THAT L – A – A  –  A  –  S   –   T EXAM

Here’s an exam week problem some students encounter. This is the opposite of the back-to-back exams crunch. It’s when you’ve finished all your exams except the last one. And that last one is a week to two weeks after the second-last exam. 

Done but not done

You would think that’s not a problem because it takes the pressure off having enough time to prepare for the last exam. Yet paradoxically, it can be just the opposite in terms of stress. You are done, but not done. So you can’t really park your term and get on with what’s next. You might even find yourself resenting that there is so much time and you just don’t feel like spending two weeks solid on exam alert, studying and refining and studying some more. So you don’t. Or you put in the time, but not all that effectively. And you don’t enjoy whatever you are doing, or not doing. Guilt can happen.

If you find yourself in this dilemma of study/not study, two strategic tactics can get you out of a tail-biting loop.

Treat time

First, think of a treat that you will give yourself after that last exam. This isn’t a reward for meeting a goal. It isn’t a reinforcer for making an effort (although I hope you continue to use reinforcement for effort throughout). It’s just a treat to enjoy once you have written that last exam. It can be going to a movie, visiting a hobby shop, streaming favourite music, biking a familiar trail, reading a cartoon book, or writing that poem that’s itching.

This treat isn’t something that you don’t allow yourself until you’ve written the exam. You will have this treat at the end, even if you have enjoyed it a few times before the end. The objective is to have a treat that you call to mind with zero stress.

When you think of the exam, think of that treat and how you will enjoy it. If it’s the right treat, thinking of it will bring the anticipation of pleasure, of joy.

Planning the intermission

Next, having chosen  your treat, schedule the time between now and then. Plan stragetically: Think like a hockey player. This time is the intermission between second and third period on the ice. You’re done, but not done. You don’t take your uniform off; you stretch, you hydrate, you strategize and gear up for third period in the game. 

Being strategic means scheduling your study time for best exam recall, which might mean an overview sooner, and review periods each day, especially the last days before you write.

In this scheduling session, decide which tools are most effective for you for this course, and schedule when you will use which tools. 

Schedule flexibly. While you are prepping for the exam, you may discover areas you want to emphasize more, or whole areas that you knew better than you thought you did.

Now schedule your non-study time. Keep your life maintenance routines so that you’ll be in good condition with stamina and alertness when your body and mind need them most. When scheduled, R&R and social time can be enjoyed without guilt and without crowding out your study time.

Schedule flexibly here, too. Life happens.

Tactics + self-motication = Control

Mark your treat on your schedule. Throughout these last days, when you think of the exam, think of the treat. Anticipation puts just that bit of pleasure that is a great self-motivator.

That’s it. Instead of banging around at loose ends these long final days, using these two tactics, treat + schedule, puts you in control.

Now think about that treat . . .

Much of my work with students is helping them fine-tune their self-care and academic strategy for exam week. Connect with me on this form or by email [email protected] .

The information in this blog cannot take the place of support from your own mental health professional or community health resources. Reach out to them. And IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS, PLEASE DIAL 911.