March Break is over and it’s back to reality. For university students that means Finals are just around the corner. For high-school students it’s only a short while after that. Classes haven’t even resumed yet, but I’ve noticed an influx of anxiety ridden posts and tweets. I felt the immediate need to try and relieve some of that stress on students by drawing on my own experiences at University. So here my friends, are ‘my’ top 10 most important tips to get you through Finals.
Pre-Exam Day
#10. Get plenty of sleep. This is probably the biggest mistake most students commit. I won’t bore you with stats, but sleep is very important. Unless you are Dr. Reid from Criminal Minds and have an ‘eidetic’ memory, staying up all night to finish reading everything is pointless. If stretched for time, focus on important areas and cut your losses.
#9. Pray to the weather gods…even if you’re a non-believer, it can’t hurt. Nothing kills studying like a string of beautiful Spring days. This is one of those Benjamin Franklin type situations where you want the weather to be awful.
#8. Turn off your mobile. I know this is a shock to your system, but that should be your proof alone. Turn it on during your ‘scheduled’ breaks and go nuts!
#7. Turn off your laptop/television. Now I’m probably getting dirty looks. C’mon … I did bank you some extra sleep with #10. The combination of social media and marathons of Duck Dynasty could be disastrous. Right at this very moment you’re on social media and probably wanting to watch Duck Dynasty. Enough said.
Exam Day
#6. Don’t bring your notes to the exam. Trust me on this one. When you’re ready to go to the exam, tell yourself you’re ‘as prepared as possible’. Cramming last minute is futile and puts you in a frenzied state of mind.
#5. Analyze questions carefully. Most students want to start answering so quickly they often fail to read or analyze the question properly. Remember, one word can change an entire argument or paragraph.
#4. Skip questions you don’t know at first. This is a must for exams like the LSAT or MCAT. Nothing kills your ‘mojo’ like dwelling on a difficult question. Prioritize. If you don’t, and you’re more favourable questions are at the end, you could be out of time.
#3. For multiple choice, double check your Scantron sheet. Find a consistent method of transferring answers from the exam booklet to the Scantron sheet. I could tell you some horror stories….but I’m sure you’re stressed enough.
#2. Eat a Snickers bar. Because everyone knows you’re not yourself when you’re hungry. Healthy foods are preferable. Sorry, a Starbucks latte or Redbull doesn’t count.
#1. Believe in yourself. You got this, so relax! Don’t get emotional about it. No matter what happens you will be a success in life and your friends and family will not disown you. Especially this guy.
Good luck students, I wish you all the best!
Anthony