Tips for Crushing Finals Week

As we wrap up the semester’s classes and dive into finals week, it can feel like pushing through the final stretch of a marathon. We have already put in countless hours on homework, projects, and note taking, and now it is time to put our newfound skills to the test. Here are a few tips to manage stress levels and make the most of your study sessions this finals week:

1. Practice healthy habits: although it is tempting to put your healthy habits on the back burner in favor of some extra study minutes during finals week, holding on to them can actually improve academic performance. Be sure to eat nutritious foods, exercise, and get enough sleep at night. I really enjoy breaking up my study time with short walks to get exercise without throwing my schedule off.
2. Try out different study methods: consider mixing up the method that you use to study. Sometimes, it can be hard to stick to the same exact thing for hours (or days) on end. Trying a new method (like the ones linked here or others) can help keep you engaged and to retain material more effectively. My favorite is the Pomodoro method, where I break up my studying into chunks of time so that I can incorporate short breaks.
3. Consider putting your phone in another room: when your phone is sitting on your desk right next to your textbook, it can be hard to resist the urge to pick it up when your mind starts to wander. It has been found that the mere presence of your phone can be distracting and have negative impacts on memory (even if you manage to resist the urge to pick it up). Placing your phone in another room or in an out-of-sight location can help mitigate these effects.
4. Connect with friends and family: if feelings of stress related to finals week get overwhelming, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family to chat. Socialization can have positive impacts on mental health and is important to incorporate into our finals week routines. 
5. Take advantage of university resources: check the Emory University Center for Student Wellbeing for mental wellbeing resources. These are here for you to utilize, so do not hesitate to explore them. Remember that your performance this finals week does not define you and that your mental health comes first! 

Acing the Fellowship Application Process

Applying for fellowships can feel like a full-time job—especially when you’re juggling coursework, research, and a thesis or dissertation. But landing the right fellowship can open doors to incredible career opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on experience in your field. Whether you’re eyeing a public health agency, a research institute, or a global health nonprofit, these tips will help you navigate the process and put your best foot forward.

• Start Early & Stay Organized – Fellowship applications aren’t something you want to throw together at the last minute. Many require personal statements, writing samples, and multiple recommendation letters—things that take time to craft (and time for your recommenders to write!). Create a spreadsheet with deadlines and required materials so nothing falls through the cracks.

• Tailor Your Application – A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. Each fellowship has its own priorities and mission, so tweak your resume, cover letter, and essays to reflect what they’re looking for. Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a perfect fit, whether that’s data analysis, community engagement, or policy work.

• Leverage Your Network – If you know someone who’s been through a fellowship program you’re interested in, reach out! Alumni, faculty, and current fellows can provide inside info on what the selection committee values, what the interview process is like, and how to craft a standout application. A well-placed email or LinkedIn message can go a long way.

• Showcase Impact, Not Just Experience – It’s not just about what you’ve done—it’s about the difference you’ve made. Instead of simply listing job duties, frame your experiences in terms of outcomes. Did your research inform a policy change? Did your data analysis lead to a new intervention? Use concrete examples and, if possible, numbers to show the real-world impact of your work.

• Prepare for Interviews – If you get an interview, congratulations! Now’s the time to practice talking about your research, your skills, and why you’re a great fit. Many fellowships look for strong communicators who can explain their work clearly, so practice with friends, mentors, or even in front of a mirror. Be ready for behavioral questions, like “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge in a research project.”

• Consider Multiple Options – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. There are fellowships in government (like CDC EIS or ORISE), academia, nonprofits, and even the private sector. Each has its own perks, from hands-on policy experience to deep research opportunities. Applying to a mix of programs increases your chances of landing one that fits your career goals.

• Follow Up & Stay Engaged – After submitting your application or completing an interview, send a quick thank-you email to the people you spoke with. If you don’t get the fellowship, don’t burn bridges—staying in touch with program coordinators or former fellows can lead to other opportunities down the road.

Fellowship applications can be daunting, but with a solid strategy and a little persistence, you can land an opportunity that propels your career forward. Good luck—you’ve got this!