Are Students Ready For Finals? By: Alissa Alvarado

As finals week approaches, students across campus are feeling the pressure to perform at their best. Many are balancing heavy study schedules with the stress and expectations that comes with the end of the semester. According to Saint Louis University, "To stay organized for finals, create a detailed study schedule using a calendar, prioritize subjects by difficulty, break down tasks into small chunks (like using the Pomodoro Technique), gather and organize all study materials, and schedule in breaks, sleep, and self-care to prevent burnout and maintain focus. 

Active learning, practice exams, and forming study groups also boost organization and retention.” A freshman, Lucas Angeli, states, “I just go ahead and look over all my notes and see what I will need to go ahead and study on and just like mark that as needed.” Together, these strategies highlight how students are finding their own ways to stay prepared and manage the growing workload. With finals quickly approaching, many are learning that staying organized  and adapting their study habits is essential for success. 

Classmates and study groups play a major role in helping students prepare more effectively for exams. By collaborating with peers, students can compare notes, clarify confusing topics, and stay motivated throughout the study process. In Ohio Bussniess College it explains, “Classmates and study groups play a vital role by fostering accountability, diverse perspectives, and motivation, helping to clarify complex topics through peer teaching, boosting confidence, and improving information retention by explaining concepts aloud, turning solitary studying into an interactive, social, and more effective learning experience. They act as a built-in support system, making learning more enjoyable and reducing anxiety by sharing the load and encouraging consistent effort.”  Kyle Chopin, a student from Hillgrove High school, states, “I feel like they can help, they help me stay motivated, 'cause, like, if I don't feel like doing something or taking notes, and I can just ask someone to send me the notes and I can review theirs and not have to, like, sit down and stress for, like, three hours, 'cause I have two videos to watch.” Together, these insights show how collaboration can ease the pressure of studying and make difficult material more manageable. For many students, having supportive classmates turns exam preparation into a more efficient—and far less overwhelming—process.