Exams week is a stressful time for college students. A large portion of your grades will be determined by how well – or poorly – you perform on each test. In many cases, it can make or break your semester. Students striving for high GPAs with the hopes of gaining admission into well-respected graduate schools, law schools and medical schools especially feel the pressure because their future depends on their success. By simply reforming your study and life habits, you can reduce stress while dominating your exams.
Now is the time to get back to the basics – value your rest and put your health first. In the weeks leading up to finals, establish a routine that will enable you get seven-to-eight hours of sleep per night. Minimize your caffeine consumption so you can fall asleep easier and feel more like yourself during the day. Even though you may be short on time, eat less junk food and load up on vitamins from fruits and veggies. Also be sure to exercise – a healthy body goes hand-in-hand with a healthy mind. The physical preparation process is comparable to one taken by a great athlete. You want be in tip-top shape for your week-long fight against exams.
It’s important that you minimize distractions, effectively manage your time and prioritize. In an effort to establish a routine and secure study time, you can’t be afraid to tell your friends "no" when they ask you to come to a bar or party. If they bring the party to you, leave your apartment and take your textbooks and notes with you to the library or coffee shop. Studying in peace and quiet will enable you to better process the information. Try to avoid cramming and the stress that comes along with it by establishing a study routine. Break down your reading, memorizing and practice problems into hourly intervals. Don’t procrastinate and do everything at once. Reading 300 pages in a single night will only cause you to burn out, and it’s unlikely that you’ll remember much of the information. Also be sure to prioritize which exams are most important and give them extra attention. If you need an A on your calculus test in order to earn an A in the class, it probably deserves more preparation than the test in your music history class in which you already have a 97. During the entire process, you have to maintain perspective. Your academic career is long and many second chances will come if you do happen to underachieve.