As grading deadlines rapidly approach and the school year comes to an end, every student is faced with exam-related stress. 

The added burden of studying for exams while still having to complete important classwork takes a toll on students. Many’s minds become crowded and overwhelmed. Each year, students must try to manage their time for each subject. They sacrifice their free time for the sake of better grades. 

“I’m scared of failing all my tests because I’m going to be a senior next year, and I actually wanted to have a good GPA. I feel like junior year was one of the hardest years. This year I took a lot of APs, Honors classes, and AVID,” junior Wendy Chavez said. “It has been stressful, especially for AVID because I have to balance community service with sports and work. I’ve been having an especially hard time since I moved in at the beginning of the year. In the first semester, I had straight A’s. Now, I’ve been losing motivation to get higher grades. I feel the pressure getting to me because there is so much going on.” 

The stress and anxiety that many students are experiencing can have long-term effects on their mental health and well-being. Educators, parents, and policymakers need to recognize the impact that exam-related stress is having on students and take steps to address it.

In the meantime, students are left to find ways to cope with their stress and anxiety. Some turn to exercise or meditation to manage their emotions, while others seek support from friends or family members.

As the school year comes to a close, students are reminded that it’s okay to struggle and that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. With the support of their peers and loved ones, they can find ways to manage their stress and stay motivated as they push through the final stretch of exams.