Top Ten Tips on How to Slay Your Mid-term Exams

With mid-term exams looming over Mentor High School, it’s the perfect time to reform your study habits. High school is the time when exams matter the most. They are there to help you prepare for your future. Whether you are an avid procrastinator or you just need some help, this article may help in trying to prepare for your midterms. Good luck with the next few days before break and I hope that you are able to use these tips to help make midterms go smoothly.

1. Ask your teachers for help

Your teachers want you to succeed in your classes. Throughout the study process if there is information you don’t understand, then the best thing to do is ask for help. Reviewing 1-2 weeks before your actual midterms to review concepts that were taught early in the semester or that are confusing may ensure that you have enough time to fully understand them before the exam.

2. Stay organized.

Staying organized includes working smarter not harder. If you know you have study guides and notes, then use them! Material from class is one of many helpful tools in getting a good grade on a midterm. Your teachers would have covered the information that will be on the exam, and knowing where study guides, classwork, or homework is will be beneficial to you.

3. Change of scenery.

If you stay studying in a classroom or your bedroom, you’ll feel less inclined to continue studying. Have a designated study room and take plenty of breaks. For instance, walk around, talk to friends, do a quick workout, or grab a snack. All of these are productive methods for a short break. However do not procrastinate on your studies – keep breaks short and simple.

4. Be consistent.

Studying sporadically and using a variety of different information is only going to make what you are learning more difficult. Stay on one subject for a certain amount of time until you feel that you have a better understanding of the topic. While studying, do not procrastinate, stay on topic and if you need to take a break, limit it to something that won’t cause a huge distraction so you can easily get back to learning.

5. Refer to your notes.

Your notes are not useless, you have them for a reason. A great place to start studying is to read through your notes, see if you understand the topic, and pick the parts you feel you could work on. If you have a study guide and you need some help with what is being asked, you can see if you wrote it down in your notes.

6. Create a schedule.

Classes are tough, especially right before midterms. Having a schedule for what goes on in your life would definitely be helpful. Creating an allotted time for each subject and making time to study can be very beneficial to your grades and the amount of stress you are under. If you cram the night before on only one subject, you’re not guaranteed to memorize all that information, and you’re not going to be prepared for your other tests.

7. Create goals.

When the going gets tough, focus on your goals. You may be under a lot of stress and a lot of pressure. Set goals and make them realistic, something like, “I’m going to get at least a B on my Biology midterm.” Don’t make your goals impossible and something that will cause you more stress than help. Goals help you focus on something, in this case, make them school-related so you’re studying and learning for these exams. If you make goals and are able to abide by them, you will feel accomplished. These will encourage you to do more in class and apply yourself so you do well.

8. Start sooner rather than later.

I’ve emphasized not procrastinating but it cannot be said enough. As a student – and knowing the habits of students – I know we are prone to procrastination. It can be really bad to the point we don’t do homework or feel the need to study for tests. These tests are important and are worth twenty percent of your grade. That won’t seem as terrifying if you know you are prepared for all of them.

9. Form a study group.

Your friends can help you, but don’t let them distract you. They can offer support on your subjects, moral support, and comfort, that’s what your friends are for. If you have questions and you feel comfortable working with them, then do it! It may be easier to understand certain topics if you have someone who is a peer instead of a teacher teaching them to you. Forming a study group builds communication skills and may calm your nerves about speaking up about a topic that you find confusing.

10. Get enough sleep and prioritize your health.

Getting enough sleep improves your mental health, mood, and focus. If you have too much on your plate, consider what you need to be focusing on and try to decrease your workload. Talk to your teachers, take time for yourself and understand that if you’re not doing the best mentally, your work may reflect that. Your health should be your top priority and make sure that you have an even balance of social, physical, and mental health.