With final exams coming up in the following week, students are faced with remembering a whole semester’s worth, or sometimes even the year, of information in a short period of time. Although some students have mastered studying strategies over the years, many students still struggle finding ways that help them. Various methods, including the 2357 method; systems, such as the Leitner System; and techniques, like Feynman’s Technique, are shared across the internet. 

Various articles claim that you should space your studying out with work break intervals. However, others state that you recall more information when you have limited time to study. Everyone memorizes work differently; therefore, it might take some time to develop your own strategies. 

“I always study the notes given by my teachers and write down key points to help me remember essential information,” said senior Jayda Cueller. “ I also like to study the oldest information first, and then work towards the topics I’ve recently learned.”

While memorizing the details you’ve learned throughout the course of the year, it’s significant to spend extra time revisiting curricula from months ago. 

In comparison, “My favorite techniques are note-taking and repeated review,” said sophomore Christina Wrenn. “I typically take notes emphasizing the key concepts of every unit after already having learned the material, and I like to annotate them using color — my mind reads colorful things much more easily. Additionally,  I review chunks of content in segments, and I repeat the same segments over themselves after every three segments or so.” 

Final exams are beginning Wednesday, May 15 and even earlier for the senior class. The thought of studying has swept over our minds, and students are beginning to realize the importance of preparing for their exam. 

“I like to review flashcards, re-highlight material, rewrite notes, and go over slideshows posted on Canvas,” said sophomore Hermela Getahun. 

With all of this stress, students need to manage their time before the year concludes and finish up any missing assignments. Nonetheless, many students have had successful plans made throughout the school year in order to stay on top of their work. 

“I try to get my work and studying done during the week so that I can use the weekends to step away from school,” said Cueller. “I think my biggest challenge is finding balance, and getting my work done this way helps a lot. Finding a way to de-stress from school and hang out with friends is really important.”

Similarly, “I quantify my days in my planner, maintain organization, and take short breaks,”

said Wrenn. “I try to get in a good studying groove, and stay in a rested state, so I can minimize stress. I also like to seek help from mentors and teachers.” 

Especially in high school, students are constantly trying out new clubs, activities, sports, job opportunities, and classes. Sometimes, It’s very demanding to effectively be productive at every aspect of your life. 

“Maintaining a state of calm despite all of the chaos is my biggest challenge,” said Wrenn. “Theatre, my hobby, is immensely time-consuming and I find myself struggling to have enough time in a day to complete homework, go to rehearsals, study, eat, shower, sleep, etc. It’s definitely difficult to stay calm under the pressure.” 

As the year concludes, students and staff are anticipating summer up ahead while scrambling to finish putting the bits and pieces together. Although break is only a week away, it’s key to end your school year on a good note, and be pleased with your final grades.