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What “Wicked: Part One” Can Teach You About Conquering Finals

Image Credit: Vanity Fair

Final exams: the season of caffeine-fueled study sessions, color-coded notes and a lingering sense of dread. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but what if I told you Wicked: Part One offers some surprisingly relatable lessons to help you power through? Just like Elphaba, Galinda/Glinda and the gang at Shiz University, we’ve all got challenges to face and goals to crush. Here’s how you can use their experiences to ace your finals with a little strategy, resilience and maybe even some sparkle.

1. Perception Isn’t Reality: Don’t Let Stress Define You

Elphaba spends much of Wicked: Part One labeled as something she’s not. Sound familiar? Finals can make you feel like you’re in over your head, but that’s just stress talking. The reality? You’re more prepared than you think—you just need a game plan to prove it to yourself.

What to do: Break your study load into bite-sized pieces. Pick one chapter, one concept or even one page to tackle at a time. Small wins build momentum, and before you know it, you’ll see real progress.

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Glinda’s rise to popularity doesn’t happen in a vacuum. She’s got her squad—Pfannee and ShenShen—cheering her on (even if they’re mostly along for the social perks). Finals are no different. Studying with friends can keep you accountable, help you understand tricky concepts and make the whole experience less miserable.

What to do: Set up a study group and divide topics so everyone leads on something. Not into groups? Even just quizzing a friend or explaining a concept out loud can work wonders for retention.

3. Play to Your Strengths

Elphaba doesn’t try to be Glinda (and vice versa). They figure out what works for them and lean into it. Your study routine should do the same. If mind maps or flashcards have always worked for you, stick with them. If you learn best by teaching others, grab a whiteboard and start explaining concepts like you’re running the class.

What to do: Reflect on what’s worked for you before. Now’s not the time to experiment with new methods—focus on what helps you feel confident and prepared. (Try something new early next semester.)

4. Find Your Balance: Focus First, Fun Second

Pfannee and ShenShen might not have the deepest contributions, but they’re a reminder that a little fun keeps things light. Finals prep shouldn’t be all work and no play, but it’s also easy to let breaks turn into full-on Netflix binges. Strike a balance.

What to do: Try the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focus, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, reward yourself with a longer break. It’s productivity and permission to chill.

5. Channel Elphaba’s Resilience

Let’s face it: things don’t exactly go Elphaba’s way in Wicked: Part One. But she doesn’t give up. Even when the Wizard disappoints her or Glinda’s support feels conditional, she keeps pushing forward. Finals season can feel like one of those uphill battles, but resilience is what gets you through.

What to do: If you hit a wall—whether it’s a concept you don’t understand or just general burnout—step back, breathe and move on to something else. Come back later with fresh eyes. Progress over perfection is the goal.

6. Turn Notes into a Story

The magic of Wicked: Part One lies in the way it reimagines a familiar tale. You can do the same with your study material. Instead of staring blankly at pages of notes, try organizing them into a narrative that makes sense to you.

What to do: Pretend you’re explaining your material to someone else. Use visuals, create connections, or even write out mini summaries. The more your brain sees the “big picture,” the better you’ll recall details during the test.

Finals Are Your Yellow Brick Road

Finals may not feel as glamorous as heading to the Emerald City, but the effort you put in now sets you up for success down the road. Whether you’re channeling Elphaba’s grit, Glinda’s charm, or even Pfannee and ShenShen’s occasional lightness, remember this: you’ve got everything you need to make it through. Break things down, lean on your strengths and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. You’ve got this—now go defy gravity and crush your exams!

What other final exam-studying tips do you have to share?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening
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Gold Medal Prep: How PR Students Can Gear Up for Fall Semester

As summer draws to a close, it’s time for public relations students to transition from relaxation mode to academic mode. Think of it as preparing for the Olympics: each new school year is an event where preparation, strategy and endurance are key to success. To help you get ready, here are six tips inspired by some of our favorite 2024 Olympic moments and athletes:

1. Perfect Your Craft Like Tom the Knitting Diver

Tom Daley, the British diver, is known not only for his incredible dives but also for his knitting hobby, which he uses to stay calm and focused. As you return to college, take a page from Tom’s book and find a way to sharpen your PR skills while staying relaxed. This could be through practicing writing, researching the latest PR trends, or even starting a blog. Just like Tom’s intricate knitting patterns, your preparation will help you craft a successful semester.

