Grab the Controls
You’d probably agree that a little stress is the norm rather than the exception during exams week. I’ve read that a little anxiety can heighten your awareness and enhance your performance. Yeah, right, you’re thinking. So what should you do to avoid becoming so stressed that it affects your performance on your exams? How do you get a handle on stress? The best way to control stress is to move into the driver’s seat rather than remaining a quivering bowl of jittery nerves and negative thoughts and self-doubts in the back seat. Control stress; don’t let stress control you. The best way to avoid anxiety about finals is to be well-prepared for each exam.
Of course, if you are suffering extreme stress and anxiety about tests. take control by seeking help from the Counseling Center located in the Ladd Center. A professional can work with you on strategies and techniques for getting control of your anxiety.
Take control: Develop a study plan for finals
A plan is not a plan until you write it down. Begin by writing down the time and place of all your exams. The final exam schedule is on Viking Web. Next you need to decide how much time you need to study for each course and develop a study schedule that includes study hours for every course. You will need more study hours for your hardest course[s]. Planning ahead and starting early on your studying for finals will allow you to avoid last minute cramming and “all nighters,” which, by the way, contribute to stress and test anxiety.
When you make your study schedule, set aside large blocks of time for learning concepts and basic relationships. Use shorter periods for review–and review often. Recall and review while taking a shower, walking across campus, drying your hair, painting your nails, washing your truck. This frequent reviewing will increase your understanding of the concepts and help you remember the information on test day.
Some advice on studying
Don’t study similar courses back-to-back. For example, study chemistry and then government, not chemistry followed by physics.
And don’t forget to schedule breaks. Know and respect your concentration span. Plan for brief (10-15 minutes) breaks to keep yourself focused. Take a brisk walk in the cool air to refresh yourself and keep your mind sharp! Then immediately return to the study schedule.
Maintain a daily routine as much as possible. Avoid staying up all night; instead, go to bed at the usual time and get up several hours earlier than usual to continue studying. You are able to understand and remember more when you are rested than when you are sleep deprived.
In addition to developing a workable schedule (being organized) and taking a calm approach to studying, make common sense and moderation a lifestyle, particularly during this stressful time in the semester.
Creating a plan and following it will put you in control. Procrastination and cramming is likely to result in stress and anxiety about your final exams.
Advice for Students 