It’s that time of the year again when one topic will surely spark in daily conversations among college students: finals. The last couple of weeks of school are bittersweet - the finish line is so close, but it’s not an easy journey there. Studying and preparing for finals makes me think about my 11-hour hike on Mt. Washington. The closer I got to the top, the harder it got. But the thought of the final destination and the feelings of self-accomplishment and success were the factors that pushed me on a steep hill for eleven hours, on a hot summer day in August.
Sometimes, as students, we lose all the motivation in the world due to exhaustion, lack of sleep, poor diet, or a myriad of other factors. But we shouldn’t wait for motivation to come to us, we need self-discipline and not to lose the connection we have with our final goals and aspirations. When stress and fear hits you, make yourself some tea, breathe, and ask yourself the five Ws.
- What Should I Do To Do My Best?
Everyone will answer this question differently. Everyone functions in their own unique ways and have different tactics to get things done with their best abilities. Reread the book, skim over lecture notes, sleep, attend study groups – the options are endless. Look at your educational career pattern; the times you didn’t demonstrate your best self and the times you aced exams, projects, and assignments.
- Who could help me?
Asking for help can never do any harm, but in fact can help students get through the finals with less stress. Family, friends, and professors are great sources. Sometimes, it’s important and helpful to hear motivational words, know that someone believes in you and that you are capable to achieve any goal you set ahead of yourself. If you are confused about the material, this is the perfect time to seek help from your professors or classmates.
Where should I be?
Finding the right place for you to be able to concentrate and absorb all the information is a vital part to succeed during finals. Libraries are great to isolate yourself from all the distractions that surround you – text messages, emails, Facebook updates, or phone calls. Also make sure to wear comfortable clothes, have a comfortable chair, and a good lighting.
When should I study?
Definitely not the night or hour before the actual exam. Starting the studying or writing in advance could spare you from all the stress and panic that there is “so much to do and only little time”. Looking over the material that needs to be reviewed could tell a lot about the time needed. Usually, one week before the final is a safe time to start; there is so much time ahead of you.
- Why are finals week important?
The reasons to do well on finals are endless. However, even if most of the time it seems as if everything students do are for grades and a good GPA; the true purpose of finals is to test and strengthen knowledge obtained throughout the semester. It requires constant hard work and determination to get through the semester, and this is how it will be wrapped up, so make sure to try your best.
So get off Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; turn off your phone, head over to the library, get your studying essentials ready, and get prepared to ace your finals!
