How High School Students Can Make the Most of Thanksgiving Break to Prepare for Final Exams
Thanksgiving break is a time to relax, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy some much-needed downtime. But for high school students, it’s also a golden opportunity to set yourself up for success as the semester comes to a close. With final exams just around the corner, using this break wisely can make a huge difference in your academic performance. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your time and get ahead for the final push to exams.
1. Create a Study Plan
Before the break begins, take some time to map out a plan for how you’ll use your free days. Identify your priorities: which classes need the most attention, and which subjects are giving you the most trouble? Break your study sessions into manageable chunks and set clear goals for what you want to accomplish each day. A well-thought-out plan will help you stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Review Past Material
Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to revisit material from earlier in the semester. Final exams often cover cumulative content, so don’t neglect the chapters and units you studied back in September. Pull out your class notes, review old quizzes and tests, and create summaries of key concepts. This will not only refresh your memory but also help you identify any gaps in your understanding.
3. Tackle Practice Problems
For math, science, and other problem-solving subjects, practice is key. Use your break to work through practice problems, either from your textbook or online resources like Khan Academy. This will help you reinforce what you’ve learned and boost your confidence heading into finals.
4. Organize Your Materials
A disorganized binder or backpack can add unnecessary stress to your study sessions. Take a day during the break to clean out your school supplies, organize your notes by topic, and make sure you have all the materials you need to study effectively. This simple step can save you a lot of time and frustration later.
5. Get Ahead on Upcoming Assignments
If your teachers have already assigned work for the weeks leading up to finals, use Thanksgiving break to get a head start. Finishing assignments early will free up time for focused studying and reduce stress as the exam dates approach.
6. Form a Study Group
If your friends or classmates are also using the break to prepare for finals, consider forming a virtual or in-person study group. Discussing the material with others can help you gain new insights and clarify concepts you might be struggling with. Just make sure the group stays on task and doesn’t turn into a social hangout!
7. Focus on Self-Care
While studying is important, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Make time for family meals, get plenty of sleep, and take breaks to recharge. A healthy body and mind are crucial for effective learning, so balance your study schedule with time for relaxation and fun.
8. Use Resources Like Tutors & Friends
If you’re struggling to understand certain topics or just want to reinforce your knowledge, consider scheduling a tutoring session during the break. At Tutors & Friends, we’re here to help you prepare for finals with one-on-one support tailored to your needs. Our expert tutors can help you review challenging material, practice exam-style questions, and build a personalized study plan.
9. Set Realistic Goals
Don’t try to cram everything into one week—focus on quality over quantity. Set realistic goals for what you can accomplish during the break and celebrate your progress. Even small steps, like mastering one challenging topic or creating a study guide for a single subject, can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving break is a time for gratitude and rest, but it’s also a chance to set yourself up for success in the final weeks of the semester. By balancing study time with self-care, staying organized, and making use of available resources, you can enter the final stretch feeling confident and prepared.
If you’re looking for extra support, Tutors & Friends is here to help! Contact us today to schedule a session and make this Thanksgiving break your most productive one yet.
