It’s midterm week.
Students slow their pace due to lack of sleep from pulling all-nighters. A subtle buzz of memorized facts fill their minds between sips of highly caffeinated coffee or energy drinks. The library is full all hours of the day, while the cafeteria remains empty. Students keep their heads in the books to make sure they can get the best grade possible on their midterms.
How do students feel when midterms roll around?
“I can’t wait until I’m done with this,” senior graphic design major Zach Johnson said when asked about his midterm mindset. How does Johnson cope with all the stress this week holds? “It’s called the weekend,” he jokes.
“My mindset is usually directed towards myself. I know it sounds bad, but I could care less about anyone during finals week,” Abby Hacker, junior education major, said. “I am focused on me, myself and I. Finals time is not time to joke around. It’s time to buckle down and get good grades.”
Students seem to be focusing on getting their work completed as soon as possible to get midterm week over with. Studying a few days ahead of time will ensure great grades and confidence for any test. “My physics professor always says ‘chance favors the prepared mind -Louis Pasteur.’ So if I am prepared, I will do fine.” Steve Halko, sophomore biology and pre-pharmacy major said.
What is the best way to study?
Is spending hours upon hours in the library effective?
Or, is it better to space your studying out over time?
“I study by going over the material and doing examples primarily before I go to bed and when I wake up,” Halko said. “Also, I take breaks. I do not like to study for more than two hours at a time.”
New students come to college not knowing what to expect. “I’m trying not to think about it too much,” freshman marketing major Jimmy Hennessey said. “I’m obviously nervous, but I feel like I’m doing alright in all of my classes.”
How do students cope with all the pressure of midterms week?
Hennessey’s favorite way to get through all the stress? “Candy. Actually, airheads. Any flavor.”
Hacker was asked the same questions and said, “That’s easy. Since Midterms usually fall around the holiday season, my remedy involves being cuddled up with a warm fuzzy blanket watching a Christmas movie with my best friend. One can never go wrong with a good holiday cheer before a midterm.”
Midterms can be stressful, but if you know how to study, relax, and get a good night of sleep, you will be successful in any test you may take.
