Final exams are hard enough. Guessing the details shouldn’t be part of the test.

Why this matters

Finals season is stressful—no surprise there. But what often surprises students (and parents) is why the stress spikes. It’s usually not the content. It’s the confusion. Not knowing the format. Not knowing what to study. Not knowing if it’s in-person or online. When students get ahead of the unknowns, they study smarter, not just harder.

As a college success coach, I’ve seen it too many times: students put in the effort but miss key details that impact their grade. So let’s flip the script. Here are the 20 questions every student needs to ask now—so they’re not scrambling later.

🔎 Questions You Can Find in the Syllabus or Student Portal

(And if it’s not there—don’t wait. Ask in class or during office hours. Every unanswered question is a missed opportunity.)

1. When is the final exam scheduled? 🔑
Knowing the exact date and time helps you reverse-engineer your study schedule. (No surprises. No overlaps.)

2. Where is the final exam being held? 🔑
Don’t assume it’s in the same room as your class. Finals often get relocated.

3. How long is the exam? 🔑
A 2-hour exam needs a different pacing plan than a 45-minute one. Know how to budget your time.

4. Is the exam cumulative? 🔑
This changes your entire prep strategy. A cumulative exam means you need to revisit early semester material, not just the last few weeks.

5. Is it open book, closed book, or open note? 🔑
Open book doesn’t mean easy—and it definitely doesn’t mean you don’t have to study.

6. Is the exam in-person or online? 🔑
Location determines logistics (internet connection, proctoring software, transportation).

7. What’s the exam worth in terms of your final grade? 🔑
If it’s 40% of your grade, it deserves more attention than a 10% quiz. Prioritize accordingly.

8. Are there accommodations you need to arrange (extra time, quiet room)? 🔑
Check your eligibility and make arrangements early—don't wait until the day before.

9. Will there be a review session listed? 🔑
If yes—attend it. These often include hints, study guides, or practice problems.

10. Are there posted learning objectives? 🔑
These are gold. They tell you exactly what you’re expected to know and can help you study smarter.

🧑‍🏫 Questions to Ask Your Professor

(These are not always listed—so ask in class, ask in office hours, ask via email. The students who speak up are the ones who show up prepared.)

11. What’s the format of the exam—multiple choice, essays, short answers? 🔑
Knowing the format lets you match your study method. Flashcards won’t help if you’re writing essays.

12. Are formulas or a formula sheet provided? 🔑
This tells you whether to memorize or just know how to apply.

13. Are practice exams or old exams available? 🔑
These give you a real sense of what to expect and how questions are typically framed.

14. Are diagrams, charts, or graphs part of the test? 🔑
If so, practice interpreting them—especially under time pressure.

15. Are there topics or chapters that won’t be covered? 🔑
This helps you avoid wasting time on material that won’t be tested.

16. Will spelling or grammar count on written portions? 🔑
For essays and short answer, details matter. It’s fair game unless told otherwise.

17. What’s the biggest mistake students made last semester? 🔑
This one is gold. You’ll learn what traps to avoid and how to focus.

18. Are we expected to show work for math or science problems? 🔑
That changes how you practice and how partial credit is awarded.

19. Will there be extra credit opportunities on the exam? 🔑
Even one or two points can bump you up a full grade—don’t leave them on the table.

20. How can we best prepare for this specific exam? 🔑
Let your professor guide your prep. Their answer could reveal exactly how to win.

Final Thoughts

These 20 questions can make or break your final exam prep. They're simple—but powerful. Most students just assume the answers or try to wing it. But you’re not “most students.” You’re building habits that reduce stress and increase results.

For Students:

Take 15 minutes this week. Pull up your syllabus. Walk into office hours. Ask these questions. Write down the answers. You’ll feel more prepared and way less panicked.

For Parents:

Send this blog post to your student—not to micromanage, but to empower. A quick nudge now could help them protect their GPA, their confidence, and their momentum.