23niors’ Finals Advice

Final Exams are stressful for all students, especially for ninth-graders. The upcoming finals for their first high school semester may be especially nerve-wracking because of the unknowns. I remember feeling extra nervous because I did not know what to expect. So here are some tips on how to not only survive but thrive in this semester’s finals. 

In the weeks leading up to your finals, reach out to your teachers if you have questions and need help. Teachers are available if you need them. Senior Lily Kangas recommends making use of office hours starting now. Be respectful of your teacher’s time and plan in advance to meet with them. Email works well for scheduling one on one meetings. In the end, your teacher is the one grading your final exam or project, so get their help as needed. Senior Ben Kang advises against procrastinating. He explains that he “never  regrets starting [his] studying early.” So do future you a favor and start doing some sort of studying now. 

Planning your time efficiently goes hand in hand with avoiding procrastination. Include some time for yourself. Studying all day every day will ultimately burn you out. It is essential to balance studying with self-care practices. Get sleep, listen to your favorite music, go for a walk. Senior Devin Batra likes to bake cookies before his final exams.

For the day of your final, GET TO SCHOOL EARLY. This is my biggest piece of advice. You do not need the extra stress of potentially being late to your final and not being let into the gym. Tell whoever is taking you to school that you need to be 15 minutes early before your final starts the night before.

 I also recommend doing something in the morning before your final to wake yourself up. Lauren Baxter likes to do the Wordle because it helps to get her brain awake. You could also read an article, do a crossword or sing along to your favorite song. 

Also, December is a cold month even in California, so dress accordingly. The gym is especially frigid. Senior Meley Haile recommends wearing layers. Bring a blanket, wear a beanie. Just dress warmly. If you are freezing your butt off, you will not be able to focus on your final.

After you are done with your finals, CELEBRATE!! You finished your first round of high school finals, only 6 more to go. But anyway, congratulate yourself. Take a deep breath. You worked hard, and we are all proud of you. Relax during winter vacation, you deserve a break from school.