Student Blog: A Midterm Exam Survival Guide

I’m halfway through the semester, which means two things: the weather’s starting to get warmer and exams are upon us. Any exam can be very stressful, but when multiple are happening in the same time frame, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. With midterm season happening now at my school, I figured this would be a perfect opportunity to share my advice in order to get through it.

My first tip is to plan everything out by blocking out time for studying. You can write it down on paper, or you can get fancy with it and use calendar/scheduling apps. There’s a ton out there, so it’s easy to find one that works perfectly for you. I use Notion for writing down exam dates because I like the format: it’s very easy to read. When it comes to scheduling blocks of time in my day, such as times I should study, I prefer to use Tiimo. This format is also easy to understand, and I find that it helps me stay on track whether I need to study or plan any other event in my day.

After planning out when you will study, it’s important to stay committed. When it’s time, eliminate any distractions and get in the proper headspace to learn. I find that meditating beforehand is a good way to have a proper mindset. In addition, it’s important to study the right way. Everybody studies differently, but regardless, it’s important to study effectively. This may include skimming through slideshows, reading the textbook, or watching videos. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re making good use of your study session and staying productive. I like rereading my notes and referring back to images in the slideshows. I also find that YouTube videos are especially helpful when you need more of an understanding on a specific topic.

Even with proper studying and planning, it’s normal to feel stressed. When this happens, it’s okay to take a short break. This may include going for a walk, listening to music, or taking a power nap. I like to listen to relaxing music to calm down, such as lofi. As long as the break isn’t too long, it can actually help you study more effectively. You’ll feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle more studying. Studying for hours on end with no breaks can be more draining and less effective in the long run.

Finally, above all, make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Make sure to eat filling meals, drink lots of water, and get a good amount of sleep each night. It’s easy to get sidetracked, but it’s important to keep yourself healthy, even under lots of stress. Pulling all-nighters to study usually doesn’t help because you’ll be exhausted by the time you take your exam, so in my opinion, it’s better to prioritize sleep the night before.

Overall, if you follow the steps above, you’ll create healthy habits that will not only help you ace your midterms, but any exam in general. Creating a routine that works for you will result in better habits that will help you for years to come. Best of luck on your midterms (if you have them)!