It’s that time of the year, folks. Thanksgiving break is behind us; it’s colder outside and you might already be listening to Christmas music. Which also means the end of the semester is near! But before we go home for the holidays, there is a harsh reality we all must face—final exams. Maybe for some, your exams won’t actually be that bad this year. And for others, perhaps it really will be a miracle if you pass all of them.

No matter how you think it will go, the most important thing is to do your very best (for it is the best you can do). Even if you have a particular exam that is in the easiest class you have ever taken in your entire life, you should still put forth your best effort. The higher the grade, the better, right?

So, how does one prepare to do their best on something that they are dreading?

The obvious, of course: STUDY.

Review all class notes and any handout papers that might be on the test. Be sure to use the study guide, if your teacher prepares one. Comparing notes with fellow classmates might prove to be a worthwhile task. You might have missed something that they wrote and vice versa. Also, it helps to read your notes aloud. It might seem silly, but it tends to help.

Another simple way to prepare for exams is to have good music playing in the background. The best study music is instrumental or classical music. For studying purposes, the less lyrics, the better. Music is truly a wonderful thing. If you prefer a quiet space to study, soft, classical music enhances the atmosphere just a bit. I hardly ever study or work without background music. Whether it’s Pandora or Spotify or a collection on YouTube, listening to music while studying can help you stay focused.

It would not be finals preparation without snacks! It’s safe to say that a lot of us would be tempted to simply drown our exam blues in chocolate. However, as delicious as that might seem, it might be best to keep the chocolate-consuming at a minimum and stock up on healthy snacks. Popcorn is known to be a healthy brain-food, good for studying (just make sure it’s not overly buttery; grease stains on papers is not a good impression). Fruit and nuts (together or separate) are also good study snacks. Another good thing about these snacks is that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at the store.

And finally, pray. Before you take that test, ask God to help you in your studies and on the test. He has always helped me with the seemingly impossible exams.

I encourage all my fellow college students to persevere to the end of the semester and finish well, knowing you put forth your absolute best effort. In the end, maybe you’ll pass that one hard class you’ve been struggling with all semester and make your mom proud! Then, no more school or homework until next year!

Whatever your specific situation, I hope finals week goes as well as possible for you and that you make it home safely to friends and family. Good luck, friends!