The weather is starting to get cooler and the leaves are changing colors. That can only mean one thing: it’s time for midterms. Whether for projects or exams, stress levels are heightened during midterm szn. Read on for some advice that will help you perform your best.
- Take full advantage of office hours.
If you have a lingering question or two, attend office hours. Your professors are experts in these subject areas. You can attend with just one question in mind or ask for a review of a section of the textbook. If you want an answer straight from the source, there’s nothing office hours can’t beat. Teaching Assistants are also a great resource because they have been in your position before. They have already taken (and aced) the course and would be more than happy to share a few words of wisdom. It might be easier to go up to your TA for clarification or reiteration of themes you explored in class. Whatever the case, make use of office hours. If the times available do not suit your schedule, you can email them accordingly to set time aside to meet.
• Find your study technique.
We are all different learners who pick up on information at different paces. It’s natural for your studying techniques to be different from those of your friends or other students in the class. It is also normal for your studying techniques to have changed from high school. You may be more of a visual learner and find videos to reinforce the material. You can also be more of an auditory learner and rewatch the lectures. Some students find that color-coding their notes and bullet-pointing information is most effective. A form of active recall may help you feel more comfortable with the material. Once you find the technique that works best for you, make sure to apply it to all of your classes.
• Give yourself breaks!
Days before an exam, it can sometimes feel like all you’re doing is studying. To prevent yourself from burning out, you can spread out your studying to give yourself breaks in between. It could be anything from a 15 minutes Tik-Tok break or a quick cat nap. Taking breaks will help you perform at your best and keep absorbing new pieces of information. This also includes spacing out studying so you are not left cramming material at the last minute.
Most importantly, remember to take a deep breath. You are putting in the effort and will see the results once the exam rolls around. Shake off those nerves and show them what you’ve got.
Good luck!