2. Stay Ready Like “Bob the Cap Catcher”

In the swimming world, “Bob the Cap Catcher” is the unsung hero who’s always on standby to retrieve caps that go astray. Similarly, planning your semester is all about being prepared for anything. Create a detailed calendar that includes class schedules, deadlines for assignments, and any extracurricular activities. This way, you’re ready to catch anything unexpected that comes your way, just like Bob catches those stray swim caps.

3. Balance Your Act Like Steven Nedoroscik

Steven Nedoroscik, the pommel horse specialist, exemplifies balance and precision in his routines. Your study space should reflect the same qualities. Whether you prefer studying in a quiet corner of the library or your dorm room, make sure your space is organized and conducive to focus. A well-balanced and orderly environment, much like Steven’s routines, can help you perform at your best academically.

4. Show Resilience Like Simone Biles

Simone Biles, known for her exceptional skills, also showed remarkable resilience by prioritizing her mental health during the previous Olympics. As you navigate the academic pressures of the new semester, remember that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s taking a mental health day, talking to a counselor, or simply practicing self-care, resilience is about knowing when to step back and take care of yourself, just as Simone did.

5. Consistent Excellence Like Katie Ledecky

Katie Ledecky’s consistency and excellence in swimming are unmatched. She prepares rigorously and sticks to her routines, which is key to her success. Similarly, staying consistent with your studies and professional development is crucial. Set a routine that includes regular study sessions, keeping up with industry news, and engaging in PR-related activities. Just like Katie trains consistently, your steady efforts will build a strong foundation for success.

6. Be a Team Player, On and Off the Field

The Olympics are as much about teamwork as they are about individual achievements. As you return to campus, engage with your peers, professors, and mentors. Participate in study groups, join PR-related organizations, and attend networking events. Building strong relationships can provide support, new perspectives, and opportunities, much like how Olympic teams support each other.

Just like training for the Olympics, preparing for a new academic year requires dedication, planning, and a positive mindset. By refining your skills, staying organized, balancing your environment, showing resilience, maintaining consistency, and being a team player, you set yourself up for a successful semester in public relations. Here’s to making this year as inspiring and rewarding as watching the best athletes in the world compete!

And here’s a question for you

How can you use your unique skills and interests, much like Tom Daley’s knitting, to stand out and bring creativity to your PR projects and studies?

Signature Block: Barbara is Listening

NOTES

The framework of this article was inspired by ChatGPT. The image was created by DALL-E.

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28 Study Tips for Acing Your Final Exams

Image Credit: “Despair” by Juliana Coutinho

Final exams are approaching on college campuses around the world. Finals can be stressful, even for the most prepared students. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Preparing for the Final

  1. Find out what your entire final exam schedule is so that you’ll know how many finals you will have on each day.
  2. Prepare a written schedule for yourself indicating when you will study for each test. Leave some time in your schedule for exercise and relaxation, too.
  3. If the professor offers a study guide, use it.
  4. If the professor offers a review session for the exam, go to it.
  5. If you study well in groups, form a study group.
  6. Know if the final is comprehensive (covering everything since the beginning of the semester or quarter).
  7. Find out what kind of exam it will be. You’d study differently for a multiple-choice (Scantron) final than an essay (blue book) one.
  8. If the final will be taken online, find out if you have to go to a specific computer lab on campus at a specific time, or if you’ll be allowed to take the final on your own computer. Also find out how many chances you will have to take the final. Assume it’s just one chance unless you hear differently from the professor.
  9. If you have your previous exams available, scour the exams for things that you think will be on the final.
  10. Flag your notes by highlighting or using Post-It notes.
  11. Don’t pull an all-nighter. (Though some people are successful with studying all night and then taking a test with no sleep, I wouldn’t recommend you try it for the first time on a final exam.)
  12. Calculate your grades in the class. Determine what score you will need to get the grade you’re hoping for in the class. You may discover that you can’t possibly get an A, no matter how well you do on the final, but to get a B, you only need to get a few questions right.
  13. If you’re an auditory learner, record yourself reading your notes aloud, then play the recording back several times.
  14. If the exam is an open-book exam, this does not mean that you don’t have to study at all. In fact, one of the most challenging exams I ever took as an undergrad was an open-book essay exam. Flag your textbook based on where you believe the questions will come from.
  15. Consider using one of the available smartphone apps to help you prepare for your final.
  16. Create a detailed Final Exam Battle Plan.

