The First Semester: Its Over?
Ready or not the end is here
Final exams are the cherry on top of a student’s semester, which can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s good because the end is here, with one last assignment/project/test/lab to convey the knowledge they have gained in the previous four months. It’s stressful because these last items carry more weight for the final grade, which increases pressure to perform well to ensure a good score.
Those doing well want to sprint through the finish, hoping that good grades will increase opportunities, including getting into competitive majors with high GPAs and future scholarships. For others, finishing itself will be an accomplishment, and they will anxiously await to see if they have passed or have to retake any courses. These are some tips for making the best of the last few weeks.
-Plan and execute a study plan: During this crazy time, having a schedule can put their mind at ease, and having achievable goals that can review all the course content section by section or build a project piece by piece can help ease anxiety and give them the best opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge.
-If you’re in a group project, figure out responsibilities early: Group projects can be productive as one person does not have to do all the work. If each member can have a defined role, this can be an excellent way to get a good grade. If not, it can be stressful, hindering attention and managing the stress. Students must ensure the work is balanced, or they will earn a poor grade.
-The benefits of sleep: The last few weeks can be crazy, and rest is one of the most essential factors in dealing with stress. Study after study shows that pulling all-nighters before tests leads to worse grades than getting at least a few hours of sleep. So, even though it seems crazy, at 2 am, when the world seems to be falling apart right in front of their eyes, a student can go to bed, look at the same problem with a clearer head, and solve it.
They got this. With the turn-in of the finals, the first semester is complete. Think about the experiences of the last months, the challenges, opportunities, and new people they’ve met, and the adversity they overcame. They should be proud of themselves, and now they enter their second semester, ready to continue their educational journey.
