Dear Margo, Rita, and Curtis,
It’s me again. I’m really nervous for this upcoming week. How can I survive exam week?
Thanks,
Confused2021
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Dear Confused2021,
Exam week may sound like most dreaded week of the term, but fear not, my friends: it is actually quite the opposite. Yes, it tests your time-management skills and stress capacity, but remember that you have around 630 people around you experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
What are the best parts about exam week? We can begin by admiring the ample of amount of free time that there is. How, you may ask, can a Deerfield student somehow have all of this freetime? There are no co-curriculars, no classes, no sit-down meals, absolutely nothing. Your only job is to study! On top of all of your free time, you also get free food from these wonderful social constructs called “exam feeds.” An exam feed is exactly what it sounds like: a large feed in the dining hall with all of your favorite foods, including vegan brownies, ice cream, chicken tenders, pancakes, and much more. Lastly, remember that you are being tested on material that you have learned over the past 9 weeks; there’s nothing new. So, go into exam week with confidence and know that your teachers and friends are looking out for you!
My greatest tip for exam week is to not only work hard, but work smart. The best way to do this is to create schedule in which you write out the times about what you are going to do and when. For example, if you are going to study for your math exam, don’t simply write “study math.” Instead, write “study polynomials from chapter 4, section 3.” This way, you will know exactly what you have to do and will save time in the end.
Group study sessions and extra help sessions are very helpful — your teachers and peers are your resources and support systems, so don’t be afraid to reach out. In the end, you need to be able to recognize when you need time for yourself and to find quiet study spots around campus, whether it be in the library, classrooms, dorms, dining hall, or even the lower fields. Find your place.
Remember to create time to relax and spend time with your friends in your schedule. There’s a reason why there is so much free time during exam week. Teachers do not expect every student to study 12 hours the day before their exam. The extra time is for you to rewind, not stress out about the fact that you aren’t studying during those moments. It does not make you less studious to watch an episode of Stranger Things after your english exam.
Whether you want to or not, you are going to take your exams, so it’s better to simply go in with a positive mindset and allow yourself to enjoy the week before vacations. Good luck and see you at the exam feed!
Cheers,
Margo, Rita, and Curtis