How to Survive Midterms:
MIDTERMS?! But seriously, how is the semester half way done already? It feels like just yesterday I was lugging boxes up the stairs to my apartment with the help of my mom (Thank you mom!) and we were all just getting ready to start the academic year. This is making it SO hard to believe that we’re at that time of the year where Case becomes home and work is piling up so high that you’re tempted to give up on school and join the circus.
Though midterms are not exactly comparable to final exams, as the material on midterms only compromises of about half of what's been covered in class, midterms can surprisingly be even more stressful than finals. Finals week is much more structured and organized; the school provides ample time to study since classes are no longer in session. However, during midterms, life at Colgate continues as per usual. On top of studying for these daunting exams, you still have to go to classes, clubs meetings, practices, etc. Therefore, this week can be MUCH more hectic than you are led to believe. If I scared you, I apologize, but fear not! I am here to help you with some tips on how to survive this hectic week.
Find a friend or fellow classmate, compare your class notes.
Though you may have completed all of the readings and paid thorough attention during all of the class lectures (yeah, right), there could be information and ideas that you may have missed or may not have formed regarding the course material that can be beneficial for taking the midterm. I am a huge advocate of study groups. Everyone has a unique way of learning and absorbing information. Thus, learning from your peers can help you think more critically and intelligently when taking an exam.
Really use those on-campus resources and tutors. They are there to help you.
Sadly during my final year at Colgate, I finally came to realize there are numerous resources the university provides that are very much under-utilized. First of all, most courses (particularly those in the Science, Mathematics, and Economics departments) offer tutors. These tutors are students who have already completed these courses and were hand-chosen by the course professors to help students who are currently taking the course. In other words, these students really, really know what they are talking about. If the class that you need additional help in offers a tutor, you should absolutely go meet during his or her office hours with a list of questions or concerns you have regarding the midterm exam.
Course tutors are also beneficial because meeting with a fellow student may be less anxiety provoking and more comforting than meeting with a professor. In addition, if your class does not have a tutor provided, the Peer Tutoring Club can help you find another fellow Colgate student who can help you on the subject. These students are incredibly smart and this program is awesome. I promise, the Peer Tutoring Club will definitely assist you on those midterms. If only I had used these resources sooner then maybe Intro to Economics would not have been as much of a struggle-fest.
Take Breaks
You may be so overwhelmed with studying and writing papers that you have doomed yourself to a cubicle in Case or Cooley for the rest of eternity. Though it is important to get your work done, study breaks are necessary. They don’t have to be long, but stepping away from the textbook on that wooden table or the computer screen for even 10 minutes will help your brain recharge and leave you refreshed and better equipped to write and study. If you’re looking for a quick break without having to leave the library, walk up to the café and chat with Cathy or some of the other employees. They love to talk and hear what’s going on up the hill. However, DO be cautious to make sure those breaks aren't too long. Procrastination does not yield positive outcomes.
Read the Campus Distribution Emails
This one may seem quite ridiculous, but trust me; those annoying emails are valuable and very informative. I must admit I am guilty of complaining that the, "Upcoming Colgate and Community Events" emails are useless and are just a waste of space in my iCloud storage. Therefore, when I used to get these emails, I would instantly make them the newest member of my gmail trash folder. However, the campus distribution emails will provide you with information on school-sponsored study breaks including several free meals, group meditation, and fitness classes as well as STUDY BREAKS WITH PUPPIES AND CHOCOLATE. (the last one is in the Shaw Wellness Center and sponsored by Active Minds, just FYI)
Believe in Yourself
Midterms are overwhelming, and it is easy to be hard on yourself and feel a sense of anxiety and impending failure. Though there are many things, like the ones that I have mentioned above, that you can do to help prepare yourself for these exams, the one sole thing that is really going to help you succeed and obtain good grades is by believing in yourself. If you have the confidence and the mindset that you are going to study and complete your midterms to the best of your ability, then you are likely to do so much better than if you walked into the exam with the, “I’m totally going to fail this” mentality. Your attitude and frame of mind is ultimately what dictates your performance. So stay positive, you are both awesome and smart and will succeed.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE, YOU REALLY CAN DO IT!
