With the end of each semester, comes the dreaded event known as Finals Week. During the last four days of school, students take their final exams for each class. These exams aren’t something to blow off; they count for 20% of your overall semester grade in that class, meaning that a bad score can bring down your grade significantly. 

Finals Week can be stressful for even the most advanced students, and even more so if you’re a freshman who doesn’t know what to expect, or an upperclassman who’s struggling to understand the material. However, while you should take your finals seriously, you shouldn’t panic either; there are tons of resources that can help you succeed, from both the school and outside of it. Here are a few tips, not just for new students, but for anyone who feels underprepared for the end of the semester.

First, and I can not stress this enough, if your teacher provides you with a review, do it. Yes, even if it’s long and tedious. Reviews are the simplest and easiest way to study, especially if that’s something you struggle with. They give you an idea of what the test will actually look like, and what topics will be covered on it. Some teachers, especially in freshman classes, will also award you with extra credit for completing the review, with many giving up to 10 whole points. Doing the review is often what makes the difference between a passing or failing score.

But what if your teacher doesn’t give you a review? Well, you should still go out of your way to study. According to the results of a psychological experiment at Stanford University, “employing a strategic approach to the use of study resources” improved exam scores by about 4% on average. Studying refreshes your memory on the overall course, and can help you improve your knowledge of content you struggle with. Ways to study on your own include reviewing textbooks, doing flashcards, and correcting questions you’ve missed on past tests. You can also go to sites like Quizlet, Khan Academy, and Kahoot to find pre-made reviews on specific topics.

If you’re a freshman, another option you have is Winter Wonder Brains, which is a studying session organized by Link Crew to help freshmen out with their first-semester finals. During Winter Wonder Brains, you can receive help from upperclassmen while studying for your core class exams, earn extra credit for your exams, and enjoy sweet treats while doing so!

However you choose to prepare for your final exams, remember that everyone learns differently, and there’s no one way to study. The suggestions given here are, well, just that–suggestions. If they’re not helpful for you, that’s okay! What’s really important is that you study in a way that works best for you.

Good luck on your Finals Week, and have a good winter break!