Is it midterms already?
March 9, 2019
Graphic by Kaitlyn Biri
Yes, I know we are all thinking “how can it be time for midterms already?” “Where has the time gone?” More importantly, “where have our grades gone?”
If you’re feeling like there is no way your grade could possibly be what Moodle says it is, don’t stress. There is still plenty of time left this semester, and midterms are just a helpful reminder that we need to get it together.
Although annoying, they serve as that after break push we need to grind out the rest of spring. With that in mind, take the unnecessary pressure off of midterms and focus on crushing them instead. Here are some tips to help:
- Make a Plan
Figuring out when you have a test is one of the easiest ways to de-stress yourself. Plan out each day and know the date and time of each test scheduled in the next week or so.
- Work Smarter, not Harder
Yes, it’s a lot of material, but no, your professors are not trying to trick you.
Instead of opening the book and crossing your fingers that you study the right stuff, go back. Look at handouts, notes or anything that has been emphasized over the course so far. Teachers tend to repeat things. Think back on subjects they really talked about, and then, study that.
- A Little Bit at a Time
Once you have picked out the important information, it is time to study.
Looking at piles of notes may be overwhelming but not everything has to be memorized in one night. The most effective way to study is to break up the material and study a little bit each night.
This way, your brain gets a refresher, and you can see it more than once.
- Make a New Study Guide
Along with all your old notes, it helps to make one overall, midterm study guide for each class. Writing and rewriting the same material has proven to help with memorization and organization.
Although this may seem like more work, by having everything you need to study in one place, it saves more time than you would think.
- You Got This
When it comes time for the test, there is no need to panic. Review a few hours beforehand and relax.
As a frequent crammer, there is no need for this hectic technique unless absolutely necessary, and even then, it rarely turns out well.
Preparation can be an annoying aspect of exams, but it is a way better feeling going in prepared than not. Take the time to study for these upcoming midterms as to not have to stress as much for finals down the road.
