This year, a new rule was implemented regarding seniors taking finals. In previous years, seniors with an 80% or higher could be exempted from finals. This year, they need to have a 92.5% in the class.
“I agree with the rule even if I wish they had kept the lowest grade you could get at an 80,” senior Audrey Mason said.
Setting a higher standard for seniors now holds them accountable for working hard to maintain a high grade until finals. In doing so, seniors will be putting more work into their classes like other students do around finals time.
“I like the rule because it incentivizes and motivates seniors to achieve high grades,” senior Zayd Curtis said. “I think it’s fair, but the final exemption threshold should be lowered from an A to an A-.”
Setting the bar higher will push students to work harder to achieve 92.5% in class, which will positively impact students and the school. This will help prepare seniors for the hard work and time they must put into college classes.
“I think it’s fair and holds students to a higher expectation,” Mason said.
This new rule sets students accountable for getting good grades, and whether seniors agree or not, it is still making sure all students are working hard and learning.
“I think the new finals rule is fair but much harder to achieve, especially if you are in Honors or AP classes,” Mason said. “Even if it’s harder, I am happy they allowed us not to take finals, especially since senior year is already so stressful.”
Students find finals stressful as is. Students and even teachers have questioned the importance of having finals.
“I honestly don’t see the point in finals other than stressing the students out,” Mason said.
The fall semester is stressful for seniors, with many college applications due at the beginning of November. The new 92.5% policy adds to that stress.
“I think finals are less important as a senior, especially in the second semester,” Curtis said.
The second semester seems less critical to seniors due to their grades and transcripts already being submitted in college applications, strengthening the argument for removing seniors’ finals. Still, students can appreciate allowing seniors to work hard and earn being exempted from finals.
