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9 Ways to Prepare for and Survive Finals Week

Published December 12, 2014

Finals week – it happens every semester, and yet every semester, it springs up on us like a crouching tiger. Fear not, students, educators from all WCS high schools have provided us with tips you should take into consideration when preparing for and living through finals week.

  1. Repetition is key: “Eat, sleep, study, repeat!” – Franklin High Assistant Principal Jason Eubanks
  2. Proper preparation: “The key to surviving the numerous exams, each having myriads of material they’re covering, is this: Be prepared. Study. Write out everything. Answer, in detail, all the reviews. Read over it. Read over it again. Study. The feeling you will have going into each exam is of utter satisfaction knowing that you are prepared.” – Independence High Teacher Elizabeth Grindstaff
  3. There’s light at the end of the tunnel: “Keep the end in mind – this too shall pass.” – Summit High Teacher Sharon Brown
  4. Keep calm: “Stay calm and study on.” – Renaissance High Teacher Ariel Gugudan
  5. Prepare your brain for success: “Exercise before you study. Twenty minutes of aerobic exercise (running, playing tennis, riding a bike, etc.) would be perfect. After you exercise, your brain chemistry will act like ‘intellectual glue’ and retain information much better than before. You have about a two hour window after exercise to enjoy these effects. Immediately after studying, the best thing you can do is take a nap. While you sleep, your brain consolidates the material you’re trying to learn. Finally, on the day of your exams, be sure to eat well. Glucose (blood sugar) is what the brain uses for fuel. So there you have it the magic formula to ace your exams – exercise, study, sleep well and eat well. It’s not about luck, it’s about preparing your brain for success.” – Brentwood High Teacher Wendy P. Hart
  6. Manage your time: “Utilize your study time here at school during exam week. You have lots of great opportunities to study in a positive environment with help and resources at hand.” – Centennial High Teacher Jeni Calvert
  7. Take advantage of teacher reviews: “Take advantage of teacher review times! Teachers want you to do well and succeed so coming in for help when it’s offered is a great way to have more focused and productive studying.” – Page High Teacher Caroline Hadley
  8. Positive thinking: “I survive midterm exam week with adrenaline and visions of sugar plums dancing in my head.” – Fairview High Teacher Jason Loudon
  9. Don’t panic: “Talk to your teachers about expectations. Don’t waste time during your study sessions; use every minute to your advantage. Think positive and avoid people who are panicking about exams…they aren’t helping.” – Ravenwood High Teacher Bryant Gunter