MIDTERMS: What to Expect When You Aren't Expecting...

by Arabella Chamberlain

You might be calmly thinking to yourself "Wow, the semester just got started... SO HOW IS IT ALREADY ALMOST MIDTERMS?!?!?!?" First exams have already come and gone and suddenly, they want you to take midterms??

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It can seem crazy how fast the spring semester flies by. As soon as you start to settle into a routine and start to think you've got a handle on this semester, midterms slam into you like a tsunami. That 10-page paper is due, you've got 3 lab reports, and every professor is breathing down your neck about that upcoming exam.

When did all that happen?

While I don't know that I can solve the mystery of how midterms snuck up on all of us, maybe I can offer some help on what to expect when you aren't expecting midterms.

• Did that first exam not go so hot? Make midterms better. Start studying as early as a week or so in advance. Even though you won't have all the exam material probably, it'll be easier to add a few new things to study as opposed to studying four chapters all at once! Here are some little study tips for "Improving Concentration" from Purdue University Academic Success Center:
• "Set up an environment that is conducive to study. Plan your own quiet corner away from distractions. Include a desk stocked with all the tools you need, a comfortable chair, and good lighting." 
• TL;DR: Pick the right study spot!
•  "Study on campus. Stay on campus after class to avoid distractions in your room or dorm. When you’re done, go home and relax." 
• TL;DR: Go to the library or Stuart or Hickok... Just avoid studying in your room!
• "Take care of basic physical needs. Be sure to eat, sleep, etc. first. Plan short naps and periods of exercise to revive you."
• TL;DR: To care for your mental needs, don't forget to care for your physical needs.
• "Do something relaxing before going to bed at night. This helps to keep from dreaming about the exam you have the next day and to relax instead. Try listening to music or reading some good fiction."
• TL;DR: Before you go to sleep, do something relaxing. Don't end the night high-strung over the exam.
• It's never too late to request a tutor. Do it. Really. Just filling out the tutor request form has no obligations attached. You never even have to use the tutoring, but filling out the form means you'll have easier access if you do decide you need tutoring.

• Talk to your professors sooner rather than later. That one problem you didn't understand on the homework? Take it to your professor and ask for help. Not sure why your prof took points off of the greatest essay ever on the dichotomy of Hershey and Ferrero Rocher (humble brag)? Ask them now so you won't make the same mistake on an essay question at midterms.

However you do on your midterms, don't forget - this is just one exam. There will be others if this one doesn't go your way. If you notice a trend in poor performance on exams, don't hesitate to fill out the Request for Academic Support (RAS) form or stop by the Learning Commons.

More Resources:
Improving Concentration - Purdue University Academic Success Center