At the College Resource Center, LLC we understand how stressful finals week can be. With the hectic semester coming to a close, many college students find themselves cramming a semester’s worth of material into the night before their exam, writing last minute essays and completing lingering assignments. Course work and outside commitments begin to accumulate during this time and often it seems nearly impossible to finish every tasks at hand. This inevitably triggers stress and anxiety amongst college students. The following are a few tips we share with our clients as finals week approaches.
- Start Early. Don’t wait until the night before to start studying for your final exams. If you manage your time appropriately, you will be able to cover the necessary materials assigned to you for each class. It is helpful if you study and keep up with your class work as the semester elapses. Therefore, you will only need to review the materials at the semester’s close as oppose to cramming it all in. We recommend students make a schedule, prioritizing what classes they need to study for the most as well as outlining the topics for each of those classes that will be covered on the exam. This will ensure students divide their time fittingly between classes that are more demanding and classes that come easier to the student. It also ensures students spend their time reviewing only the topics that will be included on the exam.
- Go to the library or book a study room. Find a quiet place to study, whether it be at the library or in a study room. This will keep distractions to a minimum and allow students to direct their full attention to studying. Often times studying in one’s dorm room can be disadvantageous because distractions such as roommates, televisions, etc. are present. Also, studying at the library or in a study room gives students the opportunity to have more workspace. Therefore, students can spread all the necessary materials right out in front of them.
- Form a study group. Often times it is more helpful than not to form a study group with fellow classmates. In this way, students can motivate one another to get started and to continue studying until the exam. Forming a study group gives students the opportunity to see a classmate’s perspective and insight on a subject. This keeps students on their toes and allows them to grasp a better understanding of the material. Study groups also promote the sharing of study materials so students can divide and conquer definitions, concepts and outlines, therefore helping one another prepare efficiently and effectively for the final exam.
- Go to your professor’s office hours. It is imperative students go to their professor’s office hours and ask questions that will clarify topics which are unclear to the student. Many times after answering questions, professors will also offer feedback to students on their overall performance throughout the semester and will tell them what mark they must earn on the final to achieve a certain cumulative grade. Visiting your professor during office hours demonstrates your commitment to his or her class and shows just how much you are trying. This extra involvement could mean the difference between a 4.0 and a 3.7, as professors take these added efforts into account.
- Utilize the study materials you are given. Make sure to study the materials provided to you by your professor such as study guides, PowerPoints, class notes and previous tests. It is very helpful to review previous tests and quizzes as many times professors will revisit this material on the final.
- Take breaks. There can be such a thing as too much studying. It is important you take 10 to 15 minute breaks to clear your mind. Check your Facebook or twitter page, take a quick walk or chat with a roommate during this time. If you are experiencing significant stress, opt to take a longer break and go to the gym. Do some cardio to alleviate this tension and “get the juices flowing”. Then resume studying.
Remember, all college students are in the same boat. Everyone is experiencing the stress and anxiety associated with finals week, though some more than others. Just take a deep breath and follow some of the tips above to prepare yourself for final exams and to alleviate some stress.
About Smart Track™ Toolkit: The toolkit is a web based service that assists families with everything from admissions and test prep, to student athletics and financial aid. Our intuitive software and on-demand workshops are key components to making sure students find their top choice colleges, and families can afford to send them there.
About the author: Alecia Coleman is currently a senior at Bentley University
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