Center Offers Advice On How To Approach Exams

By Humayun Chohan
November 20, 2008

As the semester winds down, many students' stress levels are going up.


The Center for Academic Enrichment is trying to do something about that.

This week, in Femoyer Hall, the Center for Academic Enrichment and Excellence
(CAEE) hosted its final seminar of the series on Academic Success.

Titled  "Making it Through the Final Stretch," the seminar was presented by professor Julie Hopkins. Hopkins is a graduate student who teaches the College Success Strategies course to freshman here at the university.


With final exams just around the corner, many students have become overwhelmed with their workload. Whether it be term papers, group projects, or research assignments, most students are feeling the strain, Hopkins said.

 The seminar's objective was to teach students how to manage stress, stay motivated and to manage time efficiently during the upcoming week of finals.


"I just came here to get extra credit for one of my classes," said freshman Joe Elligson, "but she gave me some really good tips that are going to help me study."


Hopkins' lecture, aided by a Powerpoint presentation, covered various topics, including meeting with your professor prior to your final, how to study and where to study.

Although she advised heavily against it, Hopkins gave tips on how to cram as well.


"Cramming is making the most of a bad situation," said Hopkins. "Cramming is not the same as learning; you will not learn what you crammed."


Hopkins also explained that it is vital to take care of yourself so that you remain healthy during exam time.  Eating balanced meals, being well rested, and taking adequate breaks directly affect your productivity.


Hopkins stressed making good use of the reading day provided by the university. 
Some students choose to do nothing school-related, while others study all day. 


She advised students to study, but to pace themselves with short breaks. However, she did warn against wasting the entire day.


"Organization is key when you're studying for finals," said Hopkins. She distributed blank exam preparation worksheets to the students for them to take home and fill out for each of their classes.  The worksheet outlined exam information such as type of exam, place, date and weight of the exam, a study completion schedule, and a review schedule to help get students organized.


"What I want students to take away from this is confidence and a plan for how they're going to attack finals week," said Hopkins. "Skills related to organization for finals, and a renewed motivation for it."


Her candor and willingness to listen made it easy for students to open up and share their concerns.


This was just one of the many seminars that CAEE presented this semester to help students reach their academic goals.  

Some previous seminar topics this semester included: "Test-Taking," "Note-Taking" and "Procrastination."