By: Neil Pandey ‘24, Feature Staff Writer

This coming May many students are preparing for the summer, but one obstacle stands in the way: exams. This two hour summative strikes fear in the hearts of many students. However, after years of exams how do NA students feel about exam crunch time, and how can one stay relaxed during the exam process rather than dreading it?

As Damian Correa ’24 said, “Long tests are useful, but I think we should move to one exam so it is less stressful.” As NA students transition to higher education, exams will persist in college life, which means that preparation in high school is helpful. Also, many disciplines like law or medicine require “long tests”, so students can expect more exams in the future. In college, professors are often left with the choice whether to have a final exam or not. However, since the standard course load of a college student is 4-6 classes, many college students may be left with 4 to 6 exams to prepare for. Although exams may be stress-inducing now, they do serve as valuable preparation for college finals in the future.

Since we can’t escape exams, here are some strategies employed by NA students that may help alleviate some stress. Sean Gilsenan ‘24 stated that one way he conquers the exam is “remembering it is okay to fail”. NA has a culture of perfection and academic rigor, but we also need to understand that failure is a part of growth. Failure teaches students to preserve and improve themselves. A student should always do the best they can, but they should never compromise their health and well-being for one exam. After all, it is one test and all you can do is try your best and move on.

Naturally, exams are stressful, but some proven relaxation techniques can help students center themselves when we go into panic mode. One of the best ways to manage stress is to “make time to unwind to do something you enjoy” (CDC-“Coping with Stress”). It may be difficult to make time while studying for exams, but taking 5-10 minutes to take a short walk or to draw can help ease your mind and give you a little more peace. “Getting plenty of sleep” (CDC-“Coping with Stress”) is also essential in managing stress. Sleep is the body’s time to relax physically and let the mind shut down. Sleep improves your concentration and sharpens your judgment, helping you be a more effective worker and testaker. Even getting some light exercise in during exam time can help relieve stress (CDC-“Coping with Stress”). This exercise will allow you to take your mind off exams and stress. Biologically, exercise increases your endorphin levels which naturally help reduce stress. 

As a community, we can make exams a less stressful time by seeing them as an opportunity for growth and employing some relaxation techniques from CDC professionals. These techniques can help you succeed during exam time and live a more stress-free life.