5 Common Mistakes Students Make During Finals

• May 18th
• 7 hours ago
• Academic Management, Admission Process

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5 Common Mistakes Students Make During Finals (and How to Avoid Them)
Let’s get something out of the way: finals are hard. Whether you’re a seasoned straight-A student or someone who’s just trying to make it to summer break with your GPA intact, the pressure is real. It feels like everything you’ve learned all semester suddenly piles into a mountain you’re expected to climb in a week—or less.

And while there’s no magic wand to make it easier (if only!), there are definitely things students do during finals season that make it harder. I’ve seen it firsthand—friends, classmates, and yes, even myself—fall into the same patterns every single finals season.

So, let’s talk about the five most common mistakes students make during finals—and more importantly, how you can avoid them. This isn’t another lecture. This is the real stuff, the kind of finals help you wish someone had told you before you pulled your third all-nighter.

1. Cramming the Night Before Like It’s a Sport

We’ve all been there. You tell yourself you’ll start early… then suddenly it’s 11 p.m. the night before your bio exam, and you’re flipping through chapters like you’re speed-reading for a contest. Cue the panic, the exhaustion, and the blank stare at your exam the next morning.

Why it doesn’t work:

Cramming might help you remember a few facts for a short period, but it won’t stick. Your brain needs time—and rest—to move information into long-term memory. Without it, all you’ve got is a mental house of cards waiting to collapse.

What to do instead:
Start small, and start early. Even just 30 minutes a day in the week leading up to your exam is better than a five-hour stress session the night before. Use active recall techniques, like flashcards or practice questions. Mix in some light review the day before—but don’t count on a miracle cram session to save the day.

2. Ignoring Your Body (and Acting Like a Robot)

Let’s be real: finals season turns even the healthiest students into coffee-fueled zombies. Sleep? Who needs it? Meals? Whatever’s fastest and requires zero dishes. Exercise? Lol.

Why it’s a mistake:
When you don’t eat well, sleep enough, or move your body, your brain suffers. You think you’re buying more time to study, but really, you’re trading sharp focus for foggy thinking and burnout.

What to do instead:
Make your health part of your study tips. Keep snacks and water nearby. Take a short walk after every few study blocks. Go to bed at a reasonable hour. It sounds simple, and maybe even boring, but it works. You don’t need to become a wellness guru—just don’t neglect the basics.

3. Re-reading Notes Like That’s All It Takes

This is the silent killer of finals prep. You feel productive because you’re reading and highlighting—but it’s all surface-level. No real engagement. Just your eyes scanning the page while your brain thinks about literally anything else.

Why it doesn’t help:
Passive reading doesn’t build strong memories. It’s like watching someone else ride a bike and thinking you’ve learned how to do it. You might absorb a bit, but without practice, you’re not prepared to apply it during the exam.

What to do instead:
Switch to active studying. Here’s what that might look like:

• Quiz yourself without looking at your notes. 
• Teach a concept to a friend (or even your pet). 
• Create practice tests. 
• Use diagrams, timelines, or concept maps to show how things connect. 

These study tips will push your brain to engage more deeply—and you’ll be better prepared come test day.

4. Going It Alone

It’s easy to think finals are a solo mission. You hunker down in your room, maybe throw your phone across the bed for “focus,” and isolate yourself to grind. And while some alone time is important, too much of it can backfire.

Why it doesn’t work:
Studying in isolation can be overwhelming and demotivating. You get stuck on questions with no one to ask. You second-guess everything. And the worst part? You miss out on some of the best exam support—your peers.

What to do instead:
Use your network! Join a study group (even a virtual one). Ask your teacher questions. Text a classmate for clarification. Teaching each other and working through tough concepts together can make a massive difference—not just in your understanding, but in your confidence.

And if you’re someone who gets too distracted in groups? Try scheduling “study check-ins” with a friend. You study on your own but check in every hour to stay accountable and talk through challenges.

5. Focusing on Grades Instead of Understanding

This one stings a bit, but it’s true: when you care only about the grade, you miss the point of learning. Yes, we all want to do well. But obsessing over the number at the top of your exam can actually hurt your performance.

Why it’s harmful:
When you focus purely on the outcome, you add pressure. That pressure makes you more anxious, less focused, and more likely to second-guess yourself. You study to memorize answers instead of truly understanding the material.

What to do instead:
Shift your mindset from “I need an A” to “I want to understand this better.” That doesn’t mean you stop caring about your GPA—it just means you’re learning with more depth. Ironically, this shift often leads to better grades, because you’re learning for real, not just gaming the system.

A Better Way Through Finals

Finals don’t have to feel like the end of the world. Yes, they’re tough. Yes, they demand effort. But if you can avoid these common mistakes and take a more mindful, strategic approach, you’ll be amazed at how much better you perform—and how much less stressed you feel.

Here’s the bottom line: studying hard is good. Studying smart is better. Prioritize your well-being, plan ahead, stay engaged with the material, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Because at the end of the day, you’re not just a grade or a test score—you’re a whole person with goals, potential, and a future that goes far beyond finals week.

Need a Little Extra Help?

Sometimes, even when you’ve got a plan, it helps to have someone in your corner—someone who knows the material, understands how students learn, and knows how to guide you without the stress. That’s where Groza Educational Center comes in.

Whether you’re looking for personalized exam support, one-on-one tutoring, or structured coaching to build a study plan that actually works, Groza’s expert educators are here to help you succeed. They’re not just focused on your next test—they’re focused on your long-term confidence as a learner.

Don’t let finals be something you dread. Let them be something you conquer. And if you need support along the way, you know where to find it.