“Midterms.”

The word rings horror, dread, and other unenthusiastic emotions in most students’ ears. For some, it signals memorable all-nighters. For others, it means a season of productive reading, review, and recitation. However, the season that follows is usually far more pleasant: a period of real R&R - rest and relaxation. However, midterms themselves need not always have to translate to tedious days of stressful cramming and studying. With the implementation of just a few useful academic and mental strategies, one can turn Midterms season into a spell of academic success (aka eventual Dean’s List approvals!).

1. Start Early

“Do not wait ‘til the clock strikes twelve to start studying”.

In this matter, Cinderella sets a bad example. Procrastination is utterly futile when it comes to actually helping one comprehend concepts and apply critical thinking skills necessary for nearly all midterms, Finals and papers.

Instead: Organize/rewrite your notes and make flashcards in advance in order to effectively cement all content into your long-term memory. Take full advantage of weekends, if you can. Discover your fortes; do you perform better when strengthening your weakest subject areas or when perfecting your strong suits?

2. Space Out Your Study Schedule and Your Midterm Study Schedule (If Possible)

Launder and meal prep before Midterm season starts. Use study apps and tools like Quizlet and Cold Turkey to maintain proper concentration on academics alone. Establish a timeline of what to study and how long to study it well before Midterm season approaches - incorporate short study breaks, if possible. Study every course at least once, even if that means devoting just a small chunk of time to each area. If your Midterm Exam Schedule (Google Calendar and NinjaCourses help with this!) includes three or more examinations on a single day, make it a point to discuss potential alternatives to such a jam-packed timetable with your professor/school authorities. Oftentimes, you’ll be surprised by how simply asking can give you what you need (in this case, a more manageable midterm examination agenda).

3. Practice Self-Care: Without the “Treat Yo’ Self” Mentality

“Stressed” is “Desserts” spelled backwards.

Staying away from unhealthy snacks, sweets, fried foods, and those tempting Twinkies becomes inherently difficult when cortisol (stress hormones) levels are peaking during midterm season. But don’t give in! Endeavor to avoid excessive coffee/boba and energy drinks and indulge in some good ol’ water (fruit-infused perhaps!) to boost your brainpower. Never skip meals either; constant - not sporadic - energy levels are the goal here.

Not only will your love handles and metabolism regret packing on the pounds, but so will your performance: consuming such empty calories devoid of nutrition will cause sugar crashes and extremely unaffordable energy dips, rendering your study efforts both inefficient and ineffective.

Instead: Exercise often, rejuvenate through a cup of herbal tea and watch one YouTube music video that appeals to you for recreation. Keep healthy snacks at the ready. Maintain personal hygiene by consistent brushing and bathing. Recharge with frequent, timed naps and resist the urge to under-/over-sleep. Doing so will train your brain and body to stay refreshed and reach its maximum potential.

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Hopefully, these sanity-preserving strategies will help you thrive in the examination halls (or lecture rooms) All in all, if one studies hard, focuses on one’s strength and balances studying with adequate exercise, sleep and nutrition, there is little chance that the class curve or ‘odds’ (of stellar grades) won’t fall in one’s favor. Don’t think; just jump into the studying bandwagon and soon, one will cruise through midterms - and finals - in a jiffy, landing A’s throughout!