Our much anticipated winter break is right around the corner!
For some, winter break may mean pristine beaches, a dip in the pool, and another type of enjoyable getaway. For others, it means staying warm and cozy in their houses, wandering amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays in NYC, and walking along 5th avenue to see all the lights. Either way, winter break means no classes, no less work, and waking up after the sun rises.
However, before that much-needed break, students have to face one of the worst times of the year: the pre-break assignment overload. I am talking about tests, quizzes, essays and projects that are all due the same exact week, only days before break begins. Unfortunately, you’ll find your school planners becoming your worst of enemies when you open them to the dreaded week of December 14th-20th.
Here, I’ll try to do my best to take away some of that inevitable stress when approaching your daunting pre-break work.
1. The one thing I cannot stress enough is to study for your tests in advance. Do not wait until the last minute or try to wing it. Trust me, you won’t be happy with your results.
2. Make an organized schedule of how you want to study and what times you will designate for each subject. For one or two nights, you may want all of your studying devoted to one subject. If you feel prepared, make sure to review every night for about 10 to 15 minutes. It can only help you! The material will stick with you because of this extra studying and you will be better prepared.
3. Make sure you meet with your teachers in advance. Look over your material and think of specific questions that you have come across. This will help you so you won’t run into the same problem again. Also, you’ll want to book your meetings before your teachers’ schedules start filling up, so start emailing them now.
4. Use your time wisely; it’s precious at this point. Especially for those who are busy after school with other obligations, make use of your frees, ladies. All though the plush chairs in the stacks room are ever-so comfy, resist your temptations and move into a quieter room. I personally find it hard to finish any work in the stacks room; it’s a great place to socialize, but not this week. Maybe try isolating yourself in the fish bowl; just plug in some earphones and get to work. You’ll find yourself being much more productive and getting a lot done. If the fish bowl is full, try the main reading room. This is a great room for some peace and quiet, and you’ll be sure to get your reading done here. So, avoid the hour-long conversations with your friends, and hit the books.
5. Organize. Prepare a list of topics that will be on your tests and make sure you understand them. This list can be motivational, too! As soon as a certain topic is clear to you, cross it off. Focus on subjects you are unsure about, and spend the most time on them. Take advantage of the infinite resources that make up the Internet! I’d recommend Khan Academy for those who are struggling in math or science, along with the life-saving Spark Notes. Asking your friends for help is also a good bet that can be mutually beneficial.
6. Most importantly, GET SLEEP! Sleep is when your brain commits your studies to your memory. There have been several tests supporting the fact that not enough sleep, five hours or fewer, can causes you to do worse on tests. Although you might think one more hour of studying will do you good and is worth sacrificing some shut-eye, it just isn’t the case. Try to set yourself a bed time for this week and get at least six hours per night.
Follow my guide, and, with winter break right around the corner, you’ll be acing those tests!