On the Day of the Final

  1. Feed your brain. Eat a meal and drink at least two bottles of water.
  2. Don’t overdo it with the caffeine. You want to be alert but not jittery. If you’ve never tried an energy drink before, the day of an important final is not a good first time.
  3. Are food and drinks allowed in the classroom where your final will be? Sometimes, the rules are different for exam days than other days. If you can have food with you, choose things that will not disrupt other students.
  4. Know what to bring with you to the final. Do you need a blue book? A Scantron? (And if you need a Scantron, which specific type do you need?) A pencil? A pen? When in doubt, overpack.
  5. Even if you don’t usually wear a watch, take one with you to the final. It’s unlikely you will be able to look at your cell phone to check the time during the final.

During the Final

  1. For a paper-based exam, read through the entire final exam before you start answering any questions at all. This way, you will know what you’re facing.
  2. If the final is an online exam, find out if you can revisit questions, or if after you click past a question you cannot go back to it again.
  3. If you’re using a Scantron and you skip a question to finish later, make sure you’re answering your questions next to the correct answers. (When I took my GRE to get into grad school, I skipped a question on the first page of the booklet, but never skipped a number on the Scantron. When I realized it, I only had 10 minutes to go back and put the answers with the correct questions. Talk about stress!)
  4. Keep a close eye on the time you have allotted.
  5. Some students benefit from answering the most difficult questions first, while others do better completing all the easier ones. Do what works for you.

After the Final

  1. Do not share with other students what was on the final exam. In most universities, this is a violation of the honor code.
  2. Take a breath, relax, then forge ahead to the next final.

Now it’s your turn: What final exam tips do you have to share? Please let us know through your comments below.

barbara_is_listening

 

Posted on

25 Tips on How to Study for Final Exams

Image Credit: “a close reading of the text” by Kevin Rawlings

Final exams are approaching on college campuses around the world. Finals can be stressful, even for the most prepared students. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Preparing for the Final

  1. Find out what your entire final_exam_fall_2011_12_schedule is so that you’ll know how many finals you will have on each day.
  2. Prepare a written schedule for yourself indicating when you will study for each test. Leave some time in your schedule for exercise and relaxation, too.
  3. If the professor offers a study guide, use it.
  4. If the professor offers a review session for the exam, go to it.
  5. If you study well in groups, form a study group.
  6. Know if the final is comprehensive (covering everything since the beginning of the semester or quarter).
  7. Find out what kind of exam it will be. You’d study differently for a multiple-choice (Scantron) final than an essay (blue book) one.
  8. If the final will be taken online, find out if you have to go to a specific computer lab on campus at a specific time, or if you’ll be allowed to take the final on your own computer. Also find out how many chances you will have to take the final. Assume it’s just one chance unless you hear differently from the professor.
  9. If you have your previous exams available, scour the exams for things that you think will be on the final. Flag your notes by highlighting or using Post-It notes.
  10. Don’t pull an all-nighter. (Though some people are successful with studying all night and then taking a test with no sleep, I wouldn’t recommend you try it for the first time on a final exam.)
  11. Calculate your grades in the class. Determine what score you will need to get the grade you’re hoping for in the class. You may discover that you can’t possibly get an A, no matter how well you do on the final, but to get a B, you only need to get a few questions right.
  12. If you’re an auditory learner, record yourself reading your notes aloud, then play the recording back several times.
  13. If the exam is an open-book exam, this does not mean that you don’t have to study at all. In fact, one of the most challenging exams I ever took as an undergrad was an open-book essay exam. Flag your textbook based on where you believe the questions will come from.
  14. Consider creating a detailed Final Exam Battle Plan.

