There it is. That one word. The bane of your college existence: MIDTERMS.
Midterms don’t have to be terrible. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, just remember that every single person in your class is going through the same thing as you, so you’re definitely not alone. Midterms can be very difficult, so here are a few tips to help you get through midterm season without getting brainsick.
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1. Find your favorite study spot
Whether it’s a table in Odegaard, underneath a tree in the quad, or even at your desk in the dorms, you’re going to feel more at home in one spot in than any other. Pick a quiet spot with little to no outside distractions. Studying in the same spot with no distractions (yes, that means you should put away your phone!) will allow you to concentrate more and, when midterm day comes around, you’ll remember the important things rather than what your friend texted you yesterday.
2. Take Breaks
It might sound counterintuitive, but pulling an all-nighter the night before an exam is not the best way to prepare yourself. Start studying a week or two beforehand, and study in chunks at a time! Your brain needs breaks in the middle in order to retain what it’s learned and prepare for learning new things. You’re going to feel so much more prepared if you study with breaks, and it will show in your results as well!
3. Expect to Learn Something
If you go into your exam feeling curious, you might pick up a few things about how your professor tests and what you can use to better your studying for the next exam. You might learn about your strengths and weaknesses in exams, which can only help in future tests!
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4. Read the Textbook
Okay, everyone says this one, but with college midterms, everything is fair game. You might have your professor off-handedly refer to a page in the textbook and never bring it up again, only to find that that page would have totally helped you answer a question on your test! Make sure to read the pages of the textbook that correspond to your lectures, and taking notes is always a good idea! If you prepare throughout the quarter, you won’t be feeling left behind during midterm season.
5. Believe in yourself!
Midterms can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel anxious and be harsh on yourself. All the studying in the world won’t help if you don’t have a positive attitude and the confidence that you will do well. Instead of thinking “I’m going to tank this,” think that you’re going to pass with flying colors. Your attitude ultimately determines your performance, so don’t worry so much! You’re going to do great!