By Kate Augusto

Radios around the city continuously remind us that “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” But cramming for finals has college students questioning how wonderful these few weeks before the holidays really are.

Freshman international affairs major Emily Esposito said finals are stressing her out more this year than they did in high school.

“Some professors make clear what’s going to be on the test, which helps, but others just say ‘know anything from the book and lectures’,” Esposito said.

The fact that grades from finals count more than they did in high school is another stress-inducing factor, she said.

Freshmen, who have never experienced college finals, may have a more difficult time than other students, said Jason Gregoire, a senior political science major. Gregoire said as a freshman he was more stressed about academics than he is now, despite the stress of preparing for his upcoming graduation.

“Freshman year you have no idea what to look for [when studying],” he said. “You make fundamental errors then. But now I have it down to a science.”

However, Susan Conover, administrative coordinator for the school of journalism, said she has never seen a direct correlation between a student’s stress level and their academic year. She said “learning how to cope with stress is an important skill to have, not only in academics, but in life.”

Gregoire, like many seniors, is experiencing stress outside the realm of academics and learning just how important his stress management skills are.

“I just finished applying to law schools, which was extremely stressful with the recommendation letters and LSATs, and I have to find a job to pay for rent before I go to law school,” he said. “I’ve learned how to deal with stress a lot better. I know how to calm down [when it comes to school work]. Now it’s the real world side of things that freaks me out.”

Conover said it is important for students to realize it is OK to be stressed out as long as they learn how to deal with it.

“Often stress stems from the fact that we do not have enough time to do all the tasks we set out to do,” she said, “Time management is an essential factor in reducing stress.”

Conover advises students to check out the services that University Health and Counseling Services offers, including counseling and sessions on time and stress management. She also advised there are many other organizations that can help teach students how to deal with stress. Residence Life is one of those groups.

Amethyst Charette, Residence Director for Smith Hall, organized a fair last Wednesday called “Stressing