As the school year comes to an end, stress and anxiety about final exams quickly begin. It can both be very exciting and frustrating around this time. We all know it is exciting because summer is just around the corner, but frustrating because finals week is soon approaching. Although the last few weeks of school and finals week seem to go on forever, they will soon be over.

Here are some things to tell yourself when you are feeling down, worried, or stressed about exams.

1. I’m going to do GREAT on my finals.

Don’t go into your testing room thinking you are going to do poorly. If you studied, you will do fine on your exams. Doing “great” does not necessarily mean getting an A+, but rather any grade that works for you personally. When the time comes, you will be mentally and physically prepared.

2. If my friend’s score is higher, it doesn’t matter!

It’s okay if your friend received a higher score. Be happy for them and be proud of yourself, too. It’s not always easy to take a semester exam.  Once you get it done, it is such a wonderful feeling. Everybody deserves a pat on the back for taking these tests, no matter what grade is on it.

3. The studying will go well.

Studying is not fun, and it can seem like torture sometimes. There are not many people who can say they like to study a semester’s worth of information in one sitting. People do it every year, and it gets easier and easier every time. The study session will not last forever; it’s just temporary.

4. It’s Almost Summer!

Soon exam week will be over, and you will be on summer break! It’s one little push and then it’s all finished. After working hard, it pays off.

Finals week is, without a doubt, really difficult and super stressful. Once you hand in your last test, give yourself a round of applause. And once that last bell rings, it is summer break and time to relax.  You deserve it!