Upper School Exams: Study Prep Advice

Dear Harvey Upper School Families,

The Upper School holds exams at the end of the Winter Term to provide students with the experience of preparing, studying and taking an exam similar to what they will come across when in college. Last week I shared our February exam schedule with you, which can also be found below. We ask that you begin to talk with your child about their schedule. Encourage them to meet with their Academic Advisor and teachers to prepare as early as possible. During class, teachers will be sharing information around test material, study guides, and extra time. You can also find some exam preparation advice below that we encourage you to share.

1. Avoid cramming. Students have nearly four weeks ahead to plan, organize, and prepare. Begin to designate time daily, including weekends, to review for each of your classes. Create a schedule and a study plan. See your Academic Advisor or Dean for help if needed.


2. Study in intervals and include breaks. Many times, studying for 20-30 minutes followed by a ten-minute break will lead to better retention of information.


3. Exercise daily as it can increase focus and energy and help relieve anxiety.


4. Minimize distractions when studying. The latest post on Instagram or story on SnapChat is not going anywhere if you wait to view it. Create a focused study area.


5. Create your own review sheet for each course ahead of the exam. Meet with your teacher to review your work and make additions and edits as necessary.

Each student has different learning styles and capacities. What works for some does not work for others. This examination period is a perfect opportunity to work on different study techniques in preparation for college.

As always, please call with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Philip J. Lazzaro
Head of Upper School

Exam Schedule

• Monday, February 20: President’s Day - No School


• Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22: Exam Review Days
  All 8 slots will meet on Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22. Please see the following special schedule.


• Thursday, February 23: Slot 1 and Slot 2 Exams
  Slot 1: 9:00 -11:00 a.m.
  Slot 2: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.


• Friday, February 24: Slot 3 and Slot 4 Exams
  Slot 3:  9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
  Slot 4: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.


• Monday, February 27: Slot 5 and Slot 6 Exams
  Slot 5: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
  Slot 6: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.


• Tuesday, February 28: Slot 7 and 8 Exams
  Slot 7: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
  Slot 8: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Exam Day Details
Students may come to school as early as 7:30 a.m. Students who do not have an exam will work in the library.

Lunch will be served on exam days from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Please note that school will dismiss at 3:15 p.m. from Tuesday, February 21, through Tuesday, February 28.

Students traveling to the train who do not have an afternoon exam can take the midday shuttle bus to the train. The bus will depart at noon daily. Parents will need to email John DePalma, Logistics Director at jdepalma@harveyschool.org giving permission for their child to take the bus.

For those who take the bus home, buses will only depart in the afternoon, around 3:15 p.m.