Finals week is the most stressful time of year for some students at Southeast Missouri State University. Academic Support Centers held the Tips for Finals Preparation Preparing seminar on Wednesday at noon to help students ace their finals.

Tips for Finals Preparation is part of the College Success and Financial Responsibility Seminar lecture series.

According to Steven Taylor, orientation and career development specialist, the lecture series holds two finals preparation lectures every year, one at the end of each of the fall and spring semesters.

Taylor said the center holds the presentation because it not only teaches students study tips but also lets them share their techniques with each other.

"The importance of having finals preparation is for students to get hands on tips and guides on how to prepare and pass finals," Taylor said. "It also gives students the opportunity to discuss their own challenges and successes on studying for finals. Students can see what other students are doing to prepare for finals."

Taylor students who attend the seminars might find successful ways to study for a final that they may have never thought of.

"Students can re-write their notes, study on note cards or type their notes," Taylor said.

Taylor said lack of knowledge isn't the only thing that can affect students negatively during finals week.

"There are a lot of activities going on at the end of the year that can make students procrastinate," Taylor said. "Also, some students have bad time management and poor studying skills. Another reason is that students are already focused on summer vacation."

According to Taylor, the best study method differs by person.

"A student can go to a quiet room at the library to help them study," Taylor said. "Another good way to study is to re-write your notes, study in groups, read your notes or even outline your notes."

Tips for Finals Preparation was led by Damian McDonald, a graduate assistant for education access programs, and Megan Campbell, a graduate assistant for learning assistance programs.

The lecture focused on the most efficient ways to study, where to study, how to answer essay questions and how to handle multiple-choice exams and short answer questions.

An interesting tip from the lecture was to do chores before studying, such as wash dishes or take out the trash. This way, the mess will not distract a student while they study.

According to Campbell, fear can affect a student's final grade.

"Students might be afraid they won't do well on the test, or they are afraid of failing," Campbell said.