With winter break approaching and academic terms ending, many students are preparing for their final exams. As an international student, it’s important to understand that studying for and passing your final exams helps you maintain your status.

Maintaining status means following the rules and regulations that govern studying in the United States, and these rules require that you enroll in a full course of study and make normal progress toward your academic objective, such as a degree, diploma or certificate. Since your performance on a final exam contributes to your overall grade in a course, it’s important to do well on the exams to pass your classes. Following these study tips can help you prepare:

• Do not simply re-read your notes. Focus on the meaning of what you've written.
• Ask yourself a lot of questions.
• Connect new information to something you already know.
• Draw out information in a visual form (e.g., diagrams and illustrations).
• Use flashcards to help you memorize information.
• Do not wait until the last minute to study.

If you have questions about maintaining status or concerns about passing your classes, talk with your designated school official (DSO) immediately. Your DSO is the best person to help you navigate your options while ensuring you properly maintain your status.