In addition to attending academy sessions and cookies, cocoa and cramming, BHS students use their own approaches to study for finals and cope with stress.

The Beachcomber interviewed a group of BHS students found in the library during the week before finals.

Sophomore Jessica Angel said she has been studying since the last week of winter break.

“I like studying with friends because they help me on things that I don’t know. I also make note cards, which makes it easy to study,” she said.

Angel also explained that she studies through the stressful times because there is nothing else she can do about it.

Junior Crystal Looney explained her method of studying: “I take all my study guides, fill them out, take notes on them and the nights before finals I look at them. Afterwards, I throw them away.”

Looney said that she doesn’t study a lot. She takes about 45 minutes per study guide. She also said she doesn’t suffer from much stress, but when stressful moments do arise, she talks on the phone and texts to feel better.

Sophomore Amanda Bernstein makes note cards, crams and then studies the note cards to prepare for the finals.

“I took 20 minutes each day during winter break for each study guide and I [feel prepared],” said Bernstein.

All three students emphasized the importance of not waiting until the last minute. They suggested studying with friends and asking teachers for help.

The College Board web site gives a lot of advice on preparing for exams, advising students to read all directions, look over the entire test and then budget their time.

Of course, getting a good night’s sleep and eating a healthy breakfast can also make a difference.