Finals begin the first week of May. Back in the good old days of fire and brimstone, your tests would have been in the later half of the month. However, in the new century, feel comfortable knowing that it will soon be all over, semesterwise. The downside, of course, remains that if beginning of May means Finals, April means Finals Prep.

And we know you haven't considered prepping for anything - save Friday nights.

Alas, the time is upon us, and stress will be our first obstacle to overcome. Stress management becomes just as important as time management when it comes to studying for finals. Time and time again, I have seen a good student go down on a test - not for lack of preparedness - rather, for lack of confidence.

I find the most effective treatment for stress is to put things in perspective. No matter where you have to move when your parents get your grades, it is better than being in Afghanistan. People in Africa are dying of Tuberculosis by the day, starving, with children… and psoriasis. Living in this country already gives you a benefit you cannot possibly ever pay back. Making it to college already puts you ahead of the masses - so quit your worrying, no matter how bad you blow it this semester, you still have it better than well over half the world.

Now, that being said, relax and study smart - not hard. I like to go back to my notes and leave the book behind. Like it or not, you have already learned everything you are going to from the book. What does not get read over the course of the semester is just that - that which does not get read during the semester. Leave it be, and cut your losses.

The next step in the process is to gather your material. In an apartment that probably looks like the FBI ransacked it, this might prove challenging. However, it is vital to gather all your notes and materials for each class and separate them for review. This will also help you for the first time understand how much time you need to appropriate for each class. You then need to appropriate such time. Time management is only effective when you have a good estimate as to how long tasks will take. The piles in your room will make for a good indicator.

Time Management continues with the scheduling of your study time. I always liked studying at night. Our library, as I am sure yours does as well, is open for 24 hours . . . allowing me to go there and study all night, sleep the rest of the day, and then go to the final. Efficient procrastination is the best form. At any rate, study at the time you feel most comfortable. Some people like the nightlife. Some people like to boogie. If you are one of those, try not to schedule study time on Friday night. You will simply kid yourself and leave your notes to the side and go out, regardless.

Finally, the time comes to sit down and actually study. Do not eat beforehand. Many people make the mistake of quenching their hunger before reading over their notes from the past semester. Doing so will only tire you and provide an incentive to sleep - not read. Let your hunger be your guide. Try to study a month's worth of material before you let yourself eat. Drinking is okay (certain beverages may become counter productive). The key to good studying is solitude. If you can get yourself a night in jail close to finals time, more power to you. Otherwise, I recommend closets, libraries, empty classrooms, and attics.

But remember, even if you can't find that perfect place to hit the books, just calmly relax and thank the gods that you don't have Tuberculosis.