Final exams are often a source of immense stress for students at all levels, from high schoolers preparing for their end-of-year tests to university students cramming for semester finals. The pressure to perform well, maintain good grades, and meet expectations can lead to feelings of anxiety, sleepless nights, and even physical health issues. This stress is particularly notable in urban areas like St. Louis, Brentwood, and the Central West End, where the academic and social dynamics can exacerbate feelings of pressure.

The Nature of Final Exam Stress Final exams often mark the culmination of a semester's worth of work, which is why they carry such significance in determining a student's academic performance. The anxiety related to finals can be caused by various factors including the sheer volume of material to study, concerns about grades, the competitiveness of the environment, and the social pressures to succeed.

In areas like St. Louis, where students attend both public and private institutions with high academic standards, the pressure can feel even more intense. Local schools, universities, and families may expect students to perform at the highest level, sometimes without considering the mental toll of such expectations.

Factors Contributing to Exam Stress in St. Louis and Surrounding Areas

Academic Competition and Expectations
The culture in St. Louis and nearby areas, including Brentwood and the Central West End, is one of high academic standards. For instance, the St. Louis Public School District (SLPS) and private institutions like St. Louis University High School, Bishop DuBourg High School, and Washington University in St. Louis all have rigorous academic programs. Students at these institutions often feel the need to outperform their peers, creating a competitive atmosphere that can increase stress levels.
According to a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), 61% of students reported that academic pressure was a significant source of stress, and this number tends to be even higher in more competitive urban areas. The need to maintain high GPAs to secure scholarships or admissions to prestigious universities, like Washington University in St. Louis, adds another layer of stress for students.
Balancing Multiple Responsibilities
Students in cities like St. Louis and Ballwin are often balancing a variety of responsibilities: academic work, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social lives. This juggling act can cause burnout, especially when finals approach. With limited time to prepare, students may find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work that needs to be done.
In the Central West End, where many students are enrolled at Washington University or other nearby colleges, the demands of internships, research projects, and volunteer opportunities can make it harder for students to find the time and energy to study for finals. The added pressure of meeting deadlines for non-academic commitments often exacerbates the stress students feel during final exam periods.
Limited Access to Support Systems
Although many schools and universities in St. Louis have academic support systems in place—such as tutoring services and counseling centers—students may not always take advantage of these resources due to stigma or lack of awareness. This lack of access to adequate support during stressful times can lead to increased anxiety. For students living in areas like Brentwood and the Central West End, where high expectations are the norm, the pressure to succeed might feel even more isolating, especially for those struggling with mental health issues.

Statistics on Student Stress Levels
The impact of academic stress during finals is significant. Research suggests that students in urban environments are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of academic achievement. For example, a 2022 survey conducted by the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) found that 57.5% of college students reported feeling "overwhelming" stress during finals week. This statistic is particularly reflective of urban areas like St. Louis, where academic pressures and competition among peers are often high.
Moreover, according to a 2021 study by the American College Health Association (ACHA), 75% of students at large urban universities reported feeling stressed about their final exams, citing time management difficulties, lack of adequate rest, and worries about their academic performance as their primary concerns. This stress can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, from decreased academic performance to more severe physical and mental health issues.

Physical and Mental Health Consequences of Final Exam Stress Stress doesn't just affect students’ academic performance—it can also have serious consequences on their physical and mental health. The "fight or flight" response triggered by stress can lead to increased heart rates, disturbed sleep, and a weakened immune system.
In high-stress periods like finals, students may also experience:

Sleep Deprivation: A lack of sleep is a common consequence of final exam stress. Many students stay up late studying or cramming for exams, sacrificing their rest in the process. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, students who report high levels of stress during finals are 1.6 times more likely to experience sleep disturbances than their peers who report lower levels of stress.
Anxiety and Depression: Chronic stress can lead to or exacerbate mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. A 2020 study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that one in five college students reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression during finals season, with higher rates among students from high-pressure academic environments.

Strategies for Managing Final Exam Stress While final exam stress is a common experience for students, there are effective strategies to manage this anxiety. For students in areas like St. Louis, Brentwood, and the Central West End, it is especially important to find ways to cope with stress to avoid the negative physical and mental health consequences.
Here are some strategies that can help students manage stress during final exams:

Create a Study Plan
One of the most effective ways to manage final exam stress is by creating a study schedule. Breaking up study sessions into manageable chunks can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Students should prioritize their subjects, allocate sufficient time for each, and make sure to include breaks.
Studies show that students who plan their study time are 40% more likely to feel in control during finals than those who do not plan. In St. Louis, where there is often a lot of pressure to succeed, a study plan can help students feel more prepared and reduce anxiety as the exam dates approach.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness and relaxation exercises can significantly reduce stress. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga have been shown to lower cortisol levels, which helps students manage stress more effectively.
For example, Washington University in St. Louis offers wellness programs that include mindfulness workshops during finals week, encouraging students to practice relaxation techniques to cope with stress. In fact, a 2023 study from Harvard Medical School showed that students who practiced mindfulness reported a 30% decrease in stress levels during finals.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is a great way to manage stress. Even a short walk or jog around neighborhoods like the Central West End or Brentwood can help release endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. Studies show that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve sleep, making it easier for students to concentrate during study sessions.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is critical during finals week. Students should aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This can be challenging during stressful exam periods, but prioritizing sleep will improve memory retention and cognitive function. St. Louis has several sleep centers and wellness programs that promote the importance of rest during high-stress times, helping students understand that mental and physical health are closely connected.
Seek Social Support
Students should not be afraid to reach out for support from family, friends, or mental health professionals, like those at Open Arms Wellness, offering students a safe space to talk about their feelings and stressors. Social support can help students feel more grounded and less isolated during finals week. Gaining the assistance of a licensed therapist through organizations such as Open Arms Wellness will help to alleviate stress.
Avoid Perfectionism
Many students in high-pressure academic environments like St. Louis feel the need to be perfect in everything they do. However, this mindset can create unnecessary stress and anxiety. It is important for students to understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process.

Conclusion Final exam stress is a significant issue for students across the country, and especially for those living in high-pressure urban environments like St. Louis, Brentwood, and the Central West End. Academic competition, balancing multiple responsibilities, and limited access to support systems all contribute to the stress students experience. However, with the right strategies, students can manage this stress more effectively. Creating a study plan, practicing mindfulness, exercising regularly, prioritizing sleep, seeking social support, and avoiding perfectionism can all help students reduce anxiety and perform at their best.
By recognizing the signs of stress and taking proactive steps, including therapy, to manage it, students can approach their final exams with confidence, knowing they have the tools to succeed while also protecting their mental and physical health.

Take action today! If you're feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of finals and need help managing stress, reach out to Open Arms Wellness at 314-329-4326 for support from experienced therapists who can guide you through this stressful time.