workshops
Set your teen up for success in the spring semester with our in-person winter workshops, returning this season with dates to be announced. Designed to build essential executive functioning and learning skills, these workshops empower middle and high school students to excel in school and beyond.
🌟 Middle School Booster: Sharpen organization and time management skills for a smoother middle school experience.
🖋️ Take Note: Master the art of effective note-taking for improved study habits and test prep.
🧠 Executive Brain Bootcamp: Build advanced executive functioning skills to tackle projects, manage time, and stay motivated.
📚 Secrets of Successful Note-Taking: Learn strategies for capturing and using class content effectively.
See our workshops page for dates as they’re announced.
Got Questions?
SOS4Students is here to support students and families. Contact SOS4Students at (510) 531-4767 or to discuss the ways we can help.