With finals week approaching at Mira Costa, seniors are offering freshmen advice on how to effectively prepare and manage stress as they face their first high-school exams.
Freshmen often feel overwhelmed during their first year and finals season. Between new expectations, heavier workloads, and the first time there is real pressure to perform well, it can all be really stressful. Seniors who have already experienced multiple finals weeks hope to lighten that stress by sharing realistic guidance centered on preparation, organization, and smart study habits that make the process smoother.
“Start studying earlier than you think you need to,” senior Will Trent said. “If you get ahead, everything feels easier, and you won’t be scrambling at the end. Putting in the effort early on makes a huge difference when finals actually arrive.”
Seniors claim that organization plays a major role in staying calm throughout finals week. They emphasize that keeping track of assignments, maintaining routines, and staying connected on campus helps freshmen feel more grounded and confident as the semester reaches its busiest point.
“Staying organized is honestly the biggest thing,” senior Emmy Gorley said. “Be on top of your work, and don’t try to cram everything at the last minute. Take a breath, stay steady, and you’ll be fine.”
According to seniors, the environment that one studies in is also crucial. Many freshmen underestimate how distracting it can be to study at home, especially in their rooms. Creating a designated workspace or choosing a quiet location away from noise helps students stay focused and in the right mindset for learning.
“You have to cut out distractions if you want to focus,” senior Isabella Kaul said. “Studying in your room usually doesn’t work – there’s too much going on. Going somewhere quiet, like a library or a separate study space, helps you actually concentrate.”
Seniors also highlight the importance of communicating with teachers. Freshmen tend to be hesitant to ask questions or attend review sessions, but those conversations often make the biggest difference by clarifying confusing topics and boosting confidence before exams.
“Talk to your teachers whenever you’re unsure about something,” Kaul said. “They really do want to help you understand the curriculum and what’s on the final.”
Overall, seniors hope freshmen realize that finals don’t have to be overwhelming. With strong habits, such as: planning ahead, staying organized, asking questions, and studying in distraction-free environments – students can approach their exams feeling prepared rather than stressed.
“Once you figure out what works for you, finals week feels way less scary,” senior Nola Gendron said. “If you stay calm and focused, you’ll get through it. It’s really about trusting the process and not letting the stress take over.”
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