Columbia Heights, Minnesota
By CJ Abad, iLander Staff Reporter
The end of the first semester at CHHS means finals. This is a time when students tend to be stressing out about getting things turned in to ensure a good grade on their report cards. Finals are a big part of the grade, so proper study habits are a must.
CHHS senior Silvia Mendez has two finals this week.
“I’m not feeling too confident about them,” Mendez said. “I have scholarships due also, leaving me little to no time to study.”
Procrastination is something most teens face when it comes to big tests. Many students go through numerous hours of studying individually, with groups, or even pulling an “all-nighter” the day before the test.
But does it really work? An all-nighter might be bad for your health as well as your test score, according to the New York Times. Each student has their own lives after school and they do different things. Whether it’s work, extracurriculars or sports, finding time for studying might sometimes be impossible. When they do find study time, it sometimes might take all night.
“Pulling an all-nighter is not healthy for the brain and usually doesn’t work,” said Ole Rapson, who teaches trigonometry and AVID. “You need sleep and rest to properly function during test day.”
According to CollegeBoard.com, here are some tips for when test days arrive:
Before the test
- Eat a well-balanced meal;
- Bring the right supplies;
- Review the whole test before you start; and
- Jot down you first thought as a side note.
During the test
- Answer the easy question first and to get it out of your way;
- Answer every question to the best of your ability;
- Identify key words;
- Rephrase difficult questions; and
- Use all the time you are given.
“When you’re studying for a test, I say listen to music while you study so when you are taking the test you can remember the song and the information you studied with it,” Rapson said.
There are numerous techniques you can do during your studies. Whether you use flashcards, review notes, talk to teachers, converse with peers or look over past assignments, the more studying the better.
Some students have just one exam, but others have a full schedule.
CHHS senior Braden Ericson has a Chemistry final.
“I think I’ll do well on it by reviewing my notes from the beginning of the semester,” he said.
CHHS senior Janiese Dixon has four finals coming up.
“I feel pretty confident about them,” she said, “and I hope to do well.”
(Photo by CJ Abad.)