Okay, everyone. It’s that time of year – finals. Whether you’re an almost second semester senior or a student taking final exams for the very first time, the end of the semester can be an extremely stressful time. We get it – and we’re here to help. Here are some expert (as in, our very own upperclassmen) recommendations on preparing for finals – what to eat, how to study, getting your mind right – to guide you along the way.

From Aaliyah Taylor, ‘20: “Calculate the minimum grade needed to succeed in each class; prioritize your studying for classes requiring the highest grade margin, and definitely start one week before your exam.” Indeed, doing your homework (pun intended) on your pre-exam grade situation is always a good idea. Checking your grades can be a daunting task, but you’ll feel more prepared to end the semester on a high note once you know where you stand in each class.

There’s also this pro tip from Ana Gore, ‘20: “Sleep! Don’t forget to take some time to relax, whatever that means for you – or your brain will be tired.” Yes, you read that right. SLEEP, y’all. Your brain and body will thank you for it later.

Speaking of health, it’s also important to eat right. We’ve heard that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, but it’s time to really listen to that advice. According to Caroline Walker, ‘20 (a seasoned pro when it comes to prepping for final exams), you should “always keep some protein on hand”. Quick foods for the morning include a bowl of oatmeal, an apple or banana, an egg on toast – you can be creative, but try not to go over or underboard.

Simply put, don’t go too out of your way to review what you’ve learned and secure your average for this grading period. Do get sleep, start reviewing days before, and hydrate well. Don’t pull any all-nighters, eat nothing, and worry about whether a “B” is really worth stressing yourself out. For more study-specific advice, check out this page from The Princeton Review: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/how-to-study-for-final

You’ve got this. Best of luck, Dolphins!