A Crash Course in Preparing for Finals:

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3 Tips for Avoiding a Meltdown

by Laura Matas


As a senior now in college, I have definitely been through my fair share of final exams—as well as the accompanying stress fests that can so easily occur with a lack of preparation. Every semester, without fail, the end of term approaches with lightening speed and, suddenly, I am faced once again with the horrendous beast that is finals week.

Pic Source: orangemelon, MemeCenter


Fortunately, over the course of my college career, I have picked up some very helpful and practical strategies in managing the way I study and break up my time—especially around finals. These are the three main strategies I use across all subject areas:

1. A "Big Picture" To-Do List


→ Create a master list of the material you need to study.

I like checklists because they help me to feel like I am actually accomplishing something. I also love the feeling of checking something off once I'm done with it.

Create a list of every assignment, exam, and paper you have left to do for the semester, along with their due dates (I like to color code each subject). As you finish each task, mark it off! I don't know why, but that simple little act of crossing something off once you're finished with it is so incredibly rewarding.

2. A "Smaller Scale" Daily Calendar


→ Break up the remaining days of the semester and create a calendar including:
  • Exam dates
  • Paper & assignment deadlines
  • Your other commitments (ex. work, church, club meetings, etc.)
  • A basic outline of content to study for each subject (I like to color code each subject)
By breaking material down into manageable chunks over a predetermined set of time, it also helps me to feel less overwhelmed and stressed.

Here is an example of my personal daily calendar from last semester!



3. Being Realistic with Yourself


→ Set yourself up for success!!

You cannot read your English course's entire book list the night before the exam. Don't try to do it. Use resources available to you—your professor's office hours, study guides, YouTube tutorials, etc.



Remember, finals week is supposed to be challenging—but that doesn't mean it's impossible! Keep in mind that this is just one week of your life. Soon, it will all be over. Soon, you will be done. Be sure to eat right, sleep well, and take care of your self—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—and I can promise you this: you are going to make it through!



You're almost there! ✊

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