Like the classic Christmas tune says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Thursday and Friday, Dec. 19 and 20, you’ll all be a part of something that truly makes it a wonderful time: finals.

By now, you have probably built your finals schedule (if you haven’t, get to it!). With only a day left before the first finals day, it’s time for the fun of studying to begin. As a senior, I have been through that fun six times. To help you find success (especially if you are a freshman taking your first finals ever), I am going to share the keys to getting the grade you want.

Set a goal

Are you shooting to move a C+ to a B? Do you want to maintain an A? Step one is to decide which of the three categories of grades you are in: fringe, solid or rock solid. A fringe grade is one that can be easily swayed by either a strong or poor performance. A solid grade is one that can be swayed by a very strong or very poor performance. A rock solid grade is one that is almost untouchable.

Whether your grade is fringe, solid or rock solid depends on a number of things. Obviously, your percentage matters. In addition, the amount your final is worth plays a part (finals are worth between 10 and 20 percent). With this in mind, you need to ask your teacher what your grade percentage is, how much the final is worth and what percent you need for your goal grade.

With this information, use a final grade calculator (my personal favorite is RogerHub) and find out exactly what the minimum score you need to reach your goal. Decide whether this percentage means your grade is on the fringe, solid or rock solid.

 Prioritize

Make a list of your classes in order from hardest to easiest. Then, reorder this list by taking into your goal and whether your grade is fringe, solid or rock solid. Using this list, dedicate the most time to your “hardest” final and the least time to your “easiest” final. You might not even have to study for some of your finals (your parents and teachers might not like that idea, but do what you have to do)…and you might have to study a seemingly impossible amount of time for others.

Find a place to study

Some people like the UNO Library. Others head for a coffee shop. Personally, I get my best work done in my bedroom. If your room will give you a quiet place to study, I recommend it. The library only opens doors for distractions from friends (I know this from experience) and coffee shops always have a bit of hustle and bustle.

If you can’t stay in your room, The Tea Smith is dead silent; go there.

GET OFF OF TWITTER

SERIOUSLY! Set a timer for 30-45 minutes and don’t check your phone until this timer goes off. Your reward will be a few minutes on Twitter or texting friends. Restart the process.

Sleep

Get at least seven hours of sleep tonight and tomorrow night. Here’s why.

Dress well, test well

But this doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit and tie. This means you have to dress well for you. Whatever you feel is most comfortable is dressing “well.” Keep in mind what classrooms you are testing in; are they too cold or too hot? Dress accordingly.

Enjoy finishing your finals

Once you turn in your final, there is nothing you can do to change the grade. Don’t stress out about the grade and spend the first week of break on PowerSchool. Check it sparingly. Have fun over break. Hopefully, if you follow these tips, your scores will be exactly what you needed.

Good luck, everyone, and have a great Winter Break! The Westside Wired staff and I will see you next semester!