It's never too late to save your grades. You can't give up yet. Sounds cliche, but it's true. (Okay, actually, if you try to save your grade minutes before finals, it may not work.) Honestly, you can always do better in a class until the minute you turn in your last final. What I'm trying to say is, want to make that "D-" a "C+" and pass that class? You can, but it ain't gonna be easy.
When facing the dreaded "finals," what's your attack strategy? Do you:
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b. Attempt to study. Then, panic.
c. Panic. Then, study. Then, panic.
d. Flawlessly ace every exam handed to you.
(If it's the last one, give me a call. I doubt it is though - Not because I lack faith in you, but because I lack faith in the universe.)
Honestly, a lot of us aren't really that stressed, are we?
Maybe you are though. Finals can be a really intense time. Sometimes we can get too caught up in a percentage instead of our understanding. We should be focusing on putting forth our best work possible, even if that's not A+ material right now. Nevertheless, here are some things to do to make finals a little easier:
- Study. Well, duh. You all knew that one. However, when I suggest you "study," I'm not just saying sit down for five minutes and flip through your notes. That isn't going to get you anywhere. Instead, make flash cards, find a study group, practice old problems, catch up on unfinished assignments - it really does make a difference when you actively engage in studying.
- Get a tutor if you need one. (Or even if you don't) Don't be afraid to ask for help. Even if you think you've got it all figured out, it's okay to have someone help check you, just in case you aren't. You don't want to spend a bunch of time studying, only to realize you learned something wrong, do you? It's super easy to get a tutor and they're a great resource while studying.
- Talk to your professors about concerns. If you're really freaking, don't. Try to pinpoint what's stressing you out and let your professors know. A lot of professors want you to succeed so many are willing to help. Address the issue early on so you can work together to find a good solution.
- Get a good night's sleep. This should go without saying. Yet, how many all-nighters have I pulled in the past? I know it's hard to sometimes just say I can't study anymore because my health is a priority, but sometimes, that's what you have to do. Don't let that be an excuse not to study, but also, SLEEP. Your brain can only retain so much when you've been chugging 5-hour energy drinks for 48 hours straight. Put down the pencil and turn off the lights.
- Try to eat a little healthier. Avoid all the french fries, potato chips and other snacky foods while bunkering down for finals. You want to be in tip-top shape while taking those last crucial exams and some old candy and chips ain't gonna cut it. Just be a little kinder to your body, maybe even do a little exercise to destress. And don't forget to stay hydrated - It's flu season!
- Make time for you. Check in with yourself. I know this can be a stressful time, but a little self-care goes a long way. Watch an episode of that one show you always watch, kick back and read a book that isn't assigned reading, take a long, hot shower - you and your roommate will thank you! It's just as important to study hard as it is to take it easy. Find a good balance for you and let yourself unwind. Lastly, don't forget...
- "C"s get degrees. But also, try to remember for next semester that Coe offers four opportunities to change the grading scale to pass/fail after your first semester. Set high standards for yourself always, but it's okay if you don't ace every class. Put forth your best effort and hope for the best. You can do this. You got this.
Ultimately, just remember to take a deep breath. This semester's been a little crazy, a little hectic, but don't let that discourage you. It'll hopefully be better next semester, right? Don't give up. It's not like it's the end of the world.
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