Midterm Prep
By: Hebah Habib
By: Hebah Habib
It’s almost that time of year again! Midterm Season!
After enjoying all the holiday festivities and taking time to rest and relax, it’s important to be prepared for the major assessments right around the corner. Here’s some tips to make it a bit less stressful:
Plan ahead
Marking test dates on your calendar and scheduling times to study is a great way to prepare yourself and make tasks less overwhelming. Studying in small increments over time and consistently reviewing material is proven to work better than cramming and trying to remember everything last minute. Planning ahead prevents additional stress that could potentially inhibit performance while taking your test.
Study Strategies
Before midterms, determine what studying strategies work best for you. Do you work better at a certain point in the day? Is there a specific playlist or color you associate with a subject? For certain people, studying in a group might help them understand concepts better while others prefer working independently. Everyone studies differently, but what’s most important is studying effectively. Though studying for hours on end may sound incredibly helpful, it's how you study during that time that matters most.
Use your resources
Newington High School has numerous resources available to help you do your best. Our Writing Center is up and running for help with essay or class writing, and the Student Assistance Center (SAC) always has students and teachers that are more than willing to help you. I also find it really helpful to compile all my notes from the beginning of the year and go over them as a refresher. If you still have doubts or worries, speak with your teachers and counselor; they may be able to find a solution or reduce anxiety surrounding your midterm by clarifying concepts or helping you.
Take care of yourself
Maintaining your physical and mental health is just as, if not more important than, preparing for exams. Try to eat healthier and stay adequately hydrated. On test day especially, try to eat breakfast and bring a water bottle to school. Food is fuel for the brain! Do not underestimate a good night’s sleep. Power down those devices and go to bed. This time can be really overwhelming, but remember that actually remembering what you learned in the long-term and the effort you put into learning is most important. A grade is a grade, but you are a whole individual, and everything that you are capable of cannot be reduced to a test grade. Take breaks when you need to, and try your best.
Finally and most importantly, have confidence in yourself! You are smart and entirely capable of success. Best of luck with midterms, we’re rooting for you!
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