by Maria Ashe

With finals just around the corner, many students here at HHS find themselves struggling to manage their time effectively. The stress of figuring out how, when, and where to study for finals while keeping up with social and after school activities is nothing short of overwhelming, but with a couple of quick tips, finals don’t have to be so stressful. 

1. Communicate with your teachers. 

It’s easy to overlook this one, but making sure that you communicate with your teachers consistently is the best way to stay on top of your work. If you think you’ll be missing class for an extended period, talk to your teachers to make sure that you have the materials you need to keep you on track. Even when you’re in class, don’t be afraid to ask questions if something isn’t clear. It’s better to know as soon as possible instead of waiting until the last minute. 

2. Don’t cram! Make a study plan. 

I know the urge to procrastinate all too well. However, waiting until the day before to cram a year’s worth of curriculum into your memory is a sure recipe for disaster. Take some time to create a plan for how you’ll spend the weeks leading up to the exam. You don’t need to study for hours on end each day, instead opting for about 20-30 minutes each day will allow you to build a genuine understanding of the material, and will prevent burnout. 

3. Prioritize taking care of your physical and mental health

Remember this: grades aren’t everything and pushing yourself beyond your limits simply to maintain a certain GPA will only result in higher stress levels. It could backfire by landing you headfirst into a mental breakdown. Get to bed on time, eat when you’re hungry, and keep yourself hydrated. Your well-being comes first before A+’s. 

Good luck with your finals!