5 Essential Soft Skills Every High School Student Should Develop for Future Success
Academic Tips and Resources
How to Navigate Final Exam Stress: Tips for Ontario High School Students
March 31, 2025
Final exams can be a nightmare for school students. The pressure to perform well, the fear of failure, and the overwhelming workload can make exam season one of the most stressful periods in a student’s life. According to a 2022 survey by the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, 70% of students reported experiencing high levels of academic stress, with exams being a major contributor.
But here’s the truth: stress doesn’t have to control your exam experience. With the right strategies, you can take charge, stay focused, and perform at your best—without sacrificing your well-being. And for Black students in Ontario, navigating these challenges comes with an added layer of complexity. Many feel unseen, unsupported, and pressured to conform to a system that doesn’t fully acknowledge their unique experiences. This is why Roots to Routes Academy exists—to create a learning environment where Black students thrive, not just survive.
So how can you prepare for your exams without feeling overwhelmed? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Exam Stress: Why It Happens and How It Affects You
Exam stress isn’t just about feeling nervous before a big test. It’s a real psychological and physical response to the high expectations placed on students. When stress levels are too high, your brain struggles to retain information, your focus weakens, and your confidence plummets.
Common causes of exam stress include:
- Cramming instead of consistent studying.
- Fear of failure and pressure from teachers, parents, or yourself.
- Lack of guidance or personalized academic support.
- Burnout from balancing school, part-time jobs, and extracurriculars.
- Systemic barriers that make it harder for Black students to feel seen, supported, and valued in mainstream education.
How does this stress affect students?
- Sleep problems and exhaustion.
- Anxiety, leading to forgetfulness and poor performance.
- Loss of motivation and self-confidence.
- Increased risk of mental health issues.
If any of this sounds familiar, know this: there is a way out. Exam season doesn’t have to be a struggle. You just need the right tools.
Smart Exam Prep: Study Smarter, Not Harder
Instead of last-minute cramming, use strategies that actually help you retain information.
1. Create a Study Plan That Works for You
A personalized study plan prevents last-minute panic. Here’s how to build one:
- Write down all your exams and their dates.
- Break subjects into manageable topics.
- Allocate study time based on subject difficulty.
- Take planned breaks—study for 50 minutes, then rest for 10.
Roots to Routes Academy provides customized study schedules to help students prepare efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Study Techniques That Work
- Active Recall: Instead of just reading notes, close your book and try to remember key points.
- Past Exam Papers: Get familiar with question formats and time management.
- Study Groups: Teach and learn from others. Roots to Routes Academy offers virtual study sessions led by expert educators.
- Use Mnemonics & Visual Aids: Memory tricks and diagrams make complex topics easier to grasp.
3. Organization is Key
Keep everything in one place. Organize notes, use color-coded flashcards, and prioritize clarity over clutter. A chaotic workspace = a chaotic mind.
Managing Stress and Staying Healthy
Your mind and body need to be in sync for optimal exam performance.
A. Prioritize Sleep
Studies show that students who sleep at least 7-9 hours perform better than those who pull all-nighters. Lack of sleep = weak memory + increased stress.
B. Eat Brain-Boosting Foods
- Omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts) enhance focus.
- Dark chocolate reduces stress hormones.
- Water = better concentration. Stay hydrated!
C. Move Your Body
A 10-minute walk, yoga, or even dancing to your favorite song can release endorphins (your brain’s natural stress relievers).
D. Mental Health Matters
- Try deep breathing exercises before and during exams.
- Practice mindfulness: Stay in the moment, avoid overthinking.
- Talk to someone. Whether it’s a teacher, counselor, or parent, don’t bottle up stress.
Support Systems: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Ontario high schools have resources, but many students—especially Black students—don’t feel fully supported.
A. School Resources
- Guidance counselors for academic planning and emotional support.
- Academic programs like Roots to Routes for difficult subjects.
- Student-led study groups can build confidence and knowledge.
B. Parents’ Role
- Create a distraction-free study environment at home.
- Encourage healthy conversations about exam stress.
- Remind your child that grades don’t define them.
C. Roots to Routes Academy: A Different Approach
At Roots to Routes Academy, we do education differently. We offer:
- Culturally relevant learning experiences.
- Mentorship from Black educators who understand our students’ challenges.
- One-on-one academic coaching.
- Virtual study groups for stress-free exam prep.
If your child has struggled in traditional school settings, it’s time to explore an academy that sees them, supports them, and believes in their potential.
Exam Day: Stay Calm, Stay Focused
- The Night Before: Pack your materials, review key points, and sleep early.
- On Exam Morning: Eat well, avoid last-minute cramming, use positive affirmations (“I am prepared. I will do well.”)
- During the Exam: Read questions carefully, manage time wisely, stay confident.
Conclusion: Education That Empowers, Not Overwhelms
Exams are important, but they’re not everything. Your well-being matters. Your future isn’t defined by a single test score. And most importantly, you deserve an education system that uplifts you, not one that forces you to conform.
If you’re a Black parent in Ontario, now is the time to take control of your child’s education. Roots to Routes Academy offers a transformative learning experience where Black students can excel, be seen, and grow into confident, knowledgeable leaders.
Spots are limited for our upcoming programs—don’t wait. Visit Roots to Routes Academy today and give your child the education they deserve!
