While some students dread their jam-packed finals week schedules, others find too much free time while waiting for the single final that doesn't come until Friday.
But many students say the fewer finals the better.
"We understand students want to be done sooner rather than later," said Karen Duncan, senior associate registrar with the Office of the Registrar. Finals are typically scheduled based on class size and instructor schedules, she said.
Duncan added it is not proven whether students perform better or worse depending on when their finals are scheduled.
Dan Pinto (junior-supply chain and information systems) has a relatively heavy load for finals week. With four finals, Pinto plans to spend the week with his head in the books. While he wishes he could be outside hanging out with friends playing wiffle ball, he admits he'll barely even get to see his friends at all.
"Maybe I'll get lunch with someone. That's the extent," Pinto said.
Unlike Pinto, several students said they have hardly any finals or no finals at all.
Farnaz Farhi (junior-biology and women's studies) said she has only one final on Tuesday and plans to go home afterward.
With her upcoming Medical College Admissions Tests (MCAT), Farhi said she feels she has no choice but to leave State College.
"I feel like I wouldn't do any work," she said.
Julia Wittig (senior-biobehavioral health) said she plans to remain in State College for finals week, after she takes her only final Tuesday. She plans to spend the majority of it preparing to move out of her apartment, but hopes to spend some time relaxing.
"I'd love to be able to lounge on one of the lawns," Wittig said.
Whether finals have been scheduled at the beginning or the end of the week, studying for them always seems to be a challenge. Students such as Emily Schade often use the University Learning Center's tutors to help them study.
Unfortunately, the Center will only be open through Tuesday of finals week.
"I would definitely use it for finals week if I could," Schade added.
Sue Klotz, staff assistant at the University Learning Center, said the center will be closed so that student tutors are able to study for their own finals.
There are even some students who have no academic obligations during finals week.
Chris Amatangelo (junior-advertising) has no finals, but plans to stick around for a few days of finals week.
"I want to see everyone that I'm not going to see over the summer," Amatangelo said, adding that he'll use a portion of his free time to find a job.
While students' finals schedules and plans for summer may vary, one thing is certain: "It doesn't get much better than State College in May and June," Wittig said.
