Ready or Not, Here (Finals) Come!

by Cordie Troxell

With less than four weeks left until finals, the realization is setting in for many that this

semester has blown by, and they feel they aren’t prepared for exams. But there is still time

to make the academic comeback. Here’s a guide on how to study and prepare yourself for the finals in front of you.

Studying is a crucial part of being able to pass exams; it can improve academic

performance, help long-term memory through constant recall, and reduce stress for exams. Actively studying and reviewing classwork strengthens your retention and focus on

detail. Studies have shown that studying and using practice tests can boost your retention by

50 percent. This can act as a diagnostic tool to help deduce what topics still require more focus.

Studying can improve academic performance, help long-term memory, and reduce stress for exams.

Last-minute work can lead to pulling late nights, attempting to study, and creating even more burdensome stress on

yourself. Creating and adhering to a study schedule forces you to study and feel confident with the topic, along with not destroying your health for the grade.

While studying may be a crucial part of finals, caring for yourself is even more important. Taking care of yourself before finals cannot only help prevent burnout, but it can also boost cognitive function and manage high stress levels. Finding the perfect balance of nutrition, sleep, study, and worship is crucial.

It may sound like a joke, but acquiring seven to nine hours of sleep a night is essential for the recollection of the information you have studied. Along with that, making sure you have a balanced, nutritious diet and eating two to three meals a day can help with fatigue and brain activity.

In addition to sleep and diet, take breaks and stretch, whether it be yoga, a walk, or something else. Doing this can lower cortisol, which can help you manage your stress better so it does not get the upper hand. Taking regular breaks improves concentration, allowing for better efficiency compared to non-stop cramming. Also, regular, healthy habits prevent illness and physical manifestations of stress, like headaches or stomach issues.

But most importantly, do not forget to seek the Lord throughout all you do.