Essay deadlines. Group projects. Exams that make up 50% of course grades.
Finals season has no shortage of stressors.
While the end of the semester may be anxiety-inducing, there are several tips and tricks to prepare for and make the most of the home stretch of spring semester.
1: Make a Schedule
Whether the first exam is weeks away or hours away, there is always enough time to create a plan to optimize the remaining time. It is a great idea for students to map out the time they have left, that way time can be allotted for every item that needs to be completed.
Writing this plan down can allow students to visualize their schedules and balance all tasks and responsibilities. This helps to ease anxiety and students may realize they have more time than they thought.
2: Strategize
Every student has their own unique learning style. During finals season, it can be helpful for students to reflect on the methods that work best for them so they can remember what strategies have worked well in the past, and which strategies were not a great fit for them.
For example, some students find that studying alone is not as engaging and they prefer to form study groups or attend tutoring sessions where they can bounce ideas off of other students. Other students are the opposite. It is also important for students to take into account the type of class and assignment they are preparing for. For exams that are more memorization based, flash cards will likely be a useful strategy.
On the other hand, for exams that require writing responses or math-based responses, practice problems and reviewing course concepts in-depth might be a better approach.
3: Romanticize
A happy study space is a productive study space. Don’t underestimate the power of going to a cozy coffee shop, local library or any other quiet location that will offer a focused environment. Some students need complete silence, whereas some students find music to be a helpful study tool. Some students prefer to study alone, and others need a friend to hold them accountable.
Reflecting on their own preferences can help students romanticize their study experience and make an otherwise dreary study day actually enjoyable, or at least more tolerable. Create an atmosphere that allows for undisturbed concentration and can make the difference between a couple hours of efficient study versus days of reviewing lessons without making any significant progress.
4: Use Campus Resources
Mt. SAC has so many resources to help support students. For example, the STEM Center, Writing Center and Speech and Sign Success Center all offer tutoring sessions to help students feel more prepared to tackle end of the year assignments. Free online tutoring is also available through Net Tutor every day of the week, all day and night.
The library database can assist with finding sources for essays or projects, and students can even chat with a librarian online if they need assistance. Study rooms can be booked at the Student Center for those searching for a place to prepare for exams study in a group setting
5: Take a Deep Breath
It is so important to calm down and take a deep breath after completing an assignment or right before taking an exam. Once full effort has been put in, it is best to let go and remember that regardless of the outcome, hard work alone is something to be immensely proud of.
The end of the semester may be exhausting, but the finish line is almost here. Keeping the ideas on this list in mind will help students find motivation to fully apply themselves during the final weeks of the academic year.
