Our New Exam Week

By CHRISTIAN WESTPHAL ‘21

Last year, I wrote an article for this newspaper urging the administration to change exam week to the last week of school in December. To my surprise, I learned a few days ago that my wish had been granted-- now, before I sound too cocky, I recognize there were most likely only two people who read that article (myself and my editor). Nonetheless, I still can’t stop myself from feeling even the smallest amount of pride for this exciting change. Here’s why you should be as happy about this shift as I am.

It’s important to recognize the potential negatives this shift creates: seniors might have less time to focus on their applications, we won’t get our grades back immediately, and teachers will have to adjust their schedules for the learning that must take place in January. But, in terms of retaining knowledge, the difference between one and three weeks off is monumental. For those who weren’t here last year, we used to have exams after a long winter break, during which our minds had inevitably turned into mush. We’d be expected to show up after these three weeks and remember everything we had learned prior to the break, while also preparing to learn even more information. Now, with Thanksgiving break being the only significant time off before exams, students are more likely to retain knowledge. Students will also be accountable for less information because of the fewer class days we will have had– sounds like a recipe for better exam grades to me. 

Then there’s the fact that most colleges and other ISL schools have exams before break. In terms of preparing us for the schedules we’ll encounter there, having exams in December can only help. 

We Milton students need to, for once, slow down, stop complaining, and imagine the following scenario: walking out of the ACC from your last exam with a smile on your face, knowing that your first semester is practically over (learning material without needing to prepare for an exam will seem so easy!!). Having exam week before break enables students to enjoy time with friends and family completely stress-free, as there is no need to worry that you might happen to forget everything you’ve already learned. And, if your brain does in fact turn to mush during our very long winter break (don’t worry, I’m not complaining), it’s a sign that you must’ve vacationed right.

Image courtesy of keepcalmstudio.com