Midterms – Already?
We are five weeks into the semester already! This year has already been full of exciting changes here in the College of Health Science. Our name has been officially changed from the College of Allied Health to the College of Health Science, as you probably have heard. We have our own campus on Monroe Street, directly across from the baseball field, an approximate 7 minute walk from Wanda’s. To save those 7 minutes between classes, a new eatery has opened adjacent to our main office called “Monroe To Go”, a perfect spot to grab a drink or a snack on your way to class.
Now that everything and everyone has started to settle in, it’s time to kick it into high gear in preparation for midterms in only two weeks! Here are a few tips that will (hopefully) guarantee an passing grade.
Start studying NOW! Everyone knows that college students are known for late night cramming sessions right before a big test – and most people know that this approach is not very beneficial. Instead of overwhelming your brain to the point where it won’t retain anything, study small portions each day leading up to the test. Make sure to review the information you learn each day as well.
If you don’t have a planner already – get one. Organization is a key factor in success anywhere, but especially in college. Use the monthly tabs to write down important dates such as quizzes, exams, midterms, practicums, etc., and use the weekly or daily pages to write down new assignments given, and things that you need to get done that day. Don’t let yourself fall behind and get overwhelmed simply because you don’t know when things are due.
Another organization tip – create an assignments list. Either compile all assignments for all classes into one spreadsheet, by date, or use separate sheets within one Excel book for each class. Every professor has a syllabus, and almost all of them include all the assignments and their due dates. It becomes a bit irksome trying to find the syllabus each time you need information on an assignment, so copy and paste the info all into one place. Organization will help reduce your stress levels, and help you create a clear, focused plan for what needs to get done and when.
Prioritize! Figure out which subjects you need to prepare more for, and allocate your time accordingly. Don’t spend all your time reviewing things you have mastered, use your time wisely and go the extra step and do some extra problems or read extra material on topics that you are fuzzy on.
Take time to care for your health – mentally, physically, and spiritually. All three can be covered in one, by taking a long walk and listening to worship music, for example, or in separate events for each. It is extremely important to take time for yourself to relax and unwind, especially when there is a lot going on and so many things to study for. Make sure you are eating right, sleeping enough, getting some exercise, spending time alone with God, with yourself, with friends. These all seem like little things that aren’t related to a midterm, but they are extremely relevant. Take care of yourself, and your brain (and your grades!) will thank you for it.
I hope you will find these tips relevant and helpful in preparation for your midterms! I want to leave you with one final thought – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3
You can do it!