By YESENIA RAMIREZ

Special to The Hays Daily News

"How many of you have started to review for finals?"

That was the question posed by Maggie Denning, coordinator of Academic Success Programs at Fort Hays State University, during a recent workshop on "Preparing For and Taking Finals." About 15 of the 94 students raised their hands in response to Denning's question.

The workshop, sponsored by Academic Success Programs in the Kelly Center, was Dec. 2 in Wiest Hall.

At the end of each semester, college students become very stressed with the arrival of finals week, which this semester is Saturday through Thursday.

Some students desperately try to catch up on assignments to hand in before their finals, while others attempt to juggle studying with a job. While there are no words to magically make finals disappear, Denning had a few tips to share with students to make the stress of finals seem more manageable.

Before the test, she advised students to block any negative thoughts. Second, study. Third, go over notes, and fourth, make a list of things you don't understand and ask your teacher. Finally, summarize what you do know -- the who, what, when, where, why and how.

During the test, she said, read the test instructions, pace yourself, and start by answering questions you already know.

Denning offered a few extra bits of advice to students, such as setting more than one alarm clock in order to ensure they make it to finals on time. She also reminded them that, contrary to popular belief, "Tests are not meant to trick you. They just check to see if you've grasped the material."

She also encouraged students to get away from others who are negative and to stay away from caffeine, as it can cause more anxiety.

Rosa Rodriguez, a Garden City junior, said she found the information Denning provided very helpful.

"She knows what it's like to be a student in college, so she knew what information to cover," Rodriguez said. "I don't think she left anything out."

Caner Akdeniz, a Turkey junior, wished the information had offered more specifics for international students.

"She didn't really cover any situations for international students," Akdeniz said. "I think she just went over things we already know, not really anything about how to study."

Denning concluded her workshop by providing students with additional finals week information. She encouraged students to study at Forsyth Library. The library began staying open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday. Beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday, food will be served for students during finals week.

Before the workshop ended, she urged students to get started on their homework and once again reminded them, "Don't forget to study."

Those who have questions can contact Denning at her office in the Kelly Center, B603 Wiest Hall, calling (785) 628-4401 or e-mailing mdenning@fhsu.edu. Information on additional Kelly Center workshops is available at www.fhsu.edu/kellycenter/workshops.shtml

Yesenia Ramirez of Hays is a senior at Fort Hays State University with a double major in communication studies/public relations and modern languages.