Focus on Finals:

Testing Tips for Trying Times

 Jennifer Conlee, co-news editor

The time has come when college students will soon be bombarded with final exams. 

This means cramming until midnight, losing sleep, and praying that the tests will not be as intimidating as they might seem.

However, time does not have to be this hectic.  Good planning, wise choices, and time management can lessen the pressure of the finals.

Several weeks before the finals, is the time to start planning.  Time should be scheduled for studying, so that you are not up till three a.m. on the day of the test.  Learning good time management now will be key to your future, and it teaches you to be more organized.

One thing to avoid in the coming weeks is procrastination, which will definitely lead to the late-night cramming you should avoid.  “Keys to Success,” a college handbook by Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits, offers advice on how to avoid procrastination.

“Although it can bring relief in the short term, avoiding tasks almost always cause problems,” according to the book.  “Particular strategies can help you avoid procrastination and the problems associated with it.”

The book goes on to give these strategies:  “Analyze the effects of procrastinating.  What may happen if you continue to put off a responsibility?  Set reasonable goals and break tasks into smaller parts.”

Breaking up tasks, such as studying for a particular test, is a good way to make an intimidating task seem easier.  If you are studying for algebra, take one type of equation at a time.  Complete all of those and move on to the next type.

The book then says to “Get started whether or not you ‘feel like it.’  Once you start, you may find it easier to continue.  Don’t expect perfection.  No one is perfect.”

“Keys to Success” also states that you should ask for help.  Form a study group, and everyone can get something out of it.

The site www.collegeboard.com knows the importance of scheduling your time wisely, and offers ways to take control of your time and to organize your life.

•  Make a “to-do” list.  Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. If it's easier, use a planner to track all of your tasks.

• Use your spare minutes wisely.  If you have 45 minutes between classes, use that time to catch up on reading or to complete an assignment, instead of watching television. Read while you are eating lunch, and you can kill two birds with one stone.

• It’s OK to say “No.”  If your boss asks you to work on a Thursday night and you have a final exam the next morning, realize that it's OK to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.

• Find the right time. You'll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain handles math better in the afternoon, don't wait to do it until late at night.

• Review your notes every day.  You'll reinforce what you've learned, so you need less time to study. You'll also be ready if it comes up in a class discussion.

• Get a good night’s sleep, especially the night before finals. Running on empty makes the day seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.

• Communicate your schedule to others.  If phone calls are proving to be a distraction, tell your friends that you take social calls from 7 – 8 p.m.

•  Do not let your social life get in the way of your academics.

•  Become a taskmaster.  Figure out how much free time you have each week. Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities accordingly.

• Do not waste time agonizing.  Have you ever wasted an entire evening by worrying about something that you're supposed to be doing? Was it worth it? Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it.

• Keep things in perspective. Setting goals that are unrealistic sets you up for failure. While it's good to set high goals for yourself, do not over do it. Set goals that are difficult yet reachable.

According to the site, you should “Consider these tips, but personalize your habits so that they suit you. If you set priorities that fit your lifestyle, you'll have a better chance of achieving your goals.” 

These will help you not to stress out the day before finals, so that your days can be more relaxed.

Another way to avoid stress is by studying with friends, but make sure they help you and do not distract you from the job at hand.  Studying together can make it easier, as everyone can help each other by dividing up the material.  Each person can help others with what they know best.

The week before finals can be the most stressful time of the semester, but if you are prepared, then it does not have to be.

These tips will help you ace your finals, or, at least, pass.  However, if you find yourself in need of cramming, you should study what you will need most on the test, because time is limited.

After all the studying, the day of the test will arrive.  The Eastern Illinois University website tells students how to take the test without stressing too much.

·    Maintain a positive attitude. Tell yourself that you can do it!

·    Do not allow doubts or worry to interfere with your studying, make the best of the time you have.

·    Take frequent but short breaks- getting up and moving around a little is a good break.

·    Use stimulants such as coffee carefully, if at all.

·    Get plenty of sleep the night before.

·    On the day of the exam, briefly review your condensed notes.

·    Be sure to eat a nutritious breakfast the day of the exam.

·    Leave yourself extra time to get to the exam, the unexpected may happen.

·    Have a positive attitude when you enter the exam room.

Following these tips will give you confidence, enhance your time management skills, and give you the help you need to get past the dreaded finals so that you can enjoy the end of the semester even more.