Finals Survival Guide For Every Political Science Major
Start writing a post
Student Life

Finals Survival Guide For Every Political Science Major

Finals season is upon us -- here's how to make it through.

11
Finals Survival Guide For Every Political Science Major
Photo by Soundtrap on Unsplash

Thanksgiving break always seems to bring about this false sense of security. A week break, although a much-needed reprieve, makes the jump into finals that much harder as we try to adjust to the craziness that is sure to come. Political science students, in particular, are often faced with an overwhelming combination of assignments; anything from course papers to multiple-choice exams to group projects is fair game.

As a graduating senior, I am all too familiar with the panic that tends to arise at the prospect of such large assignments that could easily make or break your grade. What once seemed like far-away deadlines are suddenly only days away if you aren't careful, and with so many classes being online, losing track of those important due dates has become way too easy. Luckily, my four years of college have prepared me well and allowed me to nail down what I feel are the best finals survival tips that have yet to fail me.

1. Make a list of your due dates

Know what's due when. This may sound like a given, but you wouldn't believe how many deadlines I've almost missed by a day because I simply didn't check them beforehand. Double-check the most recent version of your course syllabi and make sure there isn't something you missed.

2. Designate what you’ll work on when

This is a relatively new practice of mine, but one that's really changed how I approach larger assignments. After figuring out what's due when I mark these dates on a calendar and space out which one's I'll work on each day. By breaking up large papers into smaller pieces, I've experienced far less stress and am able to keep my rather small attention span in check.

3. And on that note, don’t start that paper the night before it’s due

Don't. Just don't. I've been there, and trust me, you'll thank yourself for those extra workdays.

4. Use Quizlet

Luckily, none of my classes in recent semesters have had cumulative, multiple-choice exams, but back when I did, Quizlet was an absolute godsend. Double-check and see if there's already a set out there for your class, but if not, take the time to make one of your own. I promise it'll be worth it. Make flashcards, print out a study guide; whatever your learning style, there's sure to be a helpful option available for you.

5. Pull those all-nighters sparingly

I'm absolutely guilty of this too, but trust me, sleep is so very essential to producing the best work possible. Not to say that there won't be nights where staying up until the wee hours of the morning isn't a necessary evil. But choose those nights wisely and be sure to catch up on sleep in the days that follow. Repeated all-nighters never end well. I know this from experience. So, get some rest, and try not to overdo it too much.

6. Take care of yourself

Your mental health should never be put on hold. Make the time for some self-care. Go outside and take a walk, take a break, talk to family and friends, treat yourself to a holiday drink at Starbucks, watch an episode of your favorite series. Do something for yourself, even if just for an hour. Finals are stressful. Make sure they don't overwhelm you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50638
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32383
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955646
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180717
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments