1) Realize they’re not technically midterms. Yes, that’s what they’re called, but really these are the same thing as “tests” in high school, so don’t let the name freak you out!
2) Study with friends. Even if you’re not directly working with them, just having another person there to bounce ideas and questions off of can be incredibly helpful. The moral support is also awesome.
3) Go to SI sessions early on. These can be super useful if you’re confused about certain topics, so don’t wait until the end of the semester to visit SI reviews!
4) Don’t study in your room. This is your place to relax and settle down, so have designated “study spots” where you can go and focus exclusively on your work.
5) Be careful with caffeine. You’re inevitably going to have some nights with very little sleep, but don’t make this a habit or it can become counterproductive and hurt you more than it helps!
6) Check out the math center, the writing center, and VARC tutoring for extra help understanding concepts. They’re sweet.
7) Take breaks!! Get away from your books to go for a run, hit the gym, play basketball, get lunch with friends, go on a hike, etc. Don’t underestimate the value of relieving stress and clearing your mind with other activities.
8) Do more practice problems than your teacher assigns. The more the merrier 🙂
9) Schedule your time strategically. Google Calendar is awesome. Make sure you plan out when you will to study for each class so you don’t end up in a panicked frenzy at the end of the week trying to cram everything into one night.
10) Relax. Regardless of what happens, life will go on, and you will be okay. College is a time of growth and learning, and sometimes that comes with failure. If the tests don’t go how you planned, be resilient and bounce back for the next one. Don’t let one score discourage you or make you think that you’re incapable- just keep fighting on!
Good luck, and study hard!
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