Midterm Study Tips

We’re a few weeks away from midterms and although we will all probably study last minute, I figured I would throw this blog post out there for people who want to start early this year. I have never had any midterms in the three semesters I have been in college but this semester I do so these tips will be helpful for the both of us. We all hate cumulative exams and although they are not as bad as finals, there is still quite a bit of information covered. With these study tips, you can ensure that you are adequately prepared for your exam and just a little less stressed as we count down the days until Spring Break!

Make a midterm study schedule: This can apply for both exams in general and the topics you will review for each exam. The key to these weeks leading up to midterms is to have a plan. Sit down and decide the level of comfort you have with each topic being covered on the exam and use those findings to determine how much time you will spend reviewing them. Studying little by little each day will help prevent you from getting overwhelmed and too stressed out from studying the weekend or day before. 

Speak up and ask questions: The worst thing you can do is go into a midterm with discomforts and ambiguities about topics being covered on the exam. If you are struggling with a particular topic, make sure you reach out for help. There are professors, friends and fellow classmates who probably understand the material better than you do and can help lead you in the right direction. Ask as many questions as you can and make it known that you care and are trying because after all, the professors may remember that when it comes time to submit final grades and you are 1 point away from an A!

Use your notes and tests: This is hands down the easiest and most effective way to study. Most professors will not test you on anything they have not covered in class so why not use the notes you have. I feel like a common mistake we make when studying is feeling the need to read the textbook cover to cover. That is not going to help us understand the material any better and is honestly just a waste of time (I know this from experience). Review your notes and what was covered in class because that is more than likely what will be covered on the test. Past exams are also going to be your best friend (if the professors even return them) because most of the questions will either be similar or exactly the same. Most professors are lazy just like us and do not want to create an exam from scratch when they already have one they can tweak and re-administer to save time and energy. 

Do not sacrifice sleep: I know it may seem like a good idea to pull an all-nighter but the truth is, you do not perform at your max potential when you aren’t properly rested. A good night’s sleep is key to your success and helps you start off the day with a fresh mindset and energy. It is important that you practice this in the weeks leading up to the test as well because it will help you in your studying efforts just as much as it will help you on test day.

Take breaks: Cramming is truthfully something I do but we all know it isn't what we should be doing. It is important that you don’t overwhelm yourself all at once because then you will probably retain less than what you would like. For every hour of studying, you should take a 15 minute break to step away from the material and clear your mind. On top of taking breaks, it is also important that you switch up the scenery. Studying in one place for long periods of time can get repetitive so try and explore new places and switch it up sometimes. You can study in your room, the library, a food spot on campus, or go outside and enjoy the weather. It is just important that you do not let your studying environment become constant to avoid being overwhelmed and associating that place with stress. in future situations 

I know these next few weeks can seem pretty hard and stressful but the most important thing you need to remember is to remain positive. Stay calm, organized and focused on the task at hand and you will see your hard work pay off. At the end of the day, it is just a test so it is not the end of the world if you don’t do so well but if you follow these 5 tips, you will be pretty well off and proud of your grade at this point of the semester.

-xoxo LD