Here comes the pressure, the stress and the anxiety that falls upon us all as we are put to the test.

Finals are quickly approaching and it’s important to take all the right steps to guarantee a successful test.

Instructors expect their students to retain the knowledge they have gained throughout the semester. Susan Garrison, English adjunct professor thinks retaining what students learn in class is what is most important.

“I expect students to use everything they have learned over the semester to write a paper,” Garrison said.

Students prepare for final exams in different ways. Some prefer to cram at the last minute, others start studying 2-3 weeks before the exam and others stay on top of studying habits throughout the semester.

Missouri Western State University student Kimberly Noble is a Spanish major and she has learned how important it is to study.

“I get a 3 hour block session going on where I study 45 minutes and break for 15 which seems to work well for me,” Noble said.

Vincent Lee II, is a Western chemical engineer major and thinks time management is very important in college.

Photo by Matthew Fowler

“I study the whole time during the semester but I also cram at the last minute too,” Lee said.

“I try to use key words to remind me of a subject’s content and I start studying way before the test,” Lee said.

There are many factors involved in getting ready for a big test including eating right and getting lots of rest before an exam. These are very important, but not always possible for students. However, students should make this one of their first priorities besides studying.

Kait Newhart is a junior here at Western majoring in English and she has some good advice about eating right before an exam.

“I would recommend fish because it has Omega 3 fatty acids that are supposed to increase brain functions,” Newhart said.
“I’ve heard peppermint gum is also supposed to help the brain.”

Instructors here at Western don’t use any kind of trickery to prepare a final exam. It is in everyone’s best interest to know the material from the class.

“It is definitely important for the students to not only learn the material but also apply it to problem solving,” said Kristen Walton, associate professor of biology.
“Especially in science critical thinking is important.”

Good habits usually lead to good results and students need to be aware of different techniques they can use to help them make it through these stressful times.
Eat right, get lots of rest, study the material and don’t stress out.

Put your thinking caps on and get ready for finals.