The time approaching midterm exams could be filled with stress and frustration while cramming in knowledge. For freshmen, this period could cause confusion since many haven’t experienced these types of tests before. The best way to overcome this sluggish and aggravating point in the school year is to discover study habits that will benefit you and your test scores. There are multiple study tips that I and others have adopted over the years that we feel would be beneficial to freshmen and this new experience.
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Prioritize the Classes You Need to Study for the Most
Studying more often for classes that you have a lower grade in than others is an ideal way to go about. I would suggest making a schedule with shorter but more frequent study sessions to not keep the sessions too long. In that schedule, use multiple days for the challenging classes. A helpful resource with a built in study schedule is in the “Exam Guide” app on all student iPads.
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Find a Study Setting That Fits You
When it comes to your surroundings, you have to find a place where you are able to get work done. Whether that’s in a quiet corner of the CMC or a coffee shop with some headphones in, make sure you can study without any distractions.
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Prepare Well in Advance
Avoid cramming a large exam because it leads to lack of sleep and extra anxiety and frustration. Create a study plan that begins well in advance of midterms. Take your study guides and break them up into sections. Do one section per day or a little bit per day opposed to studying an entire semester in one setting. It’s much less stressful to break it up into parts than all at once. Review all of your old tests for the semester because the material in your tests will be on the midterm.
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GO SEE YOUR TEACHERS!!!
Even if you have a 100% in the class, they could always help you. They are available before and after school. Take advantage of the opportunity. Even if you don’t have any questions, go listen and observe. There is a chance you’ll hear something you don’t know. Make sure you’re well rested going into midterms. Don’t stay up too late the night before exams because that could hurt your chances of a better grade.
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Get Plenty of Sleep
Don't fall victim to the all-nighter cram session the night before the exam! If you roll into the classroom and are sleep deprived, you will surely not perform to your best abilities. Put in the work early on, and then trust your training.