Like most college students, Johnny Smith lived in the library during the entire week of final exams. For three days, he never left the library; he studied for his English exam and then for math, history, and finally Psychology. Smith knew the finals would cover all the material discussed in class throughout the semester.
When Smith finally took his tests, he felt good because unlike his friends, he didn’t cram for the test; instead, he took time to study, going over class notes and anything else that would help him pass. Smith’s tireless studying paid off; a week later he got his grades back and he passed with three “A’s” and one “B”.
Finals at Fresno City College are just around the corner, they’re scheduled May 12 – May 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. on most days.
Math tutor David Gomez said, “Cramming for finals at the last minute is horrible.”
Finals is a word college student dread the most; it’s all work and no fun during this stressful time.
Experts agree that students should relax and realize that there are ways to
ace their finals without pulling out their hair or being strapped to a gurney. The bottom line is that while finals aren’t fun, they’re not the end of the world.
Gomez says he tells the students he tutors, “Read your books.”
According to associatedcontent.com, a website that gives students 10 ways
to pass their final exams, important tips include going over key
information to refresh memory, listening to your instructors, and quizzing
yourself, etc…
Students can also go to www.ehow.com for additional information on how to
study for finals.
Each student works at a different level and has a different way of studying.
Kindergarten- teaching major, Kalia Green says, “I plan on studying really
hard and getting a lot of rest.”
FCC student Amy Loza suggested students should start study groups. “Study groups are fun because if you have any questions, someone has the answer. You can quiz each other and keep each other on track,” Said Loza
According to Computer Science/Mathematics instructor, Gregory Jaimson, students should have started prepping for finals in the beginning of the semester, not the night before they take their exams. He says the night before finals students
should be resting.
Susan Holford, Human Services/Sociology instructor says, “for some students it’s too late, so many students don’t go to class.”
Holford says that some of her students in her classes don’t have the textbook because they don’t have the funds. Without the proper books to study with, chances of you passing your exams are low.
Retired Sociology professor, Joan Newcomb says that if students wait until the last minute to study for their tests, the chances of passing their exams are statistically low.
“Waiting for anything at the last minute won’t help you ace anything.” said Newcomb
Newcomb advises those who wait until the last minute to study should read the material, take it one chapter at a time, but don’t try to read the entire textbook.
“Take a break, then get back to it,” advises Newcomb.
But FCC Psychological Intern /Trainees John Carter and Bob Bates advise students to do otherwise. The benefits of cramming are low, according to Bates.
“The brain takes only so much information,” stated Carter.
According to Carter the best thing to do, is find out what works for you, whether its music, exercise or meditation.
According to Bates, the reason so many students experience high levels of stress during finals week is fear of failing.
“Every student hopes to get an “A
