It’s that time of the year again… Midterm Season! However, this year, we don’t have a Spring Break to reward us for the work we put in throughout the semester and everything is online. Naturally, this means our study habits are going to look a little different this year! If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, here’s what I do to help get you started!
- Add all midterm dates and times into your Google Calendar.
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This should be the first thing you do because with all of the classes, assignments, and Zoom meetings, it can get confusing to remember exactly when each class has a midterm. This will also give you an indication of which classes will have exams earlier in the week and also if you have multiple in one day.
- Prioritize tests.
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Since we don’t have a lot of time left before these exams begin, I have to be strategic in how I study and prepare for each test. Three things will help determine how I prioritize each exam: date of the test, rules for the test, and current knowledge of topics. The tests that I have sooner will be prioritized first because I have the least amount of time to study. The rules for the test will determine if I need to focus on more memorization or focus on getting organized to take an open-book test. If the test is proctored or not an open book, I will make have to make sure I have memorized vocab and topics. If it is open book, knowing the material is still important, but I know I will need to create study materials that are organized and I can easily refer to if needed. Lastly, if I feel like I know very little in a class, I will prioritize those exams more because I need the most help and time to study for them.
- Make a list of what is on each test.
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Refer back to each syllabus and identify if this midterm is cumulative or which chapters, topics, lectures, etc. it will cover. This helps me avoid reading chapters over again that aren’t even on the test. Having a list or idea of what is on each test will help, especially if it is open book! This way you’ll know where the possible answers can be rather than searching through EVERY chapter.
- Make note of formats.
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This semester, tests might not be like your used to… to say the least. For example, you may assume the midterm is only a multiple-choice test when in fact, it’s a 3-page paper that you have an hour to complete on a topic you won’t learn until the test starts. That may work for you, but it can definitely throw you for a loop if you aren’t prepared. Also take note of how long you have to take it, knowing when it opens and when it closes. Do not mix up the deadlines and miss the test!
- Create a study schedule.
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Now that I know what is on the test, how long I have to study, and the format, I can create a study schedule to ensure I have enough time for each class. I personally use Google Calendar and create blocks of time in my calendar. This not only helps me plan my time, but I’m more likely to do something if it is “physically” on my calendar. I treat it like a class, appointment, or any other event I would put in my calendar.
- Create documents with only vocab and definitions.
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Time for studying! For learning vocab quickly and effectively, I look at my textbook and type every bolded word in the chapter into a document with a colon or semicolon to separate. Typing them this way helps save time when I input them into Quizlet, since then you can copy and paste the whole list—terms and definitions—and Quizlet will separate them into cards. As long as you identify what is separating the words (colon vs semicolon) and choose the language of the term and definition, Quizlet will handle the rest. I like this method the best for learning terms because you go through the process of typing the words and reading the definitions rather than just finding a premade Quizlet. Even if you don’t need a Quizlet, many times the tests are based on how well you understand the vocabulary. If it’s an open note exam, you can easily go into the doc you created and Ctrl+F the words and find the definition easily so you can apply it to the question.
- Re-read a specific part of the content.
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If I have basically no time before the test, I’m not going to read every chapter. It would be cramming, and that rarely ever works. If you know there is an area you’re weak in, you can spend the time getting that topic right or reviewing the main points of that chapter. Hopefully, you start studying as early as possible!
- Identify any areas where I’m confused.
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Before the final, most professors have office hours or review sessions to clear up any confusion, doubts, and questions. Take it from me, don’t be in that review session where the class ends after 5 minutes because the professor is just staring into the camera because no one is answering questions—it’s awkward and a waste of everyone’s time. If you study ahead of time, you will have time to ask any questions and show your professor you are making an effort.
- Get organized.
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If you have an open book test, looking up all the answers can take way too long. Many of the answers will come straight from lectures, and if you know where to look, you can find them quickly. Combine lecture slides into one PDF, all of your notes into one Google Doc, and all of your Quizlets into a large deck of flashcards. This will help you quickly search through the documents without having to have tons of tabs open.
- Breathe.
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Don’t forget to breathe! Most likely, this test won’t make or break you. You got this!
There are definitely other ways to study and prepare for exams, and each person has to do what works best for them. However you choose to prepare, we wish you the best of luck!