Finals week can feel very overwhelming, but there are many ways to calm the nerves. Managing stress can be simple by studying strategically and using study methods. Also, by cramming in all of the studying the night before finals, a sense of unpreparedness may overcome the mind. With correct study strategies, finals can be so easy and leave someone feeling confident.
“The study methods I use to help me prepare for finals is filling out the study guide that my teacher provides me, then I put the study guides into Quizlet and have it make flashcards for me to practice with,” junior Abby Carney said.
A big mistake students make is waiting too long to start their preparation for finals, but by spreading out studying will improve students’ test scores and make the large task seem manageable. Planning ahead will help keep students organized and well prepared for their finals. Studying allows the brain to understand the concepts at hand, so by preparing in advance and memorizing the topic, it will allow students to put their best foot forward.
“I recommend using mind maps, because they make you use your knowledge of the subject, not just memorizing it,” sophomore Gia Ray said.
Organizing the subjects will help learn the material at hand. Organizing topics into flashcards will allow students to understand key concepts and other examples that will allow them to be prepared for the final. By practicing how the final may look like will allow the nerves to settle and reduce the test-day anxiety.
“To prepare for finals, I make sure I get a good night’s rest and I eat a good breakfast in the morning,” junior Abby Carney said.
Preparing for finals is all about consistency and effort. Students can have all the notes in the world, but if they aren’t committed it doesn’t matter. Putting in steady effort, even on the hard days, shows how dedicated students are for the final outcome they are reaching for. Effort also means that staying disciplined is key. The more effort put into studying, the more confident students will feel the day of the final.
“I prioritize studying for my weaker subjects more than my strong subjects and I check my study guides with my answer keys that are given to me,” sophomore Gia Ray said.
Finals don’t necessarily have to be overwhelming, just go in with a plan. Come in organized, by preparing before the final, and using successful study methods to make studying not as dreaded. Giving yourself time will make a huge difference in the overall outcome of the final. By resting the brain, the outcome of the tests will make students feel accomplished and proud of the subject at hand.
