As much as we’ve tried to ignore it, finals week is almost upon us. And even though we collegiettes™ try to remain optimistic, thinking of our tests as “opportunities” rather than our doom, it’s still easy to get stressed and overwhelmed. Never fear, though, ladies– HC is here with the best tips to keep you from pulling your hair out in the next week, and keep you healthy for the start of your summer vacay.
1. Prepare Now
?As tempting as it is to push that final paper off until the reading period and spend your time analyzing every detail of the Royal Wedding, the sooner you start finals prep, the better off you’ll be in the long run. Although many of us work well under pressure, you don’t want your last impression on your professor being a sloppy, rough draft of what should be a polished thesis. And nothing is worse than sitting down to a test and realizing that you are not nearly as prepared for an exam as you thought you were. This doesn’t mean that you need to set up camp in the library quite yet. Simply take the time this week to organize your notes and do a preliminary review. Start any necessary research ASAP so that you’re not scrambling for library books that may be rented later in the week. The more time you spend now, the less overwhelming your assignments will be when you’re really under pressure!
2. Share Study Guides
?Although I’m sure all of you collegiettes™ took extremely copious notes this semester, it is possible that you missed one term that could sneak its way onto one of your tests. Because not all of us are productive in study group (which often turn into procrastination sessions), another alternative is to swap study guides. Make an agreement with someone who has similar work habits to you to each make individual study guides, and then trade once each of you have done it. This will help discern which topics you are unclear on, and by collaborating, you’re less likely to be subject to human error.
3.Stay Healthy
?The last thing you want during finals week is a bout of Strep throat, and considering the number of people sneezing in my 9am lecture, the odds are not in your favor, ladies. If you are sick, now is the time to go to the health center and get yourself checked out. Don’t sacrifice your nutrition or exercise habits because of stress, either. Junky food and lack of exercise will make you feel lethargic and can make your anxiety worse. It’s important that you keep up with your regular work-out routine. If you don’t think you have time to hit the gym, bring your book or study guide with you and review while on the treadmill!
4. Go to Any Review Sessions Offered
As much as that C- on one of your essays may have convinced you, your professors actually don’t want you to do poorly in their classes. They are a lot more accommodating and willing to help their students than many of us realize around finals time. This means, if they offer a review session, you should make every possible effort to attend and ask questions. The longer the review session goes, the more likely the professor is to actually share information that is going to be on the test. Make sure you take good notes at the review session, and if you are left with any questions afterwards, email your professor and see if you can meet with him personally before your test.
5. Take As Much Time as is Offered
No matter how hungry or tired you are while taking the test, don’t rush through it. When you are more focused on your time than you are on the material, it is easy to slip up and make silly mistakes that will cost you crucial points. Usually professors will give more time than is really necessary to take the test, so relax, take deep breaths, and go through the material at a reasonable pace. When you finish, don’t hand it in right away. Check over your answers, and decompress for a little bit. You may have an epiphany on a problem that you were having difficulty with once you get over the time pressure.
Most of all, relax, and get through the next couple of weeks. It’s only four tests, and then you’re done for the year! And if you really need a break, come back and check out Her Campus for some fun articles that have nothing to do with Orgo or Economics. ?