With finals long over for me (thanks again, study abroad), it’s been a nice few weeks of little to no responsibility and plenty of sleep. But I feel for you, fellow students, and I wanted to share a few words of advice from a college student currently on the other side of things.
1. You know more than you think
“No, you don’t get it. Like I’ve actually learned nothing this semester.”
Maybe it’s truly impossible to keep your eyes open during a three-hour monotone history lecture, or maybe Organic Chemistry is actually so complex that you believe no human brain should ever have to process it. I get it, I’ve been there. But think about the exams you’ve already taken, the chapters you did read, and the history facts that were interesting. I promise, you know more than you’re giving yourself credit for.
2. Last-minute cramming isn’t such a bad idea
Especially for those things you haven’t had time to glance at yet! Obviously, a semester’s worth of content can’t be crammed into an all-nighter study session (or can it?), but if you can say you’ve at least seen all the material, you’ll probably be able to make more educated guesses.
3. Take care of yourself
Listen to your mom: sleeping and eating are, in fact, necessary even during finals week. Stop skipping meals because you’re too busy studying and too stressed to take a break. And just go to bed when you feel yourself getting overwhelmed to the point of hysteria at 1 am. You’ll feel a million and five times better.
4. There are a million things more important than your grades
Yes, for scholarships and grad schools GPA is a factor, but a lot of times it is more than just these influences that drive our motivation for good grades. For those with perfectionist tendencies like myself, who can’t bear to receive a B where an A is deserved, learn to let it go. Maybe a low grade stings upon first notice, but in a year’s time you’ll be surprised how little of a difference a letter or minus sign has made in your emotional and academic life.
Remember that you only have five days (or less if you’re lucky) to go! Then you have a month to sit on your parent’s couch and watch all the Netflix you’ve missed out (and read as many Odyssey articles on Facebook) as your heart desires.
