It’s the end of May, and depending on your school district, your child has just final exams or they’re right around the corner. This final stretch of the school year is an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned, but it can also be stressful, especially for those who’ve had a challenging year or have never felt confident as test-takers.
If your child is putting in the effort but not seeing results, it’s likely not a matter of laziness or lack of motivation. More often, it comes down to how they’re learning and studying.
The good news? With the right strategies and support, it’s absolutely possible to turn things around so you don’t find yourself in the same tough spot next school year.
Here are seven reasons students struggle with final exams and how our expert tutors and executive function coaches help them finish the year strong and build lasting habits for success.
1. They Have Trouble Focusing While Studying or Testing
Focus and sustained attention are essential for learning and recalling information, but for many students, especially those with ADHD, zoning out is common during long study sessions or exams.
How we help: Our tutors and executive function coaches teach students strategies to limit distractions, break work into manageable chunks, and use active recall to stay engaged with the material.
2. Their Study Skills Aren’t Effective
Many students reread notes, highlight their textbooks, or cram the night before. These strategies feel productive, but when students study passively, it rarely leads to long-term learning.
How we help: We show students how to study smarter, not harder. That means using active study techniques like spaced practice and review methods tailored to the format of the test they’ll be taking (essay vs. multiple choice).
3. They’re Relying on AI Tools to Do the Work
When students use AI tools, like ChatGPT or Math AI, to complete assignments or explain concepts, it can give them a false sense of understanding. Come test day, they don’t actually know the material because they’ve only skimmed it.
How we help: Our tutors work one-on-one to help students genuinely understand core concepts, not just complete their homework. We build comprehension and confidence that lasts beyond the classroom.
4. Test Anxiety Gets in the Way
Even well-prepared students can blank out under pressure. Test anxiety can cause racing thoughts, poor recall, and low confidence.
How we help: We coach students on test day strategies, including calming techniques and time management. We also use low-pressure practice questions so they can walk into finals feeling calm and in control.
5. The Test Looks Different than What They Studied
Teachers may teach one way, but test another. If the test format doesn’t match how your child studied, it can throw them off entirely.
How we help: We help students practice with different types of questions (like multiple choice, short answer, and essays) and study in the format of the test, not just the content.
6. They Missed Key Information from Reading or Homework
Many students assume that if it wasn’t covered in class, it won’t be on the test. But teachers often expect students to learn from reading assignments and homework.
How we help: We bridge those gaps by reviewing homework, reinforcing missed concepts, and assisting students to connect classwork to test questions.
7. They Only Type Notes and Never Write Anything Down
Typing is fast, but researchers have found that writing notes by hand improves retention. Students who only use a laptop often miss the deeper processing that happens when writing. And when they go to study, they might not remember what’s behind the words on their screen.
How we help: Our coaches teach students how to take effective notes by hand, summarize what they learn, and create their own study guides to solidify understanding.
Your Child can Get the Help They Need to Finish the School Year Strong and Bridge Any Learning or Skill Gaps over the Summer
Struggling with tests now is often a sign that your child needs more support in building foundational academic and executive function skills. Whether it’s math, reading, writing, or learning how to learn, our expert tutors and coaches will help them catch up for a stronger start in the fall.
Special Offer: When you sign up for a tutoring or executive function coaching plan by May 31, 2025, we’ll add one free bonus hour to your plan.
Let’s help your child finish the school year strong and set them up for success this summer and beyond.
Schedule a free call with one of our Educational Specialists today to get matched with the right support for your student.