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Instead of sleeping on a textbook waiting for osmosis the night before an exam, try tackling the information through basic study habits, such as flashcards and reviewing notes.

This can help information stick in the memory, perfect for acing finals exams this week.

“The biggest thing is to not wait until the night before,” said Donna Hollis, teacher and guidance counselor at Meadowview Christian School.

Take classes seriously throughout the semester to avoid being overwhelmed by the amount of information and spend more time on more difficult subjects, Hollis said. “Students tend to ram ‘em, jam ‘em, cram ‘em, when it comes to studying,” Hollis said. “In my years of teaching, I know you have to review it with them.”

Studying with a partner, group or family and repeating facts and information aloud also helps with information retention, said Lacreshia Brown, guidance counselor at Southside High School. “Their peers can sometimes explain it in another way than teachers could,” Brown said.

Along with an understanding of the information, don’t forget to get a proper amount of the sleep the night before and bring along a pencil, paper, calculator or other supplies needed for the exams, Brown said.

But more importantly, a student should have a positive attitude about testing.

“If you go in there with a positive attitude and state that you’ll do well on this test, you’ll do better than if you think you’ll not,” Brown said.

Some students can experience anxiety about testing, causing their minds to draw a blank once a student sits down to the test. “Even though they’re stressed, they need to go in there calm and relaxed,” Brown said.

After the completion of all exams, schools will dismiss for the holiday vacation on Dec. 18. Selma City Schools and Dallas County Schools will dismiss for the holiday break at around noon, Meadowview Christian School at 11:20 a.m., John T. Morgan at 11:30 a.m. and Central Christian Academy at 11:15 a.m.