By Mackenzie Langham | Senior Conner Faught, majoring in Jurisprudence, the Academy, and Bible speaks against students over-studying.
“Don’t study too hard. It’s the law of diminishing returns. At a certain point you have studied as much as is gonna help you–you’ve spent a whole semester in class. So, trust the effort that you put in throughout the semester. You’ve gotta trust that your whole semester spent in this class and the work you’ve put in already is gonna pay off,” said Faught.
Faught believes prioritizing is most important.
“Focus on the things that are most important first; which classes you need that final grade in most and start there,” said Faught.
Stressing oneself out to the point of not enjoying any bit of the end of their semester is not fun. Faught adds that students should not care too much.
“Don’t stress yourself out over it more than is necessary. Enjoy it,” added Faught. “When I cared too much, I kept my 4.0, but it stressed me out too much and I didn’t enjoy things as much as I should. The grade wasn’t as important as the experience.”
Senior Travis Taylor, majoring in Information Systems Management says not to wait until the last second to start studying if you care about passing.
“Those who want to get above a 70, definitely take advantage of any time given. If the professor hands out a review, use that. Quizlet is an amazing and free resource,” said Taylor.
One thing Howard Payne pushes to potential and incoming students is the student to professor ratio, and how that assists in the professor being more personal and helpful. Taylor suggests using your professors’ help while you can.
“They are here to help you, not torture you; it may seem they are here to torture you, but that is not the case. Use professors to your advantage. Don’t stress out too much. The more you stress the more you will not do well. Eat food, rest, study, and sting ‘em,” said Taylor.
Freshman Kyndali Duran, majoring in allied health advises studying as soon as you can for finals.
“Doing it a week before or the week of can be very stressful. Since I am in bio two, I read over info three or four times until I know that. I do that with all my finals because it helps me comprehend the info better. Quizlet also helps!” said Duran.
Junior TJ Shands, majoring in Bible said that the library is the best place for him to study because it is quiet.
“Study at a time when you are most alert. Late at night is when I study best, but not too late at night so that you can get some sleep. It is best to study in increments as well and not cramming it all in,” said Shands.
Junior McKennah Randall, majoring in Youth Ministry with a minor in business emphasizes the importance of basic self-care during finals week.
“Make sure you shower at least once in the week, because I’ve heard stories of girls not washing their hair. Make sure you get a little downtime between studying for different classes because you will overload your brain with constantly studying. Then you won’t be prepared for the test because you’ll just be mush from pushing everything on the brain at once.
Randall also stresses the vitality of being relational even despite the stress of studying.
“I would make sure to study with your friends or spend time with your friends, because you’ll never know if they’re going to leave. Because for me relational is not an option, it is a must. Because that is what God has called us to do is to fellowship with others,” Randall added.