By: Dr. John Grable
Professor in the online Master of Financial Planning degree program

December snuck up fast on all of us. It seems just like yesterday that the semester was beginning and the long days of summer would never end. Now the days are shorter, and if you are like many other students, your stress level is a bit higher than usual. One reason you may be feeling this way is that it is almost final exam time!

The word ‘finals’ often produces images of fast paced cramming, late nights, and endless worries. This is certainly true for many on campus students. Interestingly, students who are enrolled in online classes often report different feelings, such as excitement, anticipation, and gratitude. I hope this is how you are feeling. If not, don’t worry. Here are a few ideas to help you ‘reframe’ what it means to prepare for finals week.

If you are like the majority of other online students, classes are just one element of your daily life. Work, family, and community obligations vie for your time. One final exam preparation strategy is to use this to your advantage. You can, for example, log into ELC during times when you have a break in other activities. You can go back through posted materials and previous assessments to refresh your knowledge. This is a much more effective strategy than cramming a few hours before an exam.

Another effective final exam preparation strategy involves working with others in class to prepare for an exam. Ask your instructor to create an online room so that you and other students can meet and discuss things. It is not uncommon for students to meet outside of class using Skype® or Facetime®, just like on campus students might meet at a local coffee shop. Feedback from online students is that this helps reduce test anxiety, primarily because they know they are not alone.

One more strategy is worth thinking about. This strategy involves keeping tests in perspective. Nearly every online instructor wants you to succeed. Few instructors get pleasure from seeing students fail. This does not mean that online final exams will ever be easy, but it does mean that online courses are designed to provide you with the tools and resources to be successful. If you have been doing the work throughout the semester, getting good feedback, and mastering concepts you should be ready, with ongoing preparation, to do well during the upcoming final exam period.  

Keep this in mind. A final exam does not define you as a person. A final exam is just one more opportunity to express your knowledge, skills, and abilities. With that in mind, do well and have a great December.