As seniors complete their finals a week before the school year ends, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors remain on campus preparing for exams scheduled during the final week of school. The difference in testing schedules has created different experiences for students as the year comes to a close.
Senior Griselle Gomez said finishing finals early changes how seniors spend their last days of the school year.
“Since we finish our finals before everyone else, we have more time to focus on graduation activities and preparing for what comes after high school,” Gomez said.
Gomez said the early testing schedule also allows seniors to transition their focus toward milestone events without the pressure of remaining assignments.
“Having our finals out of the way lets us actually enjoy graduation practice and senior sunset without worrying about failing a test the next morning,” Gomez said.
While seniors complete exams earlier, underclassmen continue attending classes and reviewing material until the final week. Juniors said the later testing schedule keeps academic responsibilities going until the end of the semester.
Junior Idaly Padilla said taking finals during the last week of school affects how students manage their time.
“We are still studying and coming to class while seniors are already done with finals, so our schedules look different during the last week,” Padilla said.
The contrast in schedules creates a distinct divide in the daily routine on campus. Padilla said the difference in workloads can impact classroom focus.
“It is hard to stay focused in class when you see the seniors outside taking pictures and celebrating while we are still doing study guides,” Padilla said.
Teachers and students continue following separate schedules based on grade level as the semester ends. Sophomores said the timing of finals can also affect attendance and activity around campus during the last days of school.
Sophomore Joel Lemaster said the campus atmosphere changes once seniors complete their exams.
“There are fewer seniors at school after they finish finals, and it feels different during the last week because underclassmen are still taking tests,” Lemaster said.
The departure of the senior class also alters the daily environment for the remaining students. Lemaster said the physical space of the school changes significantly during the final week.
“The hallways are way quieter and the parking lot is half empty, which just makes the week feel longer while we wait for our own exams to start,” Lemaster said.
