With finals approaching, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed amidst a sea of
assignments, projects, and papers. Hopefully, with some tips and tricks Ive picked up along the
way, I can ease some of your academic pain.
Although I’m not perfect, and at times can feel like I’m drowning in studying, Ive learned some
ways that have helped me stay more organized and relaxed in my busier moments.
- Give yourself some grace
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At the end of the day, not one single test is going to define who you are, or even how smart or
capable you are at a given subject. The fact that you’re trying is enough. Remember that as long
as you’re trying your best, that’s really all that matters. Overexerting yourself and losing sleep
over classes will likely exacerbate the situation. Study what you can, leave it at your desk, and
go to bed!Especially if it’s the night before the test, I like to say, “The hay is in the barn.” A phrase I
learned in middle school, essentially saying, you did all the work you could do, you prepared the
best you could, and now all you can do is rely on what you know and wait for the outcome. - Start early
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As painful as it is to say, the more you spread out your studying and the earlier you start, the
easier the process will be in the end. For finals, I recommend at least starting to gather your
information two weeks before. Make a schedule!! I can’t stress it enough that just writing down
when you will study for each subject is so important to staying organized. Once you have that
finished, I suggest breaking up each subject into categories. Our brains have a hard time sorting
so much information all at once, so break it up into chapters and give yourself time to fully
understand each chapter before moving on to the next - Utilize tools
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Although speaking to professors physically kills me, their office hours are there for a reason. If
you’re struggling, reach out to your teachers! They appreciate the extra effort, and nine times
out of ten, they will give you a tip or even similar problems to what will be on the final exam. It
will never hurt to connect with them, even if you just need a refresher. On top of that, many
schools offer tutoring sessions, extra help programs, study sessions, and more. Use what’s
around you; you’re likely paying for these tools, so you might as well try them out once or twice. - Superstition
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If all else fails, read your notes before you fall asleep and once you wake up. Sleep with your
notes under your pillow. Wear your lucky socks/feel-good outfit. Hope that the final gets
canceled last minute and everyone gets a one hundred. Listen to your favorite song before
taking the test. Stand in a “Superman” pose for at least five minutes (supposedly, that makes
you more confident), and realize that there’s probably at least one other person in the class who
will do worse than you!
Keep these tips in mind as these last few weeks of the semester wrap up. Hopefully, we can all
get some good grades and less stress for the holidays. Good luck!