The famously dreaded finals week is approaching, and fast. Do you think you have what it takes to survive?
What Even is Finals Week?
A typical finals week is a 2 period day, a three-day week at the end of each semester. The days are short and include two block periods. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones who has a zero or seventh period, those finals will be taken the Friday before finals week. It’s no doubt exhausting, but on the upside, the days are shorter, expanding from 8:30-12:30, and after that last final, you’re free to enjoy your winter break!
Pre-Finals Week Preparation
Two Weeks out: At this point, the “threat” is not immediate. Finals week is a solid two weeks away, so there is no reason to be extremely stressed.
One week out: As finals week approaches closer and closer, you’ll begin to shift to the point where you should be thinking about studying. At this point you’ll want to begin forming a plan for what’s about to happen because the last thing you want is to walk into the first day of finals with no previous attempts at studying, that’s one way to kiss a good grade on your final goodbye. Now’s a great time to begin reviewing and recapping what you’ve learned in each subject this semester, and teachers will typically provide a study guide to make that easier. Now, in reality, this is about the time that you’ll get a little twinge in the back of your mind, thinking, “Oh, yeah finals are next week, I should start studying”. Will you actually? I hope, but the odds are probably not, because that famous, “I’ll do it tomorrow” mindset will kick it, and everyone knows that “tomorrow” usually never actually comes.
3 Days Out: Now the “threat” is real, that dreaded set of tests is approaching fast. If you haven’t already, now is really the time to begin to study, to make notecards, to complete cheat sheets and study guides. However, now’s the time you’ll get the voice in the back of your head, yelling, “Oh wow finals are next week, I should probably start studying.” A week away is reasonable to ignore, but at this point don’t ignore that little voice. Pick up a textbook, pull out those notes, and get to studying! But, a majority of you won’t, you’ll get on your phone or watch “just one more episode”, and then all of a sudden “you’ll do it tomorrow”.
One Day Out: Well, it’s tomorrow, and I’m hoping you’ve listened to that voice in your head begging you to study. If not, that’s not good, but you can still be saved. Cramming is heavily advised against, but hey it’s better than nothing. So, I’ll say it once more, skim those notes and review, and head to bed to get a good night’s sleep. I hope this isn’t you, but it very well may be, put down that phone and pick up a notebook! If you don’t, you’ll regret it…
During Finals- What to do?
The day has finally come, finals are here. During the dreaded week, it is heavily encouraged partakers (that means you!) to get a good night’s rest, and fuel up before. Have a good breakfast, bring some water or snacks, you’ve got it. My biggest advice (and it’s easier said than done) is to not stress. I mean really, in most cases a final will not completely tank your grade. It’s just a test, if you’ve studied, even just a little bit, you’ll be able to handle it. Now, in honesty, at this point you’ll probably be scrambling to find someone who’s taken the final your about to take before you, and you’ll plead for them to tell you what was on the test, what to expect, how hard it was, etc, and hey I’m not judging, we all do it! During finals, you’ll complete those dreaded tests, and whatever happens in that testing room stays in that testing room.
Post Finals Relief- It’s Over
It’s over, you’ve done it! Now break can start, relaxation and a well-needed break from school have arrived. It’s not easy, and it’s certainly not fun, but hopefully the tips I’ve provided served as a helpful guide in surviving the hell of finals.
