Pencil to paper and nose to the grind, get ready y’all, it’s exam time! As finals week quickly approaches the students of Catawba College, the only thing on our minds is sweat, studying, and sleep (or lack thereof). Most students on campus are used to this annual season of cramming, however; first-year students might not feel as comfortable with the prospects of their first finals week. So, here are a few tips that should help ease anxiety and allow you to focus on keeping those GPA’s from falling like a ton of bricks!

#1: Gather your materials – The first step in the finals week process is to recover all of your notes, tests, and quizzes from the dark, murky catacombs of your desk drawer. Once you have achieved this, make sure to spend time reviewing the previous subjects that will be on the (presumably) cumulative test. Understand that simply glancing at notes and previous assessments should not be your only method but it certainly helps to look back at covered material so that you may get a better understanding of difficult topics.

#2: Use helpful study methods: Like I said before, looking at a test (especially one you did not do so well on) may not be the most beneficial or constructive use of your study time. Instead, take note of the topics you missed on each exam or ones you simply want to review again and start your studying there. Create flashcards, annotate chapter notes, write and rewrite class notes, anything that will help you commit the material to memory!

#3: For the love of God, go to exam review! – As much as teachers love their work, I highly doubt they schedule a time to sit in a classroom and twiddle their thumbs in hopes students will come to their review session. My point being, if you have an opportunity to study and improve your understanding of a particular course then please take it! There are is a wide variety of options available in terms of assistance such as tutoring, supplementary instruction, note takers, testing outside of the classroom, and more. All you have to do is be willing and able to seek them out.

#4: Put yourself in a positive study environment – Netflix, Minecraft, and a large cheese pizza sounds like my kind of night, however; when you are trying to study, make sure that you are not being distracted by the things around you. Yes, the appeal of a comfy bed and yummy snacks is enticing but your grades should be top priority during exams week. Go to a quiet, well-lit area where you will be able to remained focus on studying for your tests. Besides, no one said you couldn’t treat yourself afterwards.

#5: Last but not least…stay calm – We all understand the stress that comes from finals week and if you let that fear overwhelm you, it can greatly affect the outcome of your grade. Remember to take breaks in between studying, go outside, exercise, and hang out with friends. Once your return, think positively and do not give up! Your final exams week is important, but you should be sure to take care of yourself in the process.

Have a great finals week and may the odds be ever in your favor! Yes, I had to do it.