How to be More Effective for the Midterm Period

You have survived the onslaught of essay assignments and examinations during the weeks leading to Christmas, and you can't help but brag about it to your friends on a few occasions. You have earned it, so there's nothing to be ashamed of it. As a matter of fact, bragging would make you more confident about the coursework during the remainder of the winter season. Midterm is coming, and you must know how to prepare for it.

You're likely to write an essay on your midterm, which would give you trepidation. It's a normal feeling, if not a good sign that you would ace it. You have lost count of the number of essays you have written (whether you're a freshman, if not a second-year or final-year student). You have written too many papers such that you know how to outline your essay before you fill the gaps with information from research, if not knowledge from what you gain from hours of reading. Creating an outline can take some time, if not instinct would prompt you to do it in a shorter time. There's no need to panic if you don't belong in the latter, as you still have time. It may be limited, but it should be good enough. You have crossed that item from your list, so let's move to the others.

The midterm you have known is different from what you're about to experience (or would experience one more time), and this post won't teach you're the importance of deep breathing, talking it slow (while recalling the notes that you have studied the previous night), and keeping your hair (or shades or headphones) from your face while preparing for the midterm. You don't need any distraction, which includes (turning off your) cellphone. What else?

Night before Midterm: 6 Tips to Get Through the (Midterm) Mania

You should have talked to your professor. Your instructor would have arranged a review group, if not a one-one-one conversation on a limited time. If he (or she) didn't mention it before the end of the lecture, it doesn't mean that there won't be one at all. Bring it up, and then ask a lot of questions, even clarifications. It should give you a good idea of what to expect during midterm.

Study smart. Someone might have told you about tutors, who are available 24/7. You like the fact that it would be convenient on your part until you wonder if it's another urban legend. There's no point in mulling about it, even talk about it (with your friends). You could review your paper writing skills at night time, even read on books that would be related to the topic (during midterm). If you're a Literature student, you would expect a prose or poem, and you're not thinking too much about the differences between the two genres. You should have memorized the criteria of critiquing a prose and poems, and it's a given that one isn't made of stanzas. As for the rest, you could study it at early morning.

Sleep early. You know the benefits of a long sleep, as caffeine may not keep you sharp throughout the test. Errand or chores can be done on weekends, if not after lecture hours. A good night's sleep would enable you to deal with the next one.

You must understand each module, such that you could distinguish the differences and how the instructions apply to it. You would be working on a limited time, so you could think of questions related to it, and ask your professors.

A change of location could motivate you to study harder. You may be spending some time on this one, as the winter should narrow down your options. Library would be your first choice, yet you've been there one too many. How about the common kitchen? It's an unlikely location (for a study), which should make you try to sleep early. (You want to be there before the others.) The restroom is another option, but don't be inconsiderate to those who would use it.

Invite your course mates for a study group. You have lots of time to plan on this one if you manage your schedule accordingly. The exchange of ideas, as well as the friendly banters, should ease the tension and give you some assurance. Discipline is the key factor on this one, so beware of any topics that would veer you from what you're studying. The second season of "His Dark Materials", an adaptation of “The Subtle Knife”, would be an exception if you're studying Fantasy.

Morning of the Midterm: What You Must Do

The morning of the midterm would determine your chances of success. In this regard, it's important not to have a heavy breakfast. You must engage in any form of light exercise (prior to breakfast). And your professors won't reprimand you for wearing loose clothing. It's also important to bring your notes, which you should look over right before midterm. Don't forget to pay attention to the instructions.

If you don't have any questions, take a deep breath one more time.