PCHS Bulletin – Paige Harlow
Date Published – December 16, 2025
Semester exam week is officially here, Bulls! Exam week typically consists of late-night study sessions, endless review packets, and the pressure of grades, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the thing, finals don’t have to be a nightmare. With the right mindset and a few smart strategies, you can walk into each exam feeling calm and prepared.
To start, cramming the night before is basically a recipe for disaster. Instead, break your studying into smaller chunks over several days. Flashcards, practice problems, or even teaching the material to a friend can help lock it in. Think quality over quantity; an hour of focused review beats three hours of distracted scrolling and “studying.”
Continuing, it’s tempting to stay up until 2 a.m. with your notes, but sleep is what actually helps your brain store information. Aim for at least seven hours, especially the night before a big test. You’ll think more clearly, remember more, and feel less anxious.
Though energy drinks are extremely popular, especially for students, energy drinks like Redbull and Alani’s are not your best friends this week. Try water, fruit, or protein snacks instead. A balanced breakfast before exams can make a bigger difference than you’d expect.
Remember, your brain isn’t built to focus nonstop. Step away from your desk every hour, stretch, listen to music, or take a quick walk. Breaks keep you refreshed and prevent burnout.
Finals matter, but they don’t define you. One test won’t erase a semester of hard work. Remind yourself that you’ve been learning all year, and finals are just a chance to show what you already know.
Bottom line: finals week is tough, but it doesn’t have to be terrifying. Prepare steadily, take care of yourself, and remember, you’ve got this!