When are college finals typically scheduled?

Hey everyone, I'm just chillin' in junior year, but I've been thinking about college a whole lot lately. I've been wondering, when do finals typically happen for most colleges? I'm trying to get a sense of the academic rhythm in college. Thanks a lot!

Hi there! It's great that you're considering the academic rhythm of college. Depending on the university, final exams usually take place towards the end of the semester in both the fall and the spring.

For schools that follow a traditional semester system, finals usually occur in mid to late December for the fall semester, and late April to early May for the spring semester. Some schools have a week or two of classes post-Thanksgiving and then a week of finals, while others finish up by Thanksgiving and then have finals right after.

Colleges on the quarter system may have a different schedule. Their finals usually happen at the end of each quarter which could be in late November, late March, and mid-June.

However, every school has a unique academic calendar, so it would be best to check the specific school's website or academic calendar for the most accurate information. This way, you can plan your study schedules and breaks accordingly.

Lastly, note that each final exam week may also be preceded by a "reading week." This is an academic tradition where classes are suspended for one week, so students can focus on final papers, projects, and studying for exams. Not all schools have a reading week, and at some schools, classes continue during this week but major assignments cannot be due.

Keep in mind, while final exams are important, professors also often consider other aspects such as class participation, mid-term exams, and projects when determining final grades. Good luck with your planning!