Finals week is quickly approaching. Many students might feel overwhelmed with stress and anxiety because of the exam preparation that lies ahead. Next week, some students might have back-to-back exams one day and a paper or two due the next.

With so much to do and so little time, many Ohio State students might think about staying up all night to study.

Melissa Newberry, coordinator of outreach and individualized services at the Walter E. Dennis Learning Center, said contrary to popular belief, students should not consume caffeinated drinks the night before an exam.

“A lot of people drink caffeine because they think it keeps them awake, and they do that all night long so they can cram,” she said. “Then in the morning they crash because that caffeine high is gone.”

As an alternative, she recommends students consume water and healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, prior to an exam. Newberry also said the best way to eliminate stress is to have studied in advance, rather than doing it the night before.

Jonathan Davis, a senior in sociology, said he does not consume caffeine before tests because it makes him too hyper to focus.

On the other hand, Courtney Saunders, a sophomore in English, said caffeinated drinks do not have the same effect on her. Saunders also said she does not cram before tests.

Although some may believe that it is a good idea to cover all material, others disagree.

“I find it impossible to cover an entire courses’ material in one night,” Saunders said. “Plus, I think cramming is one of the most stressful things a student, or anyone, can do.”

Newberry said she shared the same sentiments.

“Cramming the night before just wears you out and you don’t retain as much,” she said.

Newberry recommends students get a minimum of at least six hours of sleep the night before a test, but also suggests students wake up early and resume studying after they are well-rested.

“Carry around with you flashcards that you can use five to 10 minutes before classes,” she said. “You should make the most of your day, that way you feel more prepared.”

Newberry said she believes a student can study too much.

“You may think ‘I need to study two hours for this test,’ but if you promise yourself that you can break it up into smaller pieces you can study for 30 minutes and make that a productive 30 minutes, then reward yourself with a 10-minute break, where you don’t think about anything or where you don’t use your brain for any cognitive purposes,” Newberry said. “Then, you are refreshed and you can use your brain. It’s kind of an important thing to give yourself a rest.”

Davis said he likes to take study breaks to clear his mind. He also said he likes to watch something funny on TV.

Additionally, Newberry said a key way to reduce test anxiety is by not discussing an exam with other students during the time right before the test starts.

“When I talk to other people about what they studied, I begin to think I missed too much stuff,” Saunders said. “Then, I begin to (catastrophize) the situation and I begin to stress myself out.”

Newberry also said to sit and review your own notes and do some positive self talk about how much you do know about the information and how well you did prepare.

“Think positive, instead of talking to other people and thinking about what you didn’t study and second guessing yourself,” she said

For more information about how to reduce test anxiety, go to dennislearningcenter.osu.edu, or contact the Walter E. Dennis Learning Center staff at 614.688.3967. The counselors can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected].