By Michael Walker, Staff Writer
It is coming to the end of the semester where stress begins to fill the air as students await to take their finals. These finals mark the final grade students receive to either help or worsen their class average in hopes for the highest possible grade. However, students should realize that finals week is not the end of the world so do not panic. Yes, it is important to study and take time to relearn older material previously covered in their courses, but it is just a test. People put emphasis on the word final, making other stress the idea that it is still just a test.
There are many ways to help out and relieve the stress that each student gets during this time. One of the main things students need to consider is time management. Each class has its final at a different time. This means that the night before, a student can look over notes in the order they will be taking them the next day. Students must remind themselves that certain subjects are harder than others and will take longer to study and prepare for. By knowing this they should begin starting to prepare as early as possible to take their final. By creating flash cards or other sorts of notes earlier in the week, students are subconsciously studying without thoroughly doing the act. They can then review the cards they made when it comes down to cram time.
Another thing students need to know is that cramming is not a great option for these finals. Sure, some students may retain some of the knowledge they studied but it is not always enough and many times they simply forget it the second the final is in front of them. According to Psychology Magazine, “Cramming is almost never a good idea. Crammers tend to mix up facts and lead to the inability to connect prior learning to new facts”. It is never a good idea to be a crammer.
Some students find that studying in groups helps them significantly especially during finals week.
Sophomore Robert Salera says “Working with a group of friends helps me study better. Any question that one of us cannot answer the other can. Group studying works best when all members participate and are not distracting”.
Group studying works for many people, especially those with the same teacher. Everyone’s mind works a little differently, so it is good idea to see the problems from another’s viewpoint.
Students should also know that studying itself takes a giant toll on the brain and body. The better one eats and drinks, the better they feel. Students should plan hourly breaks from studying to regain and collect themselves before feeling overwhelmed. It works as something to look forward to when studying for a dreadful subject that will drive a student crazy. Do not, however, take too long of breaks because it will cause students to purposely stop the mindset of studying. Also, be sure to move around and stretch on these breaks to keep blood flowing. The body can only be seated for so long until fatigue sets in and muscles start getting sore.
Students should acknowledge that the mind works best when it is fully rested. Each night after studying, students should plan accordingly so that they can still get full rest to keep their brain functioning at full capacity. Losing sleep is essentially equivalent to losing points on a test. The night before the final, the student should pack all necessary items. The day of the final, students should dress comfortably. The motto goes, “If you look good, you’ll do good.” So keep those hopes up and confidence on full blast. Studying takes time, so do not procrastinate!
