Changes to the structure of final exams have spurred mixed reviews among students, and while some are excited about the lack of scheduled tests, others are concerned that the new structure has increased overall stress. 

“It’s definitely a stressful time,” freshman Gray Timberlake said. “There are days this week where I have some sort of final — whether it be a project, essay or exam — every period of the day.”

In previous years, final exams took place during one designated week with each class having a single meeting time. This year’s modified finals schedule allows teachers more time and creativity when planning assessments, according to Student Life Director Devin DeMartini Cooke.

“For the last few years there’s been a pattern of teachers thinking outside the box in terms of finals and not actually using that finals week for final exams,” DeMartini Cooke said,“so it seemed like it would be in the best interest of both students and teachers to deconstruct the week and let them have more freedom in choosing how to end the semester.”

While the change is set to benefit the overall community, some students have expressed desire to return to the structure of finals week from previous years.

“I liked last year’s schedule much better. The nice thing about having all your finals within a few condensed days is that you’re gearing up for that, meeting with teachers, and studying the week before your tests,” junior Rosie Morford said. “Having finals like this is really drawn out. I’m studying and stressing about tests for next week, but at the same time, I’m taking tests this week which is really distracting.”

Cramming in as much studying as possible at the end of the semester only contributes to stress levels and sleep deprivation, according to Timberlake.

“I have been getting a lot less sleep than I usually do from being up late studying and from waking up early to try to catch teachers before school,” Timberlake said. “It makes it harder to focus to my full extent on the finals I’m taking in class.”