Skip to content

December 2025: Finals Week Success Checklist: Finish the Semester Strong

Checklist-1

Finals Week Success Checklist: How To Finish Strong

Finals are approaching quickly, but there’s still plenty of time for students to make meaningful progress. Whether your student could benefit from targeted academic support, structured homework guidance, or executive function coaching, our Finals Week Checklist will help your students stay organized, focused, and confident heading into the end of the semester.


1. Start With a Study Schedule

Before diving into individual subjects, create a plan for the week:

List finals dates and major due dates together

Break coursework into smaller, manageable pieces

Assign specific tasks to each day

Include tutoring support, extracurriculars, and family time

Why this helps: Having a roadmap reduces stress, increases productivity, and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Need help planning? Our tutors in Winnetka and Highland Park offer one-on-one support with study strategy and organization. Learn more about The House FREE Finals Help! 

2. Build Consistent Review Habits

Once the plan is in place, begin daily review:

Dedicate 20-30 minutes per subject

Use active tools such as flashcards, practice quizzes, or teaching a concept aloud

Track what's been reviewed

Spend extra time on cumulative or challenging subjects at The House for FREE.


Research-backed benefit: Short, steady review sessions improve retention more effectively than cramming.

3. Strengthen High-Impact Assignments

Final projects and assessments can influence the final grade, so treat them strategically:

Read rubrics carefully


Identify important grading criteria 


Allow time to draft and revise 


Ask a tutor or teacher to check work before submitting 


Impact: Strong performance on these major assignments can substantially raise overall grades.

4. Recover Missing Points

Before finals begin, look at what can still be submitted:

List outstanding or incomplete assignments


Confirm with teachers which ones are still eligible for credit 


Prioritize assignments with the highest point value


Use FREE homework support sessions at The House to get caught up


Pro Tip: Even partial credit on late work can shift a borderline grade.

5. Communicate With Teachers

Direct communication can unlock valuable opportunities:

Schedule brief check-ins


Ask for clarification on expectations or recent feedback


Inquire about options to improve or make up work


Demonstrate effort and commitment

Teacher insight: Students who communicate often receive clearer guidance and more support.

6. Support Wellness and Rest

A strong finals week relies on more than academics:

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep nightly


Take movement breaks between study sessions


Stay hydrated and eat nourishing meals 


Limit screen time before bed


Reminder: You can't perform your best if you're running on empty.

 

🎁 Free Finals Week Membership at The House

To help students stay on track during this critical time, The House Tutoring Lounge is offering a FREE Finals Week Membership for high school students, which includes:
  • The Academic Lounge®: Access to a dedicated study space with free study help from experienced tutors.
  • On-Demand Private Tutoring: Immediate assistance in any subject, at any level, whenever needed.
  • Teen-Friendly Study Environment: A comfortable and inspiring space designed specifically for teenagers.
  • Extended Hours: Open daily to accommodate various study schedules.

Claim your free Finals Week membership now: https://www.the.house/free-finals

Space is limited! Sign up today to provide your student with the support they need to excel.

For more information about our tutoring programs in Highland Park and Winnetka, visit our website: The House Tutoring Lounge.

Need immediate assistance? Call or text us at 847-416-4500 to learn how we can help your student improve their grades and finish the semester strong.


Finals are around the corner—don't cram, plan! Let The House Tutoring Lounge be your partner in academic success.

 

    Most Popular Posts