January is coming to a close, and for many students here at Alden High, that means one thing: terror. That’s right- it’s exam season. With the end of the semester in just a few days, students will soon be taking a test that accounts for one fifth of their entire grade. So, for the next few days, many of us will become very familiar with the feeling of late-night caffeine and Red Bull induced last minute study sessions. Again, this time of year can be stressful- but not to worry. Your WACS News producers are here to help YOU. It’s Tim and Dylan’s goal to make you feel as prepared and ready on exam day as humanly possible. So, without further ado, get ready for some Golden Advice.

Tip number one is to stay hydrated on exam week. Drinking plenty of water can help you out a lot on Game Day; your mouth won’t dry out if you’re nervous and it can help you stay focused in general. Secondly, ALWAYS bring extra utensils. Pencils break and pens dry out, so just make your life easier and come prepared. Studies show that eating mints aids blood flow to the brain, so try bringing a few Mentos or Altoids. Drinking anything high in sugar like coffee or red bull can make it harder to focus, and can dry your mouth out and make you thirstier, so avoid it at all costs.

Bringing a watch can be a life saver; being able to time and pace yourself can really help you on exam day. Remember that you have 3 hours if you need it, so don’t rush yourself. Passing your exams is important, and there’s no shame in taking extra time to do so. Also, avoid cramming the night before the exam. Studies show that getting a good night’s sleep is more effective than a late night of cramming. Try studying a little  bit each day over the next 4 days rather than cramming it all in the day/night before.

Lastly, and most importantly, remember that failing an exam isn’t the end of the world. If you don’t get the score that you want, don’t beat yourself up about it. We’ve all been there; it happens to the best of us. Just get in there, do what you can, and be done with it. I promise, you’ll survive, regardless of your final grade.

And with that, you’re ready to slay your exams. Get in there, give it the old college try, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be great. I’d wish you good luck, but you don’t need it. Luck is for chumps.