It’s that time of the semester… midterms. That dreaded word has been brought up in almost every class and has only added stress to our lives as collegiettes. Although exams are certainly not something we look forward to, we must survive them and strive for high scores. Here are some tips to live by that will help you de-stress beforehand:
1. Organize and plan your schedule – Teachers begin throwing out exam dates the week before midterms and it is important to take note and prepare yourself. Make sure you get down all dates in your planner and designate free time for studying. This will make your life much easier when exams come around because you will know what is coming far in advance and will have put forth enough time for studying.
2. Find a quiet study spot – Although Belk Library may seem like the most logical place to study during exams, it is most times not. It can be very difficult to find seating and running into friends can become distracting. My No. 1 study spot at Elon definitely has to be Lindner’s Reading Room. Not only does it remind me of Harry Potter, but it is also one of the most silent rooms on campus. The individual desks and calm atmosphere will lock you into studying.
3. Spread studying out – The best tactic you can use before midterms is spacing out your studying rather than leaving it all until the night before. By designating 30 minutes each night to studying for different classes, you can help cement the material in your brain. It is really hard to retain large amounts of information the night before a big test, so do yourself a huge favor and avoid that.
4. Go to yoga – Numerous studies have shown that there is a strong link between exercise and memory, so why not head over to a yoga class? It will help you relax as well as boost your memory. If you incorporate a few minutes of cardio into your day, you will find it much easier to focus on studying and retain the information you will need in order to earn an A.
5. Remain positive – It can get hard staying confident before midterms, but it is extremely important to stay positive. If you are confused about the material you covered in class, don’t hesitate to e-mail your teacher and reach out for help. That is what they are there for and they will be more than happy to go over with topics with you. Be optimistic and remember that these exams are not a matter of life or death.
6. Ignore FOMO and stay in – FOMO… Fear Of Missing Out is something we have all experienced, but must ignore before midterms. I know it can be tempting to go out; however it is much more important to study and get a good night’s sleep. Your brain will thank you the next morning.
7. Visualize success – One of the best ways to boost your confidence before exam week is to imagine yourself acing your tests. The more you visualize this, the more effort you will put towards studying, and the more likely you will get an amazing grade. Thinking this way will help you remember more information and ultimately perform better.
8. Take study breaks – There is nothing wrong with taking a break from studying and stopping by Moseley for a quick snack. Breaks are both healthy and necessary in order to effectively retain the information you have been drilling into your head for hours. Your brain will need some time to recharge before diving back into studying again.
9. Eat properly – The morning before your exam, make sure to wake up early so that you have enough time for a balanced breakfast. Greek yogurt with granola and fruit is a great option. Bananas are known for giving instant energy boosts, so be sure to stock up on them before your exams. Don’t rush yourself and grab a protein bar for breakfast – that will not hold you over. You will not want to be preoccupied with hunger pains
during your exam because it will be a huge distraction.
10. Get enough sleep – This is without a doubt the most important piece of advice you can follow. Lack of sleep can have a serious impact on your performance the next day. Be sure to do something to unwind and get in bed at a decent hour. Reading before bed can help you relax and take your mind of schoolwork before sleep. Feeling well rested the morning of an exam is key!