Midterms: EVERY college student’s worst nightmare. Things seem to be going along smoothly and then –BAM! This time of the semester is dreaded almost as much as final exams. There is a certain hysteria caused by midterm exams. They roll around so quickly that you may hear some people on the yard express how they don’t feel they’ve learned anything yet to be tested. The library is packed with students on computers feverishly typing reports, printing materials for group projects and attempting to cram.
How can one be better prepared for this time of year? It is simple! By keeping up with your course syllabus, you can keep track of what assignments, group projects, exams, and other materials to be covered in class and on your own time. This should be read thoroughly because any questions that you may have about the course or your work may already be answered within its contents. Whether it is your first semester or your last, this certainly does not lose its importance and should always be referred to first. The following are some study tips I have found to personally work best for me.
- Don’t exhaust yourself while studying –take breaks! Ever heard of a brain fart? I experience these more often when I study non-stop. It’s also like pressing the refresh button on your browser when something isn’t loading properly.
- Study your LEAST favorite subject/whatever you feel you need improvement on first! By getting this out of the way, you won’t rush through or procrastinate during your study time. It’s like taking the medicine first, and studying you favorite/best subjects after are like the spoonful of sugar (no Mary Poppins).
- Study in groups! Two heads are better than one isn’t a popular expression for no reason. By studying with a partner or small group of people, you have an advantage by seeing new tactics your classmates use that help them excel academically. They can also introduce new and interesting ways for you to retain information.
- Find alternate study sources! In today’s world, we have a cornucopia of resources beginning with the internet. Many books come with websites that have flash cards, practice quizzes, and several other study tools. Most of these should be free, or at least have a free trial for the semester or other time needed.
- Create a section in your notes for questions to ask your professor after class or during an appointment during office hours! Whether you have a question on the day’s lesson or you don’t quite understand the assigned reading of the material that will be on the exam just ask! You’ll be surprised that maybe someone else may have the exact burning question or you could possibly help a classmate with a question they have yet to think of.
- Create acronyms or even a song! Studying is all about what works for YOU. So if creating a new word or jamming in your head as you study helps, jam on Webster!
Hope these tips could be of assistance. Good luck on midterms!
Photos courtesy of Victor Harper
Nadejah Whitted
HBCU Buzz Staff Writer
