The end is near! Finals are almost upon us and like it or not you will most likely be cramming for your upcoming tests. This will probably entail endless hours spent in the library, copious amounts of coffee and very little sleep. At this point in the semester, you had wished you had gone to every class, or at least had taken dutiful notes throughout the course of the semester. During this time you are bound to have a few panic attacks, thoughts about dropping out and will eat enough pizza to make you sick for a week. Here are some helpful tips so you don’t go insane during “Dead Week.”
Don’t wait until "Dead Day" to study
You promised yourself at the beginning of the semester that you would go to every class and do every assignment and extra credit opportunity. Well obviously that did not pan out the way you had mentally prepared yourself for. Learn from your mistake and study during the weeks leading up. Even if it’s an hour a night before you go to bed, do it. Something is better than nothing and in this case that something might bump your grade from a fail to a pass.
Go to class review sessions
Sometimes it's hard to study on your own, if you are more of a group learner, go to the review sessions. Yes, the thought of spending more time in a classroom can be daunting but it will be all worth it once you see your final grade. Also, remember professors often reward those who go to the review session with hints on what is on the test, that is worth its weight in gold itself.
Meet with your professors
Meeting with your professors can seem like the end of the world, however at the end of the day, it is better they can associate a face with the name you write on the test. Also, a lot of professors will remember that you went in to talk to them when it is time for a possible grade bump. Just remember that going out of your way to seem engaged will help you in the long run.
Make an action plan
The most important thing you can do leading up to finals can be creating a plan of attack. Schedule out the weeks leading up to it, what projects do you need to do first, what class do you not need to study for first? It is important to use time management and not let yourself get too overwhelmed before its too late. Go to Think Tank if you think it could help you, it does not show weakness to ask for help. Find a friend that has taken the class before you to help you study.
Don’t forget to breathe
Yes, school is crucial and grades are extremely important but at the end of the day so is your health. Don’t go crazy over finals, if you use your time wisely you can conquer it without feeling down on yourself. You’ve worked so hard this semester in order to knock out these finals. Remember that sleep is important, you’re not going to be able to do well on your finals without it. Also yes you are on a budget but eating ramen and pizza every night is not going to help your brain function to the best of its abilities. Try to get a salad or sandwich something that does not look like it has been in a fryer.
Finals will come and go and every year we will act like it is a surprise when they pop back up. Hopefully by the time we are all seniors we have mastered how to study and prep for them. Just remember that at the end of the day you are only as good as the best foot you put forward, so work hard wildcats and bear down.
May the curve be ever in your favor.
