Let's face it: spring break is long gone, and it feels like an eternity until summer. I would like to point out, however, that this "eternity" is only about four weeks. So maybe it feels like the semester is flying by, and looking back, it really has. But these last four weeks of the semester could make or break us. Will we turn in that assignment on time? Will we ace that final exam we're stressed about? Will be actually sit down and study so we can walk away from the semester with our head held high?
I am only a second semester freshman, but I can't imagine anything worse than stepping into summer after bombing my final exams simply because I "didn't feel like studying". I mean honestly, think about that. Just for a moment, imagine that you let the laziness take over, and you study about a third of the time you need to...and you don't do as well on the final that you were banking would pull up your grade. And then that's it, it's over. The semester is done and those grades are locked in. Sure you get to enjoy the summer now with no worries about school, but it is definitely possible to not only do well, but to completely crush the end of the semester.
Here are a few tips to kickstart a killer end of the semester!
1. Raise your hand and ask those questions
2. Make a study schedule
3. Take study breaks
There is nothing worse than being cooped up in your room or the library for all hours of the day. Not only will you get stir-crazy but it is also likely to raise your anxiety. I don't know about you, but studying a textbook for hours is not my idea of a fun time. Yes, it needs to be done. And yes, it will get done. Take short breaks to go outside an enjoy the fresh air, grab a snack, or even meet up with friends for a short amount of time. It'll leave you feeling much better, trust me.
4. Start paying attention in class
I think this tip might be unnecessary for a lot of people, but let's face it. We have all hit that point in the semester where we get to class and start to daze off...hardly hearing what the professor says...and then all of a sudden class is over. Congrats, you blinked and are now free! Congrats as well because you missed the entire lecture. Simply listening to the professor speak goes a long way, especially if he or she is covering anything that may be on the exam. For the most part, anything they say is fair game for an exam question. Come on, there isn't that much left to the semester so go to class and be prepared to learn!
5. Mentally prepare yourself
We all know that exam week is hell. It sucks. It's awful. The constant headaches from cramming, the lack of sleep, and the stress are killer. Start preparing yourself now, so it's less of a shock when it comes. Push hard through exams and then, just like that, it's summer time and you have months to rest your brain.
6. Get sleep
Fun fact: once you lose sleep, you never get that time back. Your body will constantly be trying to heal itself from that one night you decided to stay up and watch a movie instead of going to sleep. Before exam week strikes, start resting your body. There is no doubt you're exhausted from doing constant homework assignments and studying for exams. Your body needs sleep every night just because you're alive and breathing and it is functioning to keep you that way. It's recommended to get 8-9 hours of sleep per night. Consider this giving your body some TLC. It'll thank you for it.
7. Keep your head up
No joke, positivity heals the soul. I know school can get hard and life can get hard and friendships can get hard, but in the end it all works out. Everything happens for a reason and if you keep reminding yourself that you'll realize that every bump in the road will only make you stronger. One of my advisors once told me "the road is always straight in the rearview mirror." This means that in the past when you went through a tough time, it sucked. But now looking back, you can see how it fit into your life now.
Over all, do the best you can. Set your sights on that A or that B final grade in the class, but don't let it overtake you. Strive for it, and don't ever give up (thanks for the wise words Michael Scott). Even if you don't maintain your 4.0 or you can't quite make the 2.8 you were looking for, you need to be able to walk away knowing you gave it your all and tried your best. In the end that's all anyone can ever ask of you.
Good luck on finals and I wish you all a killer end of the semester!
