The word “midterms” is enough to make even the most experienced college senior shudder or at least groan and roll their eyes. Even courses without a big, ominous capital "m," Midterms are plopped in the middle of the semester to shake us out of our complacency and remind us that teachers demand more than just weekly readings and lecture attendance. The stress and often distress in my friends and classmates’ eyes alone tell me that midterm season is upon us.
But fear not, fellow students: I have some tips for surviving midterm exams, or whatever assessment your professors are foisting upon you in this fateful month:
1. Take care of yourself.
It doesn’t matter how much you’ve studied if you’re too tired, sick, or hungry to focus during the test! Your body is your greatest asset, and like any machine it needs the right amount and kind of fuel to work properly. I know it’s tempting to skip meals or sleep to get the last couple hundred words in on a paper, but food and rest are your best defenses against illness. Take study breaks when you need them, but consider putting off that all-night "Parks and Recreation" marathon until after midterms. Trust me, it’ll be a lot more fun when you don’t have an impending exam on your mind, and you’ll thank yourself for the extra sleep.
2. Keep a calendar.
The only thing worse than hunger and exhaustion is the “The test is today?” or “ I forgot about that paper!” feeling of panic. Use a planner, a whiteboard, or the calendar app on your smartphone – it doesn’t matter what form your calendar is in, as long as you know which assignments are due when! For each of your classes, look in your syllabus and find the exam dates and project due dates. If you can’t find a due date in the syllabus, then ask your teacher or TA. Put these dates on your calendar, and then remember to look at the calendar every day so you know what to work on!
3. Your professor is your best resource.
I know they seem intimidating, standing up at the front of the lecture hall with their university degree and comprehensive knowledge of their subject. However, your professors' office hours are at your disposal! A teacher’s goal is for you to learn, and if you feel that you aren’t learning from what they say in the classroom, you can go to them for more help. If you don’t feel comfortable approaching your teacher, or if you can’t make their office hours, then send them an email or talk to a TA instead.
Best of luck during your midterm season!