On the Day of the Final

  1. Eat a meal and drink water.
  2. Don’t overdo it with the caffeine.
  3. Know what to bring with you to the final. Do you need a blue book? A Scantron? (And if you need a Scantron, which specific type do you need?) A pencil? A pen?
  4. Are food and drinks allowed in the classroom where your final will be? Sometimes, the rules are different for exam days than other days.
  5. Even if you don’t usually wear a watch, take one with you to the final. It’s unlikely you will be able to look at your cell phone to check the time during the final.

During the Final

  1. For a paper-based exam, read through the entire final exam before you start answering any questions at all. This way, you will know what you’re facing.
  2. If the final is an online exam, find out if you can revisit questions, or if after you click past a question you cannot go back to it again.
  3. If you’re using a Scantron and you skip a question to finish later, make sure you’re answering your questions next to the correct answers. (When I took my GRE to get into grad school, I skipped a question on the first page of the booklet, but never skipped a number on the Scantron. When I realized it, I only had 10 minutes to go back and put the answers with the correct questions. Talk about stress!)
  4. Keep a close eye on the time you have allotted.
  5. Some students benefit from answering the most difficult questions first, while others do better completing all the easier ones. Do what works for you.

After the Final

  1. Do not share with other students what was on the final exam. In most universities, this is a violation of the honor code at most universities.

Now it’s your turn: What final exam tips do you have to share? Please let us know through your comments below.

barbara_is_listening

[NOTE: Adapted from my blog for my First-Year Experience class, Making Connections: Facebook and Beyond, at Georgia Southern University]

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How to Study for Final Exams

final-exams

[Cross-posted from my blog for my First-Year Experience class, Making Connections: Facebook and Beyond, at Georgia Southern University]

Final exams are approaching on college campuses around the world. Finals can be stressful, even for the most prepared students. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Preparing for the Final

  • Find out what your entire final exam schedule is so that you’ll know how many finals you will have on each day.
  • Prepare a written schedule for yourself indicating when you will study for each test. Leave some time in your schedule for exercise and relaxation, too.
  • If the professor offers a study guide, use it.
  • If the professor offers a review session for the exam, go to it.
  • If you study well in groups, form a study group.
  • Know if the final is comprehensive (covering everything since the beginning of the semester or quarter).
  • Find out what kind of exam it will be. You’d study differently for a multiple-choice (Scantron) final than an essay (blue book) one.
  • If the final will be taken online, find out if you have to go to a specific computer lab on campus at a specific time, or if you’ll be allowed to take the final on your own computer. Also find out how many chances you will have to take the final. Assume it’s just one chance unless you hear differently from the professor.
  • If you have your previous exams available, scour the exams for things that you think will be on the final. Flag your notes by highlighting or using Post-It notes.
  • Don’t pull an all-nighter. (Though some people are successful with studying all night and then taking a test with no sleep, I wouldn’t recommend you try it for the first time on a final exam.)
  • Calculate your grades in the class. Determine what score you will need to get the grade you’re hoping for in the class. You may discover that you can’t possibly get an A, no matter how well you do on the final, but to get a B, you only need to get a few questions right.
  • If you’re an auditory learner, record yourself reading your notes aloud, then play the recording back several times.
  • If the exam is an open-book exam, this does not mean that you don’t have to study at all. In fact, one of the most challenging exams I ever took as an undergrad was an open-book essay exam. Flag your textbook based on where you believe the questions will come from.
  • Consider creating a detailed Final Exam Battle Plan.

On the Day of the Final

  • Eat a meal and drink water.
  • Don’t overdo it with the caffeine.
  • Know what to bring with you to the final. Do you need a blue book? A Scantron? (And if you need a Scantron, which specific type do you need?) A pencil? A pen?
  • Are food and drinks allowed in the classroom where your final will be? Sometimes, the rules are different for exam days than other days.
  • Even if you don’t usually wear a watch, take one with you to the final. It’s unlikely you will be able to look at your cell phone to check the time during the final.

During the Final

  • For a paper-based exam, read through the entire final exam before you start answering any questions at all. This way, you will know what you’re facing.
  • If the final is an online exam, find out if you can revisit questions, or if after you click past a question you cannot go back to it again.
  • If you’re using a Scantron and you skip a question to finish later, make sure you’re answering your questions next to the correct answers. (When I took my GRE to get into grad school, I skipped a question on the first page of the booklet, but never skipped a number on the Scantron. When I realized it, I only had 10 minutes to go back and put the answers with the correct questions. Talk about stress!)
  • Keep a close eye on the time you have allotted.
  • Some students benefit from answering the most difficult questions first, while others do better completing all the easier ones. Do what works for you.

