Studying materials that all the students of PHS have help prepare them for the upcoming exams. Photo by: Skylier Howard
By Skylier Howard
With final exams on next week, students engage in studying to prepare for the ultimate battle against final exams.
The big tests are drawing near and pose as the last hurdle in the students’ way. Around this time is when most students began their study spree to prepare themselves for the major tests. However, senior Cody Clark admits that he is not ready for the tests. On the other hand sophomore Faith Hilty says, “I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for my exams. Whether that’s good or bad, I don’t know.” For most seniors it seems that “senioritis” has struck them, making them plan for their lives out of school already.
Though some students have the luxury of not having to take as many exams as others due to what classes they are taking and/or how many classes they have in general, others happen to take the full blow of final exams. Freshman Stephanie Boyle says that, “[I have] three, maybe four, exams.” As Boyle says that, other freshman Denise Altheide said, “[I have] Nutrition and Wellness, English, and French.” Depending on what classes students take, such as Study Hall, there will not be an exam in that class rather it will be just a long study hall. The number of exams a student will have to take usually is around three or four.
Of course, the best thing to do when preparing for a large and important test is to study although many people, even for something as important as this, tend not to study. Junior Jordan Knapp, for example, does not study, but he says the things they go over in class should help him through. There are some students that are preparing for the test, such as Boyle gives us her study idea, “Some of my exams I’ll have my mom or one of my sisters quiz me on material that I need to know for the exam. I’ll keep on getting quizzed until I dream of the answers.” Either way, as long as the students pay attention in class they will get some study sessions.
Depending on the exams, some students will have their own ways of studies. Although with each class, it is possible students may not get what they need stuck in their mind. “I don’t think there’s a ‘bad’ way that you can study for anything. As long as you’re trying something, it will hopefully be beneficial,” said Hilty. Along the same side Altheide said, “I think that if you just look at a study guide and read over it, without comprehending it [won’t help].” Sometimes that is not the only problem. Studying too hard could become an issue with a student as well. Looking over one material more than another is something to watch out for. “Sometimes because it would be better to cram some knowledge into your brain than overload yourself and get all of the information mixed up,” said Boyle. Knapp on the other hand simply stated, “No, the more help the better. Good luck trying to find the motivation, however.”
With it being close to the ending of school, it brings not only excitement to the students but also what seemingly appears to be pressure them with finals. Boyle is excited, for she said, “Yes, because if I don’t pass my exams, I’ll just have to take the classes over again.” Some others follow in the same footsteps, being encouraged by the end of school drawing near. Hilty said “With it being the end of school, I feel like I’ve kind of slacked off quite a bit on my school work. I need to get more focused.”
When the exams are finished, all the students will be free from these test until next year, and being able to endure the long stressful exams, they will be rewarded with summer vacation.