Final Exams are the last stretch before winter break. It is the climax of the semester, where students are tested on everything they have learned since August.
Exams account for 20% of a student’s overall grade, so many NDB students start preparing far in advance. The earlier a student begins studying for finals, the better. This way, they will feel more confident when it is time for their first exam. Anne Bosch, a freshman at NDB, shares how she is feeling about her upcoming tests. “I think I am going to do pretty well, because I have studied really hard. I am kind of nervous too, but I feel like if you work hard, you’ll get through it,” Bosch said.
There seems to be a common theme about the best study habits for final exams. Sophomore Lily Roche shares how she plans to prepare. “I’m going through all my old materials, and I’m talking to my peers and my teachers. I’m making quizlets and kind of just preparing and getting ready, so I do well on them,” Roche said.
“What I’m doing to prepare for final exams is reviewing notes from past lessons and meeting with teachers to get feedback on how I can be well prepared,” said junior Kaylee Pettis.
Brooke True a member of the class of 2026 shares her study preferences. “I make study guides for each of my classes and review all my notes from the semester. I also make sure to meet with my teachers in case I have questions or need clarification on anything,” she said.
Between meeting with teachers, reviewing notes and recalling material from the beginning of the semester, the month of December can be a stressful time. It is important that students set aside time for self-care between all the preparation. This means getting adequate sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, and even doing meditation to relax and reset. A good night of sleep goes a long way, and self-care is one of the best study methods out there.
The long hours of studying are all worth it when Finals Week is over, and students are rewarded with a relaxing winter break, which serves as a great way to unwind and reset after all the hard work.
