How to Prepare for the End of the Semester

Preparing for finals one click at a time—end-of-semester mode: on. Farrah Lundgren (9) works on her laptop as she prepares for final exams and completes end-of-semester assignments. Photo credit: Avery Houghton (12).

Halfway through the semester, with the first quarter already over, it’s time to start preparing for the end of the semester. With this time of year often comes major stressors, including projects, finals, and overall grades. Being prepared for the end of the semester will set you up for success. Planning ahead now can help relieve stress when finals roll around. 

Looking Ahead 

Checking your grades before the last two weeks of the semester allows time to raise, change, or fix anything that needs improvement. Giving yourself time to retake tests, turn in late work, and meet with teachers promptly will help relieve the stress of trying to do everything at the last minute. 

When looking at grades, look at each class's grades, pick one class each week. Work on getting any missing assignments turned in, retaking tests, or finishing any summative projects long before they are due. 

“Making sure to complete all your small formative assignments right now will help you have success on the larger end-of-semester assignments,” said English teacher Ms. Robison. 

“Making sure to complete all your small formative assignments right now will help you have success on the larger end-of-semester assignments,” said English teacher Ms. Robison. 

Get Ahead 

Many classes have summative projects that are due at the end of the semester. However, most students wait until the last week to cram everything in, resulting in mediocre projects and stressful sleepless nights. 

Taking two to three hours each week until the end of the semester to work on these projects will help relieve the stress of cramming to finish them at the last minute. 

Plan Ahead 

Finals always seem to come out of nowhere, and trying to study for four finals at the last minute will result in less effective studying. Allowing time to study thoroughly for each class will increase your chances of earning better grades on finals. 

Find out which classes will have finals and start planning how to prepare for them. Take a few hours each weekend to review class material and make sure you understand it. Memorize vocabulary, review key terms and definitions, and ask teachers for help with topics you find challenging. 

“A lot of the time, the final is worth a big portion of your grade, and if you get ahead now, you have a better chance of performing better,” said senior Arlo Gibbs. 

Be Prepared 

Not only are classes a major stressor, but outside events and sports can also make the end of the semester a hectic time. Making sure you’ve given yourself enough time to be successful will help you finish the semester smoothly. 

Using time like Bear Block and Flex to meet with teachers and attending the CHS “Cocoa and Cram” event from 3–5 p.m. on January 12, are all great ways to help you succeed at the end of the semester.