If television has given us one academic role model, then it's Rory Gilmore. Rory Gilmore managed to be accepted into Harvard, Yale, and Princeton while maintaining her high school grades, volunteer involvement, dating relationships, and the infamous Friday night dinners. The key to Rory Gilmore’s success was numerous hours of studying, which all college students should follow all semester long (not just the week of finals). The ultimate goal for college students is to maximize their time and achieve high-level performances. Since finals exam are quickly approaching, there are some lessons we can all learn from "Gilmore Girls." Why not learn from the best? I am presenting you lessons that Rory Gilmore has taught us about finals.
1. Always Keep Your Textbooks Handy
During the week of final exams, you will learn that your textbook will become your best friend. In college, you will always have that one professor that will gather questions from the textbook. Maybe all the information in the textbook will transfer to your brain... You never know!
2. Prepare to Have an Unhealthy Addiction to Coffee
Whether you like it or not, coffee will become your lifesaver, best friend, and boost of energy! There isn’t enough time allotted in the day to study all the material required on the final exam. According to Rory Gilmore, every successful woman needs a pot of coffee to conqueror final exams.
3. Say Goodbye to Your Social Life
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you must break-up with your social life. The separation will only last a week, but you need silence and undivided attention to study for the final exams. Just imagine all the free time you will have once you’ve completed all your final exams. It sounds intriguing, right?
4. Try Not to Stress About the Future
The preparation of final exams can create stress about the future. Since your final exam will constitute 20 percent of your grade, your final exam can be the make-it-or-break-it point of passing your failing course. Just focus on one exam at a time… You got this!
5. Prepare to Eat Lots of Junk Food
You will burn so many calories that you need to replenish your body. What screams replenishment like junk food? The power of junk food can have a superhero power that can minimize the stress of final exams. Remember, keep a bag of Doritos and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in arms length at all times.
6. Try Not to Get Too Competitive Because That Can Lead to a Major Meltdown
If you make final exams a competition, then you will end up like Paris Gellar. Don’t let the power of studying create you into a monster because you will ruin any chance to pass your final exams. Just remain cool, calm and relaxed.
7. You Will Experience Moments of Frustration
You will become frustrated at your amount of material, procrastination, the amount of time in a day, professors etc. Don’t worry about it! I promise you that every college student (regardless of status) will experience episodes of frustration; but you must overcome the obstacles of unfairness.
8. It's Very Important to Wake-Up Early
I think a famous philosopher said, “The early bird gets the worm.” Perhaps it wasn’t a famous philosopher, but you have to make it a priority to make it to your class on time. Also, you might want to set several alarm clocks to ensure you will make it to your final exam promptly on time.
9. If You Fail Your Finals, At Least You Will Have Your Good looks
10. Prepare to Receive Moments of Encouragement
The week of final exams can be an unknown territory for your family and friends. So don’t be surprised when you experience awkward moments of encouragement. They want to encourage your preparations for final exams, but they are terrified of saying the wrong thing. It’s the thought that counts.
11. You Need to Choose the Right Studying Partner
When it comes to final exams, a study partner can be fun. However, I caution you to stay away from the Paris Gellars who can disrupt your routine and prevent you from studying for your final exams. You need silence and undivided attention to study for the final exams, but moments of talking and laughing can create some much needed stress relief.
12. Never Underestimate the Power of a Tree
Whether it’s the library or a tree, you need a quiet place where you can study for your final exams. According to Rory Gilmore, the location you choose to study for your final exams can greatly impact your success. Even if that means paying twenty dollars for that perfect study spot.
