Second trimester final exams are right around the corner and now is the time to start studying. There are many effective ways that can make your studying more successful.

• Step One: Start your studying with the class you find most difficult.

Focusing on your hardest class first can make studying other classes easier. In addition, when you get your hardest class out of the away you feel a weight lifted off of your shoulder.

• Step Two: Stay organized.

Staying organized may not be the first step, however, it is one of the most important. A messy folder, binder, or backpack can cause you to mix things up. Some papers can even become out of order making studying harder and longer.

• Step Three: Study in a place that will not cause distractions.

Most times being in a quiet, non-busy place to study helps with focusing on what you are doing at the moment. Although, depending on whom you are, you may find loud, busy places to be more beneficial study hangouts.

• Step Four: Take time to eat.

Eating gives your body the nutrients it needs to focus. When you are hungry you are focused on your stomach and not the task at hand. So, make sure you are able to give your undivided attention to what is important.

• Step Five: DO NOT STUDY CRAM.

Overwhelming yourself makes you scatterbrained. You may over-estimate the studying that needs to take place and start too late. You may not fit everything in, as well as not remember facts as well as you would if you take your time. Important points need to be reviewed over a period of time and not crammed all at once.

• Step Six: Take some breaks.

Taking breaks helps rejuvenate the brain and make it easier to come back and continue studying. Stressing too hard for too long is not beneficial.

• Final Step: Get rest.

One of the best things you can do when preparing for a test is to get a lot of rest. This gives your brain a break and the relaxation it needs to be refreshed for it to think clearly. It is important for the mid to be cleared and well rested.