I cannot believe it is already finals week. Didn’t school just start a month ago?! Before we can all enjoy the much needed winter break, we have to make it through (and dominate) finals week. A few tips to give you an added edge on the overly fatigued student next to you.

• SLEEP. This cannot be overemphasized and it is often the first thing to be neglected during cram sessions. Pulling an all-nighter before taking your comprehensive final exam is probably not going to be your best option. Get a good night’s sleep and your mind will be more fresh and able to comprehend, analyze, and correctly answer the questions. A fresh, rested mind is often the better option.

• Stay Hydrated. I can imagine that most people are severely over-caffeinated during finals week (including professors), but it is still crucial to drink water. Staying hydrated will help you stay focused and alert. If you’re feeling lethargic, before you reach for another cup of coffee, try drinking some water to see if you are just dehydrated. You may not even need that extra caffeine. (Please avoid the sugary drinks – see below).

• Fuel your body. Load up on snacks that are easy to grab, but provide you with the energy and focus you need. The sugary options may give you a burst of energy right away, but you will eventually crash and will end up feeling more tired than you did before. The same goes for energy drinks, soda, and your Venti orange mocha frappucino with whipped cream. Some of the best snack options are:
  • Almonds
  • Banana + Peanut Butter
  • Apple + Peanut Butter
  • Oranges, Cuties
  • Snack Bag of Popcorn
  • Baby Carrots
  • String Cheese
  • Pretzels + Hummus
  • If you “need” the caffeine – black coffee
  • For a sweet treat – dark chocolate

• Take study breaks. Take 5-10 minutes every hour to get up, walk around, relax, and check Facebook (we all know you will). Then come back to your desk, turn off the cell phone notifications for the next 50 minutes and focus on the task at hand.

• A few test taking tips I’ve observed over the past semester:
  • If you can, write on your exam. From my observations in class, it seems that those students who write on their exam copy to analyze the questions do better on the tests. Jot down some notes on the back page if you need to.
  • For true & false, correct the false ones to be sure you have the right answer. Ask yourself – “what would make this true?”
  • For multiple choice, go through the exam copy, circle the correct answer without filling in the Scantron. After you’ve answered the questions on the exam copy, then go through to fill out the Scantron and use that opportunity to double check your work. Take your time filling in the Scantron so you don’t fill in the wrong bubble.
  • Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and clarify something that you don’t understand or that is worded weird in the question. It would be better to ask during the exam than to get it wrong and wish you would have.

• Be on time and pick a seat you’re comfortable in. No one wants to sit by the student who coughs every 5 minutes or who won’t stop tapping their pencil.

When you get to your exam, take a deep breath and take your time.
Good Luck!!

Coach Cota