Hi guys! It’s been a while, but I’ve had very little spare time to make a post in my first midterm season. But, I have survived, and I’ll let you have some advice I’ve come up with so that you can do well without going insane.
1. Know when your exams are!
You may think this is obvious, but it’s actually really important. You obviously don’t want your exams to creep up on you, but you should also know that in college, exams aren’t always during class time, and sometimes they aren’t even in the same place as class. And though most professors do remind you about exams, it’s better to remind yourself.
2. This goes with #1. Start studying at least a week in advance!
For my first exam, in Spanish 215H1 (great class by the way, professor Marcone is amazing), I knew that there was going to be a lot of material for me to review: basically the entire culture of the Spanish-speaking population in the 20th century. So I started studying a week before the test, and I continued to review the material every day. I ended up doing really well, and I got an A (barely, as in Spanish 92.5% is an A, not 90%. Be sure to check the grading system too!)
3. Studying tips: Make a study guide / cheat sheet!
Basically, write down everything that’s going to be on the test. That way, you have all of the information in one place, which makes it easier to review. In addition, it’s helpful to write down information, as it helps you retain the information. (It’s true, they’ve done psychological studies on it!). And some classes, such as my math class, allow you to use one! So it’s like an extra bonus if you can :D
4. Find a study group!
It’s usually helpful for certain classes to study with others. For example, if you have questions on a particular topic, chances are that someone in your group will have an answer. They can also help to solve challenge problem sets, and provide a different perspective or have a different method of solving a problem. A study group is also helpful as it gives you a chance to test yourself: Do you really know the material, or are you just memorizing things? Of course, memorization may help you get through multiple choice tests, but it won’t help you with critical thinking problems, and you won’t actually learn anything, and you won’t retain the information for the final – so you’ll have to restudy it.
5. Don’t get sick!
Or at least, do your best not to. I got sick during my midterms, and it made me very miserable and sometimes unable to focus on my work. Some things you can do to keep healthy include: eating well, and having fruits and veggies over the greasy and fat food they have at takeout; getting some exercise, even if it’s just walking or climbing up the stairs instead of taking the elevator (it’s been shown that exercise also improves brain function and concentration as well); and of course, getting enough sleep (at least 6 hours). Of course, you’ll have to structure your time really well to be able to do so. Pulling all-nighters isn’t usually necessary if you plan well, and if you do, it’s difficult to catch up on sleep. Or so I’ve been told.
6. Take breaks!
Let’s be realistic: You can’t spend 100% of your time studying. You’ll invariably be distracted, even if you do find a nice cave/alcove to study in on the second floor of Kilmer library. So make yourself study for 45-50 minutes, and then take the next 10 or so minutes to relax and check facebook, etc. And sometimes, after an exam, or late at night, it’s good to do something with your floormates and just hang out (while still getting enough sleep).
7. But of course, don’t procrastinate!
This should be self-explanatory :P
P.S. Bring pencils and pens AND A WATCH to tests, don’t show up unprepared! And remember to read the questions fully >.>
P.P.S more fun stuff later, I promise!
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