After the Final

  • Do not share with other students what was on the final exam. In most universities, this is a violation of the honor code.

Now it’s your turn: What final exam tips do you have to share? Please let us know through your comments below.

barbara_is_listening

Photo Credit: http://flickr.com/photos/shaghaghi/73645535/

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How to Study for Final Exams

Proving What Was Learned by DennisSylvesterHurd.Last fall, I led a First-Year Experience class for freshmen at Georgia Southern. One of the biggest stresses for freshmen is their first or second round of final exams.

It seemed timely to repost what I shared with them about how to prepare for a final exam.

[Reposted from Making Connections: Facebook & Beyond, November 21, 2008]

Final exams are approaching on college campuses around the world. Finals can be stressful, even for the most prepared students. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Preparing for the Final

  • Find out what your entire final exam schedule is so that you’ll know how many finals you will have on each day.
  • Prepare a written schedule for yourself indicating when you will study for each test. Leave some time in your schedule for exercise and relaxation, too.
  • If the professor offers a study guide, use it.
  • If the professor offers a review session for the exam, go to it.
  • Know if the final is comprehensive (covering everything since the beginning of the semester or quarter).
  • Find out what kind of exam it will be. You’d study differently for a multiple-choice (Scantron) final than an essay (blue book) one.
  • If the final will be taken online, find out if you have to go to a specific computer lab on campus at a specific time, or if you’ll be allowed to take the final on your own computer. Also find out how many chances you will have to take the final. Assume it’s just one chance unless you hear differently from the professor.
  • If you have your previous exams available, scour the exams for things that you think will be on the final. Flag your notes by highlighting or using Post-It notes.
  • Don’t pull an all-nighter. (Though some people are successful with studying all night and then taking a test with no sleep, I wouldn’t recommend you try it for the first time on a final exam.)
  • Calculate your grades in the class. Determine what score you will need to get the grade you’re hoping for in the class. You may discover that you can’t possibly get an A, no matter how well you do on the final, but to get a B, you only need to get a few questions right.
  • If you’re an auditory learner, record yourself reading your notes aloud, then play the recording back several times. (You can use the free online service Utterli for this; simply register with Utterli and then call your assigned phone number with your cell phone to start the recording.)
  • If the exam is an open-book exam, this does not mean that you don’t have to study at all. In fact, one of the most challenging exams I ever took as an undergrad was an open-book essay exam.
  • ADDED ON NOV 22: Consider creating a detailed Final Exam Battle Plan.

On the Day of the Final

  • Eat a meal and drink water.
  • Don’t overdo it with the caffeine.
  • Know what to bring with you to the final. Do you need a blue book? A Scantron? (And if you need a Scantron, which kind do you need?) A pencil? A pen?
  • Are food and drinks allowed in the classroom where your final will be? Sometimes, the rules are different for exam days than other days.
  • Even if you don’t usually wear a watch, take one with you to the final. It’s unlikely you will be able to look at your cell phone during the final.

During the Final

  • For a paper-based exam, read through the entire final exam before you start answering any questions at all. This way, you will know what you’re facing.
  • If the final is an online exam, find out if you can revisit questions, or if after you click past a question you cannot go back to it again.
  • If you’re using a Scantron and you skip a question to finish later, make sure you’re answering your questions next to the correct answers. (When I took my GRE to get into grad school, I skipped a question on the first page of the booklet, but never skipped a number on the Scantron. When I realized it, I only had 10 minutes to go back and put the answers with the correct questions. Talk about stress!)
  • Keep a close eye on the time you have allotted.
  • Some students benefit from answering the most difficult questions first, while others do better completing all the easier ones. Do what works for you.

After the Final

  • Do not share with other students what was on the final exam. In most universities, this is a violation of the honor code.

Now it’s your turn: What final exam tips do you have to share? Please let us know through your comments below (and also read the 20+ comments on the original blog post).

barbara_is_listening

Photo Credit: http://flickr.com/photos/shaghaghi/73645535/