Final Exams Info and Tips

As we approach the close of Term 1, it's time to begin preparing for finals!

Remember that final exams will be held on Wednesday, November 17 and Thursday, November 18. School will be closed on Friday, November 19 for teacher inservice/grading. More information on finals will be forthcoming.

We want you to do the best you can and to feel minimum anxiety and stress. Her are some tips to best prepare:

• Time management. Plan, plan, plan. Before finals begin, get out your calendar and schedule specific study times for your classes. Stick to the schedule!
• Schedule in study breaks. Don't plan to study non-stop. It isn't healthy and it won't help you to understand the information. It actually may cause you to understand less! When you write your schedule, include short study breaks to help you recharge. You'll feel so much better and will be able to concentrate so much more.
• Take advantage of study sheets and study sessions. Just be careful not to use these as crutches. They're not supposed to replace studying.
• Schedule in sleep. Very few people can function well on three hours of sleep a night. Most cannot. You'll do much better during exams if your mental state is good, and sleep is essential for this.
• Exercise. There's no better source for stress relief. Just don't overdo it to the point that you're procrastinating heavily. Go for short, stress-relieving activities, like a nice walk outside while the weather is still nice.
• Prioritize. After you receive finals information from your teachers, you will have a limited amount of time to study. Prioritize your classes. If you are trying earn an A in AP Chemistry, plan to study for that test a little more than your other classes.
• Form effective study groups. Notice the word effective. Spend time in a study group that will promote shared learning and tutoring. Don't just meet with your friends to talk or copy notes!
• Free your schedule. As much as possible, eliminate other responsibilities. Work fewer hours. Put off social events. But don't neglect your chores at home!
• Ask your teacher for help. If you're confused about your notes or the readings, go to the resident expert. This works much better if you don't put off studying until the last minute. It's a good idea to read through all of your notes before you start to study, so that you can inquire early about things that confuse you. Your teachers will be happy to help you, but not if you ask at the last minute.
• KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE. What's the worst thing that can happen if you don't do well on this test? Excessive stress will cause unneccesary worry and hurt your performance on tests, so as much as you can, relax. And if you're having serious problems with anxiety during final exams, seek help at your school's counseling center. This is a common problem that schools are well equipped to help you with.

Good luck on your exams. Take your time, study hard and R-E-L-A-X. Please don't hesitate to talk to your guidance counselors or your teachers if you are feeling stressed out.

Update: The Psychology Club is offering relaxation tips during lunch hours. Check it out!