After Thanksgiving break, procrastination becomes a popular mindset of students, and cramming for exams seems to be a trend despite the known health concerns linked to cramming.
The term cramming is defined as “studying intensively over a short period of time just before an examination.” This practice seems to be an ongoing fad for students across the world, especially college students.
Along with a vigorous schedule, most college students have jobs and are involved in extra curricular activities, which causes them to choose between studying or honoring their other obligations.
Students like Cindy Rivet, dietetics junior from Luling, understand the allure of cramming instead of studying ahead of time.
“I am so busy, and it seems the only way I can study is to cram,” Rivet said. “I do pretty well, but would probably do better if I studied properly.”
Rivet’s busy schedule, which causes her to cram, is a problem that most students deal with. A study done at Stanford University found that even though cramming has proved successful for some students, this practice should be broken because it can have negative effects on a student’s health.
This study indicated if the brain is overworked too often, it increases a person’s chances of anxiety, frustration, fatigue and confusion. Since the brain is an important organ in the body, it is important that it gets as much rest and relaxation as any other body part.
In the case of mid-term and final examinations, the study done at Stanford University said that extreme cases of cramming are experienced, and students put themselves at greater health risks because of sleep deprivation and poor dieting.
Time Magazine also conducted a study in regards to the results of cramming. This study indicated that students do pass their exams after cramming.However, the majority of these students only receive average grades on their exams rather than the above average grades they could earn if they would have studied ahead of time.
Cramming also can cause students to experience some mental blockage while taking an exam. Stanford’s study showed that cramming the night before an exam can cause higher risks of mental block because the brain is undergoing a lot of stress while trying to process all of the information it received within a short amount of time.
Paying attention in class also is another factor in the success of taking a test without needing to cram.
Zachary Dornier, business junior from Lutcher, said he usually studies ahead of time if he knows he has an examination coming up, but there are certain circumstances that can cause him to cram.
“I only cram when I don’t go to class regularly and do not know the information,” Dornier said.
Stanford University’s study suggests that students who find themselves choosing to cram for an exam should reevaluate their daily schedules and find time to study ahead if students want to receive better grades. This study also shows not studying at the last minute can boost a student’s confidence in test taking and allows them to better recall information when taking an exam.