The semester is drawing to a close and Christmas is almost here. There’s only one big hurdle before you get a few weeks’ vacation from classes: finals.
Yes, there are still a few days of class left before finals (Dec. 12-14 this year), but now’s the time to make sure you're ready. Here are a few tips to help you plan and prioritize so that you don’t just survive finals week, but make it a success!
- Make sure you know all the details. There are only a few class sessions left. Now’s the time to ask your professor some important questions, such as what topics to study, the range the test will cover and the format of the exam. It’s also a good time to check the final exam schedule. Trying to figure out when your final will be held in the early morning hours of December 12 will only add to your stress.
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Before the rush of finals week gets here, take a little time to regroup and plan. Review and organize your notes. Ask your professor to clarify anything you don’t understand or any questions you might have. Take advantage of the resources offered on campus to help you, from study groups to writing services.
- Don’t stay up all night. Tired brains don’t remember information well. It’s why you’re more apt to lose your keys when you haven’t slept much. Cramming may seem like a good idea, but it won’t help you recall what you’ve learned. After all, finals aren’t about memorization but rather gauging how well you can interpret and apply what you’ve learned. Tip: If you can’t explain something in your own words, then you really don’t understand it.
- Turn off distractions. You don’t have to go social media silent, but you do need to take a break. Set aside distraction-free study periods and avoid all distractions—including social media, TV shows or that group text with all your friends. Remember that time you were just going to check what was happening on Twitter and ended up in a black hole of ridiculous videos and memes?
- Take care of yourself. Remember all those things your parents used to tell you, like eat right, exercise and get some rest? That was actually good advice. It’s easy to become so focused on the final that you wear yourself out emotionally, physically and spiritually. Stay focused, but take breaks. And take your mom’s advice.
Lastly, take advantage of extended hours at Waggoner Library, therapy dogs (yes, therapy dogs!), snacks and more. We're rooting for you, Trevecca students!