The time has come for all of us to start cracking open our textbooks and begin the process of studying for finals. It's one of the most stressful times of the year, and that makes it even more difficult. The pressure of doing well in each class can really get to me sometimes, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Here are a few ways that I try to make use of as much time as I can without making myself feel too overwhelmed.
1. Look at what each final is for each class. Not all finals are exams. Sometimes it's a big project to turn in on finals day, or maybe you have a presentation you have to do instead of taking an actual test. Take a look at your finals and see which classes involve needing to actually study to keep as much information in your brain. If you're writing a paper, while it's still important to work hard on writing the paper, you get to use your notes and other resources, so studying isn't exactly something you need to do, and same with a presentation. While it's important to prepare and practice for a presentation, you usually have a visual while you talk and even some note cards to remind yourself of what you need to say.
2. Look at the grades you currently have in each of your classes. Yes, every class is important, and every test you have to take is important. However, if you have a C in one class and an A in another, I would suggest studying just a bit more for the class you have a C in. You still need to study for the other class as well, but it won't hurt your grade as much if you don't do too well.
3. Think about how you feel in each class. In some classes, you just tend to remember the information more than in other classes. If that's the case, you probably don't need to study as much for it as the other classes. If you've been able to retain the information fairly easily throughout the semester, chances are you'll be able to recall it easily on a test, so try to study more for the classes where the information just doesn't always stick in your brain as easily.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes studying alone just isn't enough for you to remember everything you need to for a test. I'd suggest finding a few people in your class to meet with and study together. If you don't understand something, maybe they do, and you could help each other out. Professors and their teacher's assistants can also help if your fellow classmates can't seem to help you understand something.
5. Don't forget to take breaks. Yes, studying is important. Yes, you should always give yourself time to study. No, you should not spend this entire week before finals only studying. Your brain will get fried by the time finals rolls around if you never take a break. After an hour or so of studying, go take a small walk, watch an episode of "Friends," do something to get your mind off your work for just a bit. Then, when you come back, your mind is ready to focus again.
Finals can be stressful. I'm always insanely stressed during finals week, and I've struggled finding ways to keep my anxiety down during this time of the school year. These are a few ways that help me prioritize what I need to do, and help me not feel as stressed while I prepare. College is a stressful time and we need to look out for each other. We're all going towards the same goal, and that's getting our degrees. And remember, even if you don't finish this semester with the best of grades, take a deep breath. It's not the end of the world; it's just one bad semester. Don't let that convince you to drop out or think you're not good enough, because you are. Just keep working hard and your grades will reflect that.
