High Life: A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : A Few Words of Advice for Those Final Days of School

As another school year winds down, it’s time to gear up for final exams.

To help those who suffer from test anxiety and others who aren’t sure of the best way to get themselves ready, Hot Topics asks, “What’s the best tip you can give somebody who’s preparing to take a final exam?”

“Study till you drop.”

Jong Hahn, 17,

junior, Bolsa Grande

“Don’t stress out over finals; just relax and do your best.”

Sally Lee, 16,

junior, Villa Park

“Flash cards and highlighting.”

Nadia Yakoob, 17,

junior, Brea-Olinda

“Try to collect all your notes, look over all important topics, and put aside two weeks to study before finals.”

Lisa Kim, 17,

sophomore, University

“Ask teachers for help on sections of the text that are confusing and complicated.”

Myra King, 16,

sophomore, Santiago

“On the day before taking a major test or exam, have a relaxing day. Take a quick review of what will be covered on the test and get a good sleep.”

Anhminh Tran, 16,

junior, Bolsa Grande

“Don’t wait till the last minute to study.”

Marlo Jean Harris, 16,

junior, University

“Try to study a few nights before the final and keep a clear mind from outside distractions.”

Tobey Wu, 17,

senior, Villa Park

“Studying doesn’t help much for a lot of students, so I recommend making educated guesses.”

Juan Castro, 17,

junior, Santiago

“Study a week before, don’t study in the last hour before the final. Rest for five minutes after every 30 minutes of study and eat nutritionally. Don’t skip meals. Don’t worry too much and get adequate sleep.

Linh Quach, 16,

junior, Bolsa Grande

“Don’t cheat!”

Emily Oh, 14,

freshman, Brea-Olinda

“Have confidence in your ability to perform well.”

Elisa Gamboa, 18,

junior, Santiago

“Relax, go to the bowling alley and get a good night’s sleep.”

Ray Hsiao, 16,

sophomore, University

“Don’t cram the night before finals; get lots of sleep.”

Rich Sellers, 18,

senior, Villa Park

“Review in advance for finals. This way you will be more prepared.”

Ann Nguyen, 16,

junior, Bolsa Grande

“Just do the best you can on the day of the final because the best is all that you can give.”

Yuko Yogi, 17,

junior, Villa Park

“I always find it helpful to review work right before the exam.”

Autumn King, 16,

junior, Santiago

“Don’t cram.”

David Nakasone, 16,

junior, University

“I never study for them because if you know it (the material) you know it, and if you don’t then you never will.”

Pam Kuramorohit, 16,

junior, Villa Park

Next Week’s Hot Topic:

In years to come, what do you think will stand out as your most vivid memory of high school?

Responses gathered by Brandi Winemiller (Bolsa Grande), Jooyoung Lee (Brea-Olinda), Hieu Phan (Santiago), Claudine Ko (University) and Heather Lee (Villa Park).