Finals week is here at last. For many, it could not come quickly enough. For others, the circumstances are somewhat worrying. Due to the remote learning practices currently in place at Milligan College and other educational institutions around the world, finals week this semester looks very different than it usually does. Since classes have been held online, professors are adapting to the changes and holding their final exams online as well. Most Milligan professors are giving their exams in the format of quizzes on Canvas at their exam time throughout the week. This is quite a different method for taking exams, and the uncertainty that has surrounded the spring semester as a whole can pile on the stress. Here are some ideas and tips to smoothly navigate this final stretch of the semester.
- Know what to expect
Make sure that you know what is expected of you for each exam. Has the content of the exam changed from what was on the syllabus at the beginning of the semester? Will it be a written exam that should be typed up in a Microsoft Word document, or is it a multiple-choice exam on Canvas? Whatever the circumstances, it is important to be aware of such changes to your exam(s), if any.
- Plan ahead
Technology doesn’t always cooperate when we need it to. If your exam is online, make sure you have internet access at the required time and be sure that you are using a reliable device (i.e., a fully-charged or plugged-in laptop as opposed to a half-charged smartphone).
- Don’t forget the essentials
Before an exam, it’s always ideal to study. Even if a professor says “it’s not that kind of exam” and there is no need to overly prepare, it’s always smart to at least scan your notes or look back at the content explored throughout the semester. Studying is always the key to knocking your exam out of the park. It is also important to pace yourself and know if there is a time limit for taking the exam. For some classes, there may simply be a deadline to submit the exam by. In these cases, it is important not to procrastinate.
- Stay focused
If your exam isn’t timed and it’s something you can work on at your own pace before a specific deadline, it’s important to stay focused and not be distracted. Taking an exam is just that: you are taking an exam. It should be taken seriously and distractions in your environment should ideally be nonexistent or at the very least, minimal. Studying from home isn’t always the most ideal situation, especially if you are used to studying in groups (which is something that you can still do via Zoom), but taking the exam at home is something else altogether. Just try your best and keep your mind where it needs to be.
- Ask your professor
If you have anxiety about taking exams, and if COVID-19 is only making that more difficult for you and not easier to handle, then ask your professor about what you can do to better prepare yourself. It’s likely this is new ground for your professors as much as it is for you, so better understanding what they expect of you this week can help you be better prepared when exam times come around.