The countdown starts. Students begin the slow descent into madness. Textbooks have become a life force. Review materials and study guides are the Holy Grail. The awaiting excitement of Summer is, unfortunately, still faced with apprehension. Every student faces their enemy - their Spring tests. Many students spend time stressing and preparing themselves, whether it be finals, SATS, Keystones, or AP Exams. What many students don’t know is - it doesn't have to be this difficult. As Sun Tzu once said in The Art of War, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” His words apply to both the battlefield and the classroom. There are ways to study for a test without spending all your energy until testing day. These four major pillars of studying are sure to help you succeed.

Don't Cram:

If you are serious about passing your exams, it is crucial that you start preparing early. Do not procrastinate- even if you dread studying. You should be able to stretch your review content over a more extended period equally. Divide it into sections by reviewing a small amount each day. “Great results can be achieved with small forces,” Sun Tzu says. It requires a lot of discipline to continue it each day, so try to create time for yourself. It may only seem to be canceling plans and missing activities, but it will ultimately help you prepare for the exams.

Study Where You Are Unprepared:

Even though you dread them, you have to study your most challenging subjects first. They take the longest time and therefore require the most attention. You will have to create a more rigorous practice to thrive in the area. Some matters will require more preparation than just looking over notes. In math, for example, it is necessary to create sample problems seen on the test. As Sun Tzu states, “To know your enemy, you must become your enemy.” Prioritizing the most difficult content will undoubtedly lead to success.

Utilize Your Teachers:

Most teachers are not the wicked dictators you think they are. In fact, most teachers want to see you succeed and are willing to support you. Teachers are your friends. Don’t feel afraid to ask questions in class. Many teachers can also provide you with study resources, like review pages or additional practice. If permitted, you should always take the opportunity to stay after class to receive extra instruction and help. A tip for the teachers from Sun Tzu: “Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.” Preparing your students will help them in the long run.

Nourish the Brain and the Body:

On the day of your exams, you should not feel too exhausted to function. Keeping your health and sanity in check is a crucial part of testing. Don’t stay up too late studying; get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Also, try to eat nutritious meals each day. You will have an easier time focusing. These factors will keep up your strength at school and home. If you take care of your body, you must also take care of your mind. You should never Burn out from endless studying. Take proportionally-timed breaks to stretch your legs, eat, or drink water. Like Sun Tzu said, “Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.” Working in smaller intervals is a great way to avoid burnout. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your scores.

The Norse Code wishes good luck to all students this testing season!