As finals season rapidly approaches, students feel the burden of stress continues to accumulate. These three days of testing right before winter break have the ability to alter (sometimes dramatically) students’ GPAs, so many have dedicated a large amount of time to studying. Of course, the concept of finals is not unique to Metea: almost every school in America implements them in some way or another. Yet, despite its perseverance as an educational tradition, some call finals out as an ineffective way of measuring a student’s intelligence and aptitude.

“I do not think finals, as they stand right now, do anything positive or meaningful for students,” junior Toby Zhang said.

At a time of vacation planning, gift-buying, and overall stress, a week dedicated to final exams piles more metaphorical weight on the shoulders of students. Many do not feel prepared for finals despite over a week of dedicated time meant for studying.

“No, I do not feel prepared for finals,” senior Vani Basawaraj said. “I take really hard classes, like AP Comp. Sci. and AP Bio. No matter how much you study for tests like those, it never feels like you have done enough.”

Nadiger also feels somewhat unprepared for the upcoming finals week. She also has wary feelings about whether finals should even remain in place or not.

“I feel somewhat ready to an extent,” Nadiger said. “In terms of whether I think finals as a whole are a good idea, I would say that they show what students have learned over the semester as the cost of a ton of stress and mental panic because of how much weight it has.”

Frederick Greenwood, who teaches Algebra and AP Comp. Sci., agrees with Nadiger. However, from his perspective as a teacher, he believes that it is unfair to write off finals as an old unnecessary policy so fast.

“I believe finals are a good assessment of a student’s knowledge over the course of a semester,” Greenwood said. “With one test, a student can display all the things they have learned, and how well they are able to translate their knowledge onto paper. I do not agree with the philosophy of making tests stressful just for the sake of it, but I do think that finals are important.”

Some students have suggested that, if a student already has an A grade in their class, they should not be required to take the final as they have already displayed their intellectual capacity consistently over the course of the semester. Students and teachers alike believe this idea to be worth implementing.

“That would be a great way to reward students who have been consistent throughout the semester,” Greenwood said.

Nadiger and Basawaraj also agree that finals should be optional for students who already have A’s going into finals week.

Still, as much as some students and teachers believe that finals should change with the times, the upcoming finals week will continue as planned. To study properly and efficiently, Greenwood has some recommendations.

“Study early, get with a study group to hold yourself accountable, and breathe,” Greenwood said. “If you do those things and study diligently, winter break will be that much more stress-free.”