How to Write Excellent Final Exam Essays Under Pressure

**Note: the following tips and advice come solely from the writer's personal experience as a college senior Broadcast Journalism major and English minor.

For countless college and university students across the nation, final exam week is either in full swing or quickly coming to a close. Whether you're preparing for an all-night cram session filled with leftover pizza and plenty of caffeine or procrastinating to the last possible second, there are a few things you'll need to remember to maintain your cool under the pressure of those dreaded final exam essay questions.

Although essays have become standard for the vast majority of tests within any given field of study, they are particularly common for English students focusing on a particular genre or class of literature. All too often, even the most knowledgeable and prepared of students succumb to the woes of text anxiety. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Don't Rush, You Have Plenty of Time

This may seem like a no-brainer. However, students often place an unnecessary amount of stress on themselves as soon as they begin the test, feeling as if they must complete it as quickly as possible. The majority of university level final exams allow for a two hour time slot. Pace yourself. Maintain a steady rhythm with your writing, checking the clock only occasionally. Do not become overly hesitant about the time. Self-induced stress will impede your ability to think calmly and clearly. It will affect your ability to recall specific information from your study time.

2. Move Around: The Need for Physical Stimulation

This tip is particularly relevant for students confined to a desk. If you will be writing for the entire two hour period, you will need to engage in occasional physical movement to defend yourself against common cramps, maintain steady blood flow and to keep your mind alert and focused. You may not be able to stand up and walk around the room, but in the least, you can stretch your legs and feet, rotating your ankle joints for increased blood flow. Try the same movements with your arms and hands, flexing your joints as much as possible.

3. Suck on a Peppermint

Years of scientific research has shown the scent and taste of peppermint to aid in memory enhancement as well as provide a natural calming effect. As a student, you no doubt would like to achieve both - the ability to recall the information you have studied while simultaneously remaining relaxed and collected throughout the test. Before leaving for your exam, cram a few peppermints into your pocket or purse. At the very least you will have fresh breath by the end of the test.

4. Make a Mental Outline

If the test is not open note, you will be forced to rely upon your memory of the information alone. This is why essay questions are particularly difficult for many students, as they tend to contain a vast amount of information, possibly spanning even the entire semester. During your study time, construct a general outline to summarize specific segments of information.

For example, if you expect an essay question on the theme of honor within the Shakespearian play Richard III, outline your notes on that particular topic. Next, memorize your entire outline. Have a friend quiz you on your key points. You should be able to speak each point of your outline in consecutive order out loud. Once you reach the test, you will be ready for that question as your key points will recall the necessary information needed to write a solid essay response.

In the end, it's all about maintaining a calm mindset and refraining from rushing yourself through the test. Don't concentrate on the clock, avoid cramping up and remember to utilize your memory aid tools. Good luck on your final exam!