Nobody enjoys taking finals. Luckily, in the second semester there is an opportunity to exempt final exams and start summer vacation early.

Now that the new semester has officially begun, it is important to remember the exemption requirements for spring final exams and to not have too many absences.

In order to exempt, absences must be kept to a minimum and grades have to be high. Students are allowed to be absent four days in the first semester, and only three days in the second. The average grade for every class must be an 85 or higher.

However, if a student reaches the third level (commended) in all subjects on the EOC test, they do not have to have an 85 average to exempt finals. Absences are still in effect, even if the EOC requirement is met. If the EOC results do not arrive at the school in time, then the 85 average is still needed to exempt.

The only way to avoid the potential absence predicament is by applying for a hardship waiver. If a student is absent for multiple days due to an illness or personal situation, a hardship waiver may be obtained.

More information on how to apply for a hardship waiver will be available later this semester.