Midterm season is well among us and nobody is looking forward to it.
To make this season a good one, it would be a smart idea to be prepared for all your midterms. Midterms are just as important as finals and should be treated as such. Follow these tips and you are sure to secure an ‘A’, or at least a satisfying grade, on any exam:
Get Rest
Many of us believe that cramming all night for exams is the way to go but it is not. It is important to get enough rest to perform well on any test. It is much harder to focus when all you can think about is the nap you are going to take as soon as that midterm is over. Sleep well that way you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Plan Ahead
Set out ahead of time the times and days you are going to focus on a particular subject. It is very possible to have up to several midterms, so staying organized will ensure you give each class enough attention. To-do lists are a great way to do this. At the end of the day, you will feel extremely accomplished seeing how much you have crossed off your list.
Complete Study Guides Ahead of Time
Some professors are amazing enough to create study guides for students and I highly recommend taking advantage. Do not wait until the night before midterms to complete study guides because there is no way you will retain all the information. Try completing a little at a time at least a week in advance.
Ask Questions
Never be afraid to ask for clarification on topics you are not so sure about. Many professors love when students come to them for help and will be more than happy to help you.
Choose Calm, Study-Friendly Environments
Choose places to study where you can be focused, not including your bed. The library, coffee shops and even the park can be great places to study. Sometimes a change in scenery is all you need to have an effective study session.
Do Not Be Afraid of Breaks
Midterm season can be stressful but give your body and mind a break without feeling guilty about it. Go for a walk, read a book or even watch a show between study breaks. The Recreational Activity Center on campus offers group fitness classes – including yoga and meditation – that would be an awesome way to breathe a bit.
Remain Positive
The worst thing you can do is walk into class on test day with the “oh, I know I am going to fail this” mindset. If you say you are going to fail, then you probably will. Try to think more positively about your performance on exams. The positive mindset should also be applied when preparing for your midterm. It may be difficult but try having a positive attitude during study sessions because you know that you are working towards securing your ‘A’.