Every college student is familiar with the inevitable feelings of stress and pressure that accompany midterms. And when your school is on the quarter system, with exams ranging from as early as Week 3 to as late as Week 8, it can feel like midterm season is never ending.
As we move past the halfway point in the quarter, with midterm season in full swing, I wanted to share my top three tips to make these trying times a little easier. At first glance, these may seem like common sense, but when you’re caught up in the chaos of studying for exams after exams, even the obvious things are worth a reminder.
- . Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
-
I really do understand the temptation to procrastinate. But after many late nights, I eventually had to face the fact that, unfortunately, studying is much easier when you don’t wait until the very last minute.
Start studying further in advance and spread your work over the course of multiple days, rather than trying to cram for hours on end the night before. In the long run, it’ll save you so much stress and give you more time to understand the material!
- . Take Breaks
-
It’s also important that within each study session, you take breaks. This may seem counterproductive, but when you try to study for hours on end without stopping, it’s easy to lose focus and start zoning out. Rather than actually retaining the material, you end up realizing how much time has passed. Giving your brain a break every so often allows it to reset and process the information you’ve studied so far. If you want a structured schedule for your breaks, try the Pomodoro technique!
And if you need ideas for some quick break activities, try going on a walk, grabbing some coffee, getting a sweet treat with your friends, or even just scrolling on TikTok for a few minutes!
Photo by lily oneal - . Look After Yourself
-
Lastly, make sure you’re taking care of yourself! When a single midterm can be worth up to 50% of your grade, it is natural to be stressed (especially when you’re in a competitive environment). Prioritizing your academics is essential, but when you’re putting pressure on yourself to the point of anxiety, lack of sleep, or burnout, that pressure just becomes counterproductive.
Remember that midterms are important, but they are not everything. One exam won’t make or break the rest of your life. You have to put in the work to study and prepare, but you also have to stay positive and trust that the work you’ve put in will allow you to succeed!
If you have a midterm coming up soon, I hope you remember these tips. I wish you the best of luck!