Finals week. Hearing these two words uttered together brings dread and fear to students everywhere. As the semester quickly winds down, students are asked to complete one last academic hurrah. This is usually a big cumulative exam, or some complicated project to show one's understanding of the class they have been taking since the start of fall. Most final exams carry a lot of weight for our final grade in the class. No one truly enjoys taking a final, but it is something all students have to do, so we better accept it. Most importantly, don't unnecessarily over stress yourself this semester when exam week rolls around in the next few weeks.

Being told not to stress over something usually has an adverse effect. But seriously, DON'T STRESS OVER FINAL EXAMS. Students tend to get way too worked up when it comes to the last weeks of the semester. Obviously there will always be a little anxiety, and that is to be expected, but don't let your anxiety and the stress of bubbling in scantrons get the better of you. Finals are definitely important, and they should be approached with the necessary preparation.

Start by studying ahead of time. Too many people put off studying until the last possible second. Trying to cram for months of material the night before is never the best option. This will definitely cause a lot of stress, and that is not something one wants heading into an exam. Put aside a small portion of your day a few weeks before finals and start reviewing. Reread old notes or PowerPoint slides, take a look at previous tests and quizzes, get together with a classmate. These are just a few options that are far preferable to cramming at the last minute. Find a strategy and a routine that works best for you. Then, when you find it, stick to it and you will find yourself doing better come exam time. Oh, and not to mention that being significantly less worried.

Ultimately it just comes down to trusting yourself. If you have been showing up to class, working hard, doing the homework and doing well, why should the exam be any different? It seems like it is always the people who are doing very well in a class who are the most nervous for the final. Confidence is essential to so many different facets in life, and school is no different. Trust in your abilities. Trust in yourself. You have not gotten to the point you are now by accident. Your hard work and dedication have gotten you this far in both your life and this point of the semester. Stay strong and don't let the fear of finals week get to you. Calm down, take a deep breathe and kick ass.