As spring 2015 is coming to a close, Sacramento State students look back on the experiences and knowledge they’ve gained and the methods they are using to help prepare for finals.

Many students used the lessons they’ve learned from fall 2014 to help themselves be a better student this spring.

“I was really prepared due to last semester,” said Alondra Moreno, a freshman biochemistry major. “I joined clubs so I had people to go to for help. Networking and getting to know people really helped me with my classes.”

Chris Gutierrez, a freshman and psychology major, voiced a similar opinion that fall 2014 helped him better prepare for this semester.

“Spring was much easier than last semester, ” Gutierrez said. “I took the wrong classes my first semester and it threw me off balance.”

Students such as Haley Zulaica, an undeclared sophomore, used this semester to help her find the major she would want to pursue.

“I was playing with classes and taking courses that would help me figure out what I would want to major in,” Zulaica said. “But everything I’ve taken hasn’t been what I’ve been looking for, it’s been stressful.”

Despite the setback, Zulaica does plan on declaring a major soon and advises other students to at least have a planner ready to help them.

“It’s going to save you, it’ll help you remember everything,” Zulaica said.

For other students such as graduating senior Sierra Hinkle, an applied mathematics and statistics major, her college career has helped her prepare for an easy-flowing last semester.

“I felt like it was a nice, good way way to end my college year,” Hinkle said. “I’m just ready for life to start.”

Hinkle said she only has one final to study for and advises struggling students to work on their strengths and weaknesses.

“Don’t overstudy, put your attention where you really have trouble,” Hinkle said.

Another senior, Cindy Mangornong, whose major is health science, said Sac State students should use the resources given to them to help during this stressful time.

“I’m starting to study three weeks ahead,” Mangornong said. “Students should take advantage of the resources here, the tutors; there’s a lot of help they can get.”

Students like Moreno have done just that, using the Peer Assisted Learning program from the chemistry and biology department to help her during her tough times this semester and to help her prepare for finals.

“It’s a program where students who have passed the class use worksheets given by the teacher to help you better understand the material,” Moreno said.

As for preparing for finals, Moreno offers advice outside of simply reading and reviewing notes.

“Don’t study the way other people are studying, find what works for you,” Moreno said. “I’m an artist so I like to study by drawing.”