By Marissa Mooney |Asst. A&E Editor|

The sweat is dripping down your forehead towards your brow.

You wipe the perspiration with your hand as you stare down at the test your professor has passed out for the entire class.

Drawing a blank on the multiple choice, true/false and short answer questions must mean finals are well on their way to destroying your entire winter break.

Finals week can make or break your entire quarter, whether you spend countless hours in the library every week or not, a final exam can be a big part of your grade.

With the proper study habits and patience, finals week won’t be such a big deal.

First, remember to not panic. Find out what your entire final exam schedule will be before that week.

You can see how many finals you have that day which helps manage how much time you need to study for each exam.

Prepare a written schedule for when you will study for each exam, but be sure to leave space for exercise, relaxation and sleep.

Also, if the professor offers a review or a study guide, use it.

If there is an opportunity for extra study time take it. Clarify what will be on the test and find out what material will be on it.

Are readings and discussion sections included, or is the final going to focus almost exclusively on material from the lectures?

Is the final going to concentrated on materials since the midterm or is it going to be a cumulative final?

Staying organized and knowing the extent of what will be on the exam will help.

Use an effective study method. If you prefer to study in a group, organize one and head over to the Pfau Library.

If you prefer to study alone, find a quiet place away from distractions so you can concentrate, and stay away from Facebook, Instagram or any other social media that will distract you from precious study time.

Head over to the writing center or tutoring offices for your major to get help on studying for your exam or editing the finishing touches on your paper due the week of finals.

Stay healthy. Although finals may seem like the most important thing in the world, health always stays ahead in this race.

Don’t try to pull an all-nighter before an exam if you have never done so before.

Get a good night’s rest you deserve and do a stimulating activity the morning of exam day like working on a crossword puzzle or walking your dog.

Don’t sit on the couch and watch re-runs of “Gossip Girl” on Netflix and drink a ton of caffeine.

Stop studying. It is good to know when to stop studying for an exam and really prioritize what is important.

Within 12 to 24 hours of the test, it’s time to stop studying. You’re not going to learn a lot of new content. The likelihood is much higher that you’re going to stress yourself out and confuse yourself.

“Flashcards can be a good resource. They can earn you a few more points on test day and it’s a much healthier thing to do than starting on page one of the textbook,” said Colin Gruenwald of Kaplan Test Prep.

Resist the urge to party on off days, get ahead on more exams.

Don’t procrastinate what you can study for ahead of time.

It could be a disaster waiting to happen when  you studying for an exam the night before.

Lastly, take advantage of the final pack giveaways around the Santos Manuel Student Union and Jack Brown buildings.

Make sure to have all of your supplies from pencils to scantrons.

When the dreadful finals week begins full force, relax, you have taken finals before and survived.