Finals week is coming up, and students are preparing for their many exams, papers and presentations. Classes end on Dec. 13, and exams will begin the following Sunday. For many students, this can be a stressful time and it is important for everyone to find ways to relax in the last few weeks before break.
Studying is obviously a must to prepare for finals. Matthew McCluskey of Academic Advising suggests beginning to prepare at least ten days in advance to help avoid cramming the night before. He encourages an hour or two of studying a day to start, then more time as the exam gets closer.
It is also important to take breaks. Reward yourself every hour or two with a Netflix episode or nap. “Make the most of your weekends leading up to finals” McCluskey advises, and set a little bit of time aside for things like exercise, art or time with friends. Switch locations every couple of hours as well, because staying in one spot for too long can be a distraction and make you restless.
McCluskey also wants students to remember off campus spaces as well, like The Bagelry. “It will help remind you there’s a world outside what your studying” McCluskey said. Studying with a group is also helpful and you can share ideas and help each other with material you may have forgotten over the long semester. Office hours may also be helpful.
McCluskey also recommends “active studying”. This means testing yourself, creating a visual or even teaching the material to someone else. Having something to show for your studying will make you feel more accomplished and solidify what you learned.Write study goals so you can keep track of all your tasks and make the most of your time.
If you find yourself feeling stressed, make sure you also give yourself time to step back from all your work. Meditation, exercise and napping will help you focus. Yes, finals are important and in many classes they make up a big part of your grade, but put it into perspective. One bad exam is not the end of the world. There are a lot of important aspects to your college career and by the end of it, you will have other accomplishments greater than just your grades.
If you struggle with test anxiety, it’s even more important to prepare beforehand. The best way to combat anxiety is to know the material so well, you don’t worry about not knowing answers. Make sure you’re not too tired the day of the exam; get a good night sleep before and eat well during the day off.
Being confident is also key to taking exams. There is a correlation between confidence and academic performance, so always keep positive, self-affirming thoughts in your head during your tests. This will make you more focused and keep you from doubting and changing answers last minute, which is never advised.
There are some tips to follow during test taking that may also help. Answer the easy questions and the ones you know for certain first. Outline any essays before you begin them to help organize your thoughts so you’re not erasing every other line. For true or false questions, make sure you check the statement for any word that makes it anywhere less than 100% true. For multiple choice, use process of elimination. Typically, answers with words such as “never”, “always” or “must” are incorrect, while specific, detailed answers are right.
There are plenty of on-campus resources for students during finals week. The Quantitative Resource Center in Valentine is great for science and math classes. The WORD studio can help with your final papers and presentations.
McCluskey also encourages looking into your textbooks for extra problems in the book itself or if there is an online component. “Students pay a lot for their books and should use them to their full potential” McCluskey said.
Also, puppy advising hours happen Monday afternoons in the Quad or Chapel, depending on the weather, which is always a great stress reliever. Remember, everyone on campus is in the same boat as you for the next two weeks, so you are not alone. Good luck on all your finals!