You’re finally getting into a groove with your classes and you’ve found that perfect balance between your social and academic life. Things are going great and you’re loving life. But then you notice the dreaded words highlighted in your daily planner: midterms next week.
You realize that in a two-week span you have to study for three tests and write a paper. And on top of that you still have homework, a club meeting and a friend’s birthday dinner. How are you going to make it through the month?! No worries- everyone has midterms, everyone stresses out and everyone makes it through them alive!
Take a deep breath and relax
Midterms are extremely intimidating, there’s no use in denying that. You’re being tested on all the information you’ve been taking notes on for the past two months. But everyone has to take midterms and everyone is feeling the same stress and pressure that you are! By psyching yourself out over the test you’re just adding more stress than is necessary. Keep the midterm in perspective: you’ve been learning the information that you need to know for almost two months, you have all the tools you need to be successful on the test and even if you don’t get an 100%, you still have time to pull up your grade!
Prioritize
If you have a lot of tests and papers in a short amount of time, prioritize what to study for first. The sooner the test, the more you need to study so keep that in mind when you’re delegating your time to your classes. If you feel confident in the material for one class, don’t spend so much time studying for it, but instead devote your time to other classes and then just do a small review for the class you already know the information in.
Be Resourceful
If you know some of the other students in your lecture or discussion, suggest that you all have a giant study session before the exam. It’s always a good review to study the information with other people because it tests your knowledge and allows you to review the material. You may even learn something new or get some good study tips! Many professors and GSIs hold office hours before tests so utilize this opportunity to go in and clarify any confusion you may have or to ask questions. Also, you can go online to different sites, such as www.studyblue.com, and search the class you have an exam for. Other students who have taken the class often times will add study guides, flash cards or review material that can help you study!
Change up your study spot
Often times when you study for a long time in the same spot you start to space out and get antsy. Change up where you usually study and find a new place to review your notes. A change of scenery will keep your mind fresh and you won’t go stir crazy from sitting in the same place for hours on end. Take advantage of the stacks in the graduate library or take a trip to the Ross library for some peace and quiet!
Good luck on midterms! You’re going to do great :)