Final Exams Aren’t Hard And If You Think So, You’re Stupid | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Final Exams Aren’t Hard And If You Think So, You’re Stupid

4066
Final Exams Aren’t Hard And If You Think So, You’re Stupid
Pexels/Tim Gouw

Before you begin to feebly twiddle an indignant response to my headline you should know: I am a college student, a double major, I work full time, I commute, and I still manage to exercise and have a social life. The lamenting I see from so many of my fellow college students, struggling with what seems to be the hellish ordeal of finals, is frankly pathetic.

Here’s why if you complain about how hard finals are you’re stupid—broken down into the digestible and elementary .gif form (that's jif, like the peanut butter) you all know and love.

First, your final exams are cumulative knowledge of the entire semester.

So if you have been slacking off the entire semester, like many pallid-brained students do, you will obviously be scrambling to recollect and recite previous information. Having to learn everything for the final at the last minute is your own fault.

Second, if your final is not cumulative, then it’s just another exam.

It could be a difficult exam, yes, but that’s why you study and actually read the textbook you sold your soul to buy.

Third, if you are writing a paper then you have no reason to complain.

If you’re only complaint is that you have to write more than one paper in a single day, then you are either not scheduling your time properly or procrastinating. If you add up the hours of cumulative Snapchat stories you’ve watched, rabbit holes of Netflix binging you’ve gone down, or time you’ve spent on Facebook instead of just researching, you would have knocked out that paper faster than I wrote this article.

Fourth, finals are inevitable.

They are not a surprise. While the when they will be and the where you will take your exam may be tentative, you know from the day you get a syllabus that this class will have a final exam, final paper, or some other eccentric grading system. That allows you to plan ahead—way ahead, like months ahead. If you don’t do that, then, as my headline states, you’re stupid.

Fifth, we have a full week to take 8 exams/papers.

Many of us will take multiple exams a day. But if you have been approaching your semester with even the thinnest intellectual assessment, you’ll have more than enough time to write, rewrite, and study.

Finally, (most) Professors give students plenty of help.


There are study sessions, study guides, online tutorials, office hours, old exams, and TAs willing to help you. If you use none of these resources, yet still complain about how difficult the material is or how much you have to study, you’re a dolt and I’m embarrassed to share a campus with you.

I’m sure most of the readers of this piece will never reach this penultimate paragraph, having crumbled under the massive pressure of finals week, indignantly commented on why I am wrong, or lost interest and moved on to another shiny object.

Frankly I wrote this to be incendiary and to tell anyone that if you plan out your life as much as most of you plan out your bar-hopping route, you would easily have enough time to read and re-read your textbooks, consult with professors, meet with study groups, write papers, and still have a life where you can relax. Don’t believe me? Just check my GPA.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17376
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7432
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5454
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4741
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments