Coming to Smith, the concept of having finals in the winter was a foreign one to me- my high school didn’t do midterms/finals at any point before June. Plus, there’s the added stress of these being my first *college* finals. Luckily, the past couple weeks, while terribly difficult, have taught me a lot about time management, my preferred habits of studying, and easy ways to take some time for yourself.
This semester, I’m taking four classes- Logic 100, Elementary Latin, a First Year Seminar on the 19th century novel, and Historian’s Craft. Both my FYS and history class have term papers (10-12 pages and 7-9, respectively), my logic class has a take home exam, and my Latin course has an actual exam during the finals period.
Here’s an example of the study guides I’m making for Latin. Trying to encompass 21 chapters of vocabulary and grammar is tough... there’s a reason I started making these three weeks ago! (Next semester, I’m going to try to make them as I go through the class... novel concept!)
My history class has been hosting several professors from Smith’s history department over the course of the semester, giving each week a different “theme” depending on the professor’s speciality. this week was my favorite- Ancient Rome, and whether it technically “fell”. It’s strange to have regular classes chugging along while finals are looming, but I can’t emphasize how important it to stay on top of your work, or make provisions if you’re overwhelmed. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, an extension, or taking an evening for yourself. You’ve got to stay sane to succeed! :)
And here it is... the dreaded study schedule. Sometimes I think I’m over-organized, but at least when something doesn’t go according to plan, I have all my upcoming goals right in front of me so adjustments are easy! (Thank heaven for White-Out!)