I've always had good time management skills. It is something that I pride myself on ever since I was in high school. Whenever there is a deadline or an assignment due, I always get it done. Even if it means sacrificing a good night's sleep to get something done.
Finals is always the peak of anxiety for most students. Whether it be a major exam or a group presentation, it can cause us all to panic. However, the most important thing you can do is keep focused.
That means that yes, you have to take a break from studying.
No, you do not have to study for 12+ hours straight in order to pass the exam.
There is such a thing as over studying. When you can no longer separate fact from fact, and everything frankly becomes a big jumbled mess. It also helps to study days in advance for an exam, but we all are guilty of that and waiting for the last minute to do something. It happens.
What is important is believing in yourself. If you know you have put your step forward, then you've already passed 50% of the exam.
My College Algebra professor this semester sent us all a reminder email the night before our exam, to just remind of us of the time and room number since it was all just one big exam given by the department. He reminded us that if we have worked hard all semester, we will pass the exam.
This was the one class who caused me the most anxiety. I have never been the best at math, even back in elementary school. I've always been excellent at expressing my thoughts and beliefs or knowing facts. Math equations are just a completely different element. I've always caught myself second-guessing, especially in the middle of exams, because I just am never sure of myself.
I managed to get a C on the first exam but ended up failing the second exam. I needed at least a 70% to pass the exam. I was nearly in tears when I found out I possibly had to retake the class over the summer. I felt like a failure.
However, when I finally talked to my professor to express my concerns. I worked hard all semester, attended every recitation, and went to tutoring when I could. I knew I was putting my best foot forward.
Talking to my professor, he reassured me that even if I had to retake the course, it would be okay. I believed I was doing everything I can do.
"We all have to face obstacles to be a better version of ourselves. This is just your obstacle. Believe in yourself and you can conquer it."
Sure, I might've stayed in the library all night just to study the exam. I did hours of practicing the example exams. I did everything I could until I felt like my brain was turning to mush. I then forced myself to take a break and just breathe. When I walked into the exam, I felt confident until I saw the first question.
That's when I began to panic. However, I looked through the rest of the exam and began working hard on the questions I knew I could do.
Ultimately, I didn't complete my exam but that's okay, I didn't complete one question, turned it in, and walked out literally bawling because I thought I failed.
However, getting my final grade today, I got a 71% in the class. I passed. I believed in myself in times of trouble, and I passed.
Sure, it is a C on my college transcript, but I know this isn't my strongest subject. I am not a math major. It doesn't reflect who I am.
What it does show, however, is that I can overcome any obstacle and be better because of it.
