As the semester comes to an end, students are finding ways to study and prepare for their finals to ensure they achieve academic success.
Whether students have a final exam, a final paper or a final project, now is the time when they must use their resources and studying methods to ensure they receive good grades. This is the final stretch before students can go home and enjoy the summer, but to finish the year on a high note, students strive to finish strong.
When it comes to studying or preparing, students have different ways of feeling ready for their finals, even when all the material isn’t accessible yet. History junior Abi Burgess talked about how she’s preparing for her finals.
“As a history student, all my finals are essays,” Burgess said. “I’m trying to get a good base of knowledge because I’m getting the questions that are going to be on the exam until later this week. So I’m trying to get a good overall base knowledge of what I learned over the semester, so then I can have an easier time gathering my sources that I’m going to use on the exam.”
When studying, there are numerous tactics students use to help them study. Some ways can include writing things down, creating tests and flashcards via Quizlet, and studying with friends and classmates.
Public relations senior Izzy Toole uses resources and materials from her classes to help her study.
“I like to rewrite everything until I have it memorized,” Toole said. “I go through a lot of my lessons and presentations so I can rewrite everything in my own words. I do this because it helps me obtain information better.”
Many students are very tired and stressed heading into the end of the semester. Building a mindset to sustain motivation may come easily, or it might take some time. While in college, it’s essential to finish successfully, but students can build up the energy and motivation to do so on a high note.
Business administration senior Katie Grifka shared a tactic she uses to maintain her motivation.
“I like to utilize my planner because there’s a lot I’m keeping in my head,” Grifka said. “Everything with school, my personal life and job hunting. There’s a lot to remember, so it’s helpful for me to write down the things I need to do.”
Grifka also talked about using study breaks to stay motivated and finish strong.
“I remember that while I’m studying, I have to take study breaks,” Grifka said. “Every once in a while, I need to go outside and get some fresh air.”
As the end approaches, students have mixed feelings about almost reaching the finish line. While students may be happy to be done taking college courses, the thought of leaving friends and the memories made can bring a tear to an eye.
Communications studies senior Ellie Landis expressed her feelings knowing her time as a college student is coming to an end.
“It’s bittersweet because I really enjoyed my time here,” Landis said. “Going to class and living in the same place as all my friends is great, but I’m excited to get the rest of my life and see what exciting things happen next.”
The finish line has almost been crossed. Just one week of finals and then it’s summertime, when students can go home and rest before returning in the fall.