It's that time of year again. Students are preparing for the final exams that could make or break their grades.
But finals do not have to be the gloom and doom that some students may be expecting. With some patience and planning, students can come out of their exams alive and well.
BEFORE THE EXAM
Preparing for final exams really begins at the start of the semester, said Courtney Sturgeon, a tutor at the Study Strategies desk at the Learning Center.
"Go to classes and take notes," Sturgeon said. "Study in advance and avoid procrastinating by preparing a couple of hours each day."
But most of all, avoid cramming, said Jayson Jarrett, a graduate assistant at the Learning Center.
"Do not cram," he said. "It will never lead to success. I encourage clients to make up a schedule to study in. Just take your time."
Sophomore Latasha Williams, a nursing major, is one student who will never again make the mistake of studying at the last minute. She became light-headed and fatigued from trying to learn too much information in too small of a time frame.
"I was nervous about finals and thought that's what it took to pass them. I was inexperienced," Williams said. "Take your time and do what you can. Don't try to be like a superhero."
This year, Williams said she is doing things differently.
"I'm reading over chapters and studying my notes," Williams said. "I prefer studying with somebody else, because sometimes that person has information I may have missed and we can drill each other."
Williams said she isn't nervous about her finals.
"I know what to expect and I know that as long as I study I'll pass them," Williams said.
Freshman Ashley Crane, an architecture major, said she has also been reviewing her notes and textbooks.
She said that the format of tests in college is different from what it was for her during high school.
"The tests here are longer and there are more questions over more material," Crane said. "In high school you don't try to cover so much in such a short time."
DURING THE EXAM
On the day of the test, students have reached the point of no return. Now, it all depends on students' ability to remember what they learned.
According to the Eastern Illinois University's Learning Assistance Center Web site, it is important to have a back-up waking system in place. Set two or more alarm clocks or have a friend knock on your door if it is needed.
Wake up early to have time to briefly review test notes and eat a nutritious breakfast. Also leave extra time to get to the testing site early and remember to bring extra pencils and warm clothing in case the site is cold, the Web site said.
But most of all, the Web site said, have a positive attitude.
"Make sure you're calm," Sturgeon said. "Take a few deep breaths and keep your eye on the clock to make sure you have time to finish."
AFTER THE EXAM
Now it's just a matter of waiting for test results.
"Step away from the material and do something else," Michel Mounayar, associate dean of the College of Architecture and Planning, said. "Sometimes the most intriguing things can't go from your mind, but stepping away helps resolve questions you had."
But finals does not mean that all the work done throughout the semester was in vain. Mounayar said that in CAP, students' work is saved in portfolios for future use.
"We rely on portfolios so one can draw from that experience (of learning) again," Mounayar said.
But Mounayar said he hopes that students will still give themselves time to relax after finals.
"Hopefully you'll have a refreshing holiday and be relaxed when you come back," Mounayer said.
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