By SARAH BRASHEARS, Feature Editor
Final’s week.
Sounds stressful and exhausting. But let’s get real – you have made it this far, have already done all the hard work, stayed up for the late-night assignments, and sat through hours of lectures. You have already put in the work! Don’t panic. Just take a deep breath because you’ve got this. In this week’s how to you will learn to face finals week with clarity, be confident walking in to the test, and have a mindset that says: I’m ready.
Step 1: Know what is ahead!
Clarity is power.
Start by sitting to make a list of all your exams, their dates, their times, and the material that will be covered. Once everything is on paper, for you to physically see, it becomes a lot less stressful! Final’s week is not about winging it – you’re working through a checklist.
Pro Tip: use a planner, whiteboard, or calendar app. Seeing you schedule organized makes it feel more manageable.
Step 2: Create a realistic study plan.
When you study, it is important to remember that it is not about cramming every fact into your brain. It is about working smarter, not harder. Break your study schedule down! Make a list in the order of your toughest subjects. Then, set small, focused, daily goals. Finally, give yourself grace if things do not go perfectly to your plan.
It is also important to use study techniques that work for you. Pomodoro, flashcards, practice questions, retaining reading, and taking notes. You do not need to study for eight hours straight. You just need to be consistent.
Step 3: Gather your tools
Collect all of your textbooks, lecture slides, lecture notes, and handouts. Once you have these, organize your materials by subject. Make sure your study space is clean. A clean space provides a clear mind. This also prevents wasting time to search for that one sheet of notes at 2 A.M. When you do these things, you set yourself up to succeed, and that’s powerful.
Step 4: Don’t sacrifice yourself for your grades
Regardless of what influences you, remember that you are more than your GPA! Ensure that you are still getting sufficient sleep, your brain can not work upon fumes. Eat food to fuel your body that will help you focus. Most importantly, move your body! Even just 10 minutes of stretching or walking will clear your head and get blood circulating again. Burnout is not something to wear with pride. Take care of yourself too. Finals will come and go – your well-being will be here for the rest of your life!
Step 5: Practice, review, repeat
You do not have to know everything. Spend time studying the material that will be covered, not the entire textbook. Use old quizzes or exams to take practice tests. Quiz yourself! Say the material you are studying out loud, teach the material to a friend. Study to understand the materials, not memorize it! This is all about building confidence. Every minute you study and review, you are one step closer to feeling ready.
Step 6: Stay grounded
When studying for finals, stress is normal. Doubt is normal. But here is what is true – you are more than capable. You have overcome many hard things before. You will do it again! It is okay to take some breaks and give yourself credit for trying. Remember to also relax. Listen to some music, breathe deeply, and laugh. Talk to someone when you are feeling overwhelmed. You do not have to carry it all alone!
Finals week is not a time to test your worth. Yes, it is a challenge. However, it is a challenge you are ready for. Show up, do your best, and trust the process. You are far more prepared than you think! Take that deep breath one more time. You have already come this far; you are not stopping now! You will crush this!