“Midterms?” I hear you scoff. “But that’s eons away!” 

I hate to break it to you, kid, but we are already well into the spring semester. They will be here faster than you think. As the weather gets warmer, your tests get closer. The sooner you start preparing, the fewer mental breakdowns you will have later on in the semester.

Step one: preparation is key

Do not be the kid who waits until three days before midterms to do the coursework. Do all of your work, turn everything in, study for any quizzes and tests you may have. Do not blow off the seemingly pointless assignments. Those are easy As, and will matter a lot when you have an 89.9 rather than a 90. Staying on top of your work will also help you, come finals week. You will be a lot less stressed if you only need to pass the final to get an A, rather than needing to get an A to pass the course.

Step two: study, study, study!

As your tests get closer, do not put off studying until the last minute. Find out what material will be covered. Learn it. Memorize it. Become one with it. Do whatever you need to in order to remember the information. Everyone studies a different way. I prefer to sit at the library until I know everything by heart, but some prefer to call in their friends for help. Do whatever works best for you!

Step three: treat yourself

After you get done with those grueling study sessions, reward yourself. Get a cake pop from Starbucks. Watch your favorite movie. Play a video game. Binge watch shows on Netflix. Do whatever makes you happy and helps you de-stress. School is important, but your mental well being comes first! Set up a small reward system. For instance, after finishing a chapter allow yourself to watch one episode of your favorite show -- if you have enough self control!

Also, don’t forget to take breaks if you are beginning to feel too stressed. Drink water, go for a jog, maybe nap a bit! That diploma will not do you any good if you work yourself to death.

Step four: don’t panic

Midterms are just midterms. If you do end up doing badly, don’t sweat it. You still have half a semester to do better. Learn from your mistakes, keep your head up, and go enjoy your spring break!