As the year comes to an end, final exams race through high schoolers’ heads. December 15 and 16, NC students will complete their class finals through either a test, project or another assignment. Teachers consider exams as summative assessments, as they evaluate the amount a student actually learned at the end of a course. Certain exams will challenge students further depending on the course. The average weight for final exams ranges from 10-20% which can impact a student’s final grade.

“I wish final exams were calmer and not so stressful on everyone because some people aren’t as good at test taking. Sometimes it’s hard because there are some things that I don’t remember and you gotta go back to learn again. I think it’s better if group projects were the finals because everyone could help each other out and learn from each other,” junior Aldo Palafox said.

December 15 and 16, the schedule will alter so students can take their finals on separate days. First and second block final exams take place December 15 from 8:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; third and fourth block final exams take place December 16 from 8:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Students will receive a Grab-and-Go Sack Lunch if not carrying their own.  

Preparing for the final exams can take several steps for students to receive satisfying grades. By planning out study sessions, students can receive a stronger grip on the amount of work they face. The calendar app comes in handy to set alerts and reminders to stick to a plan. Start studying for finals a couple of weeks before the first exam, and figure out an amount of time to set aside every day for each subject. Khan Academy contains free practices and lessons to help better prepare. Then move on to studying what will likely appear on the test. Allow additional time to study for the toughest classes. For example, if chemistry contains rigorous material, devote extra time to that subject—even if it’s the last final. Prioritize and find the best way to review and internalize predictions that will appear on the final exam. Make flashcards to help memorize dates and equations. Prioritize sleep because while students may want to pull an all-nighter and cram information within the last minute, this causes stress and students will not retain the information for long. 

Take breaks to improve concentration when studying: veg out with an episode of a TV show or play a couple of rounds of video games. Eat healthily and drink plenty of water to keep the brain firing on all cylinders.

“Final exams can be difficult and stressful on students due to preparing and learning everything. And, I feel that it’s rewarding once you receive a good grade, but you feel down if you don’t do well. It is just hard on students because some have work, practice, etc. I do believe in preparing the correct way and taking out enough time will help you get a good grade on the exams,” Palafox said.