It's about that time of year! That wonderful week of the semester where everyone is grouchy, exhausted, and under-caffeinated on a daily basis. To help your week go as smoothly as possible, here are some tips to help ensure you do well and take care of yourself.

1. Do not wait until the last minute to study!

That being said, you don't have to study months in advance. If you're like me, studying way ahead of time doesn't help because you start to feel fuzzy on the material at test time.

I typically start about two weeks ahead of finals. This way you will still feel fresh on the material by test day and won't need to cram.

2. Set priorities for studying.

Always start studying for the exam you think will be the hardest, or you think you need to do the best on first. It's better to decrease your stress as much as possible. Even if it's the last exam you have, if it's on your mind the most you need to prepare now.

3. If you're borderline passing/failing, see your professor.

Most professors will care more to help you if they see you genuinely trying. There's always one or two that choose not to be helpful. Don't expect them to spoon-feed you answers, especially if you skip or always come in 10 minutes late. Have a prepared list of things you want to go over. Even though they have office hours, they have limited time and you need to get the most out of it. I like to put sticky tabs in my notes where I have specific questions to keep myself organized, and bring a pencil to take down notes on what they say. If you can't go to office hours, start bringing questions to ask either right before class or right after. Many professors prefer to answer questions by email because it's also convenient.

4. Set daily goals.

Sitting down with a pile of notes and books would stress anyone out. Plan to study a few chapters a day. Start with your priority class. Plan to do more than you need to that day, so you don't feel behind if you need to push more off to the next day. Avoid doing this every day, though, you'll feel like you're getting nowhere.

5. Take frequent breaks.

Follow either the 20-25 minute rule for shorter study sessions, or the 50-10 minute rule if you're studying hours at a time. Study for a while, then take either a five or 10-minute break. You'll keep your peak focus, and be motivated to work until that last minute, knowing you'll get a much-deserved break. If you're able, take a nap in-between topics or subjects. Sleep is proven to increase information retention based on a Harvard study.

6. Don't stay up late studying if you're tired.

Staying up late just makes you behind for starting the next day. If you're tired, you're most likely not retaining as much information too. It's better to go to bed early so you can get up early and review that morning.

7. Don't over study.

Once you know something, you know it. Don't keep looking over material you feel comfortable with. Once you feel like you know it, really review it one last time and put it away.

8. The night before.

The night before should not feel like a cram session. It should feel like a review. Study material with a low-stress level and frequent breaks. Make it as enjoyable as possible by watching videos that go with content and listening to music during. Review questionable material until you're confident, and do a few practice questions if they're available. Don't stress studying everything, just the things you need to. Prepare your bags, clothes, and everything you need for the next day the night before. Wear a fairly nice outfit, because dressing in an outfit that makes you feel good is proven to increase confidence and test scores. If you're more comfortable in sweats, just wear a cute set of underwear and nice bra. Don't go feeling dressed like a hobo. Get a good night's sleep and have a treat. I always treat myself to a bowl of ice cream before a big final, and take my melatonin to help me sleep. If you're worried you'll fall back asleep, set multiple alarms. Prepare a short list if you're still anxious about a couple topics.

9. Test day.

Relax. Get up on time. Eat a good breakfast. Look over your list. Leave early so you don't have to worry about traffic. Ask friends about any questions you have. Take a few minutes before to collect yourself.

After, celebrate! Get a yummy lunch, hang out with friends, or go back to your dorm and chill with music or a movie.

Good luck on all your finals and get ready for a much-needed summer break!