To the Badger Herald,

I recently learned about an interesting campaign being led by the Associated Students of Madison. It would implement a study break each semester before exams to give students more time to study after classes end. I hope that the administration here gives serious consideration to this idea.

If we are given a more adequate amount of study time, we will be able to work to our full potential, and our performance will more accurately reflect our ability.

We've all learned by now that the most effective way to study for a big exam is to study smaller sections of material over a longer period of time, as opposed to staying up all night cramming before the test. Unfortunately, the current exam schedule is hardly conducive to that type of studying, and leaves us with little choice but to learn as much material in as short a time as possible.

Many other universities across the country do have study breaks before exams. That the University of Wisconsin does not puts us at an unfair disadvantage.

It is indisputable that there is a direct relationship between stress and performance in school. With more time, we can get more sleep, be less stressed and more prepared for their exams. A study break will not only improve grades, but our wellbeing too.

With extra study days before exams we could substantially improve our grades. Higher exam scores and the subsequent rise in GPAs would obviously positively affect the students, and are good for this university as well. Our achievements reflect the universities' achievements, and vice versa.

Becca Shereff
Sophomore
Major: Political Science and Spanish