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Congratulations! You’ve made it halfway through the semester. Whether you’re a freshman completing your first college classes, or a senior finishing your last fall, midterms can always be daunting.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare and de-stress this midterm season:
Create a plan
Your plan is dependent on your time and learning style.
First, determine when your midterms are. Decide which midterms you want to prioritize studying for. This may depend on the proximity of the midterm or your confidence level of the material. Once you evaluate your midterms, review your schedule and find times you have available to study. Though sororities might not have chapters or other activities during midterms, other extracurriculars may continue, so it’s essential to block out time to study.
Now that you know when you will study- it’s time to figure out how.. Everyone studies differently, depending on their learning style. Visual learners may memorize information better through Mind Maps or flashcards. Auditory learners may remember information through Mnemonic devices or verbal repetition. You can identify your learning style by taking the quiz HERE.
Find a study group
According to Harvard University, studying in groups can be more beneficial than studying alone. Study groups are a great place to ask questions, discuss concepts and review material with the support of others. If you’re unsure about the material, someone in your study group can likely help you understand.
They can also be used for accountability. Groups can encourage individuals to study their own material in a group setting. While everyone may be doing their own thing, learning with others can promote productivity.
You can form your group with classmates, students studying the same subjects or your friends. Some sorority chapters create their own groups to promote academic success.
Go to office hours
If you need extra support alongside your study group, visit your professor’s office hours or review sessions. Attending office hours can build rapport with your professor, as you are putting in effort for their class. Use office hours to ask your professor questions about the material the test covers and its format.
If you feel nervous approaching your professor alone, ask a friend, sorority sister or classmate to tag along. Having someone familiar with you may ease your anxiety.
Celebrate small wins & take breaks
It’s important to acknowledge the progress you’ve made and take time for something other than studying. How you celebrate is also up to you: go out for a sweet treat with your sorority family, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, or practice self-care. The options are endless.
The Harvard Business Review states that taking moments to pause can reduce stress and improve outcomes. Promoting positive attitudes toward breaks is essential, especially for those who are scared a pause will interfere with productivity.
Search for support
Midterms are stressful. There’s no doubt about it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or feel your well-being is affected, reach out to your school’s counseling center. Counselors are certified to give advice right for you or are there just to listen. Whatever you need, your counselor will be there to support you.
If you aren’t comfortable speaking with a counselor, talk to a trusted adult, your friend or your sorority. Your sorority’s executive board encourages sisters to reach out during times of need and can set up a time to meet confidentially.
There are several methods you can choose from to prepare for this midterm season. But no matter which one you pick, always remember to keep a positive attitude. Praise yourself for the effort and progress you’ve made this semester. If you combine this with the strategies suggested, you’ll be sure to enter this midterm season with confidence.
