It’s crunch time. Finals are quickly approaching. Project deadlines are looming. Holiday break is so close you can almost taste it.

If final exams make you cringe to your very core, then you’re among the majority of college students. Stress takes over and it becomes difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But I promise you’ll make it. I’ll even push you in the right direction. Here are 8 tips to help you ace your finals and beat stress:

1.  Make a plan

Knowing the day and time of each project and final exam will help you lay out a basic map of your finals week. Start preparing a week before each one to prevent meltdowns.

2.  Study in chunks

Cramming can turn even the most level-headed person into a crazy mess. Reviewing material in 30-60 minute chunks is more beneficial and actually helps the content sink in.

3. Use old quizzes and tests

If you’ve saved your returned quizzes and tests, then you have the perfect study aide. They’ve already been graded and provide summaries of important content. End-of-chapter textbook quizzes work well, too, if you don’t have your old tests.

4. Be active

Skimming the same material over and over is mind-numbing and sleep-inducing. Highlight, underline, scribble extra notes, make flashcards, and do whatever else helps you pull important content from the sea of blurry sentences.

5.  Take breaks

After each study chunk, take a few minutes to grab a snack (brain foods are best), take a quick walk around the library, or get a breath of fresh air.

6.  Avoid stressful people

Stay away from your crazed, pencil-breaking, desk-slamming, stressed out classmates or friends during finals week. Their stress will add to your stress and nobody needs that.

7.  Say ‘no’ when it counts

There are parties during finals week. This is a no-brainer. There are also plenty of other distractions. If you’re really gunning for an A, discipline is key. Get your rest and celebrate when finals are over.

8.  Be confident

If you’ve packed your brain with knowledge to its seeming capacity, then take a deep breath and be confident that you will remember it. Visualize your success. It helps and it’s free.

Do you have any words of wisdom to add?