Midterm survival guide

Everyone knows that tests can be tough, so it’s easy to get stressed out when you have seven mid-year exams in the span of three days. As exams near, the only thing on everybody’s mind is study, study, study.

Except, how do you study? Do you open a textbook only to be distracted by a six hour Netflix marathon? Or, do you skip the studying altogether and wing it? Here are some ways to actually prepare for your midterms:

 1. Turn off your phone and all electronics

I know it can be tough, but how are you supposed to get any work done with the distraction of the internet just inches away from you? Turn off the phone and hit the books- it’ll still be there when you get back.

2. Study the right way for the right subject

Chances are, most of your classes are very different. This means they require different methods of studying.  You shouldn’t study for English the same way you would study for math. With English, you should not attempt to re-read every novel you have read this year. A quick review of plots, characters, and major themes, will go along way to help with your exam. Need to memorize vocabulary or review grammar rules?  Make flashcards: then quiz yourself out loud.

Unlike English, when it comes to math you can actually DO math problems. As a result, attempting practice problems will prove more helpful since there is less to memorize.

 3. Space out your studying

With up to three midterms in one day, you can’t study for all of them the night before. By spacing out your studying, you can still be prepared for all your subjects with half the stress.

Begin preparing about two weeks before the exam. Most teachers give out a study guide so you know exactly what to expect and what to work on. DO NOT CRAM.

 4. Gummy bears prove surprisingly useful

Looking for a more fun and delicious way to study? If your studying requires reading a book or textbook, place a gummy bear every few paragraphs on the page. Once you learn the material in that section, you can eat the gummy bear. Repeat this until you have finished studying that subject for the day- or until you run out of candy.

Not into gummy bears? Try chewing gum. Some psychologists say that chewing gum while you study, then chewing the same flavor of gum during a test actually helps improve memory.

5. Know what you need to work on

As previously stated, nearly every teacher will make it clear exactly what you should know for the midterm. Study guides are the keys to success in your high school career. Before you begin studying, look it over and know what you have to work on. These topics are what you should spend most of your time learning. Don’t forget to brush up on the stuff you do know, too- just to be safe!

6. Take regular study breaks

If the impending doom of midterms is really getting to you, make sure you take time to take a break every once in a while. Regular breaks actually improve your concentration and memory.  Every 40-50 minutes, make sure to put the textbook down and get something to eat or watch a TV show- just don’t forget to pick it back up again.

7. Get enough sleep

Making sure you get enough sleep can be just as important as studying the material. If you stay up all night playing Xbox, when morning rolls around everything you studied for will be in vain because you won’t be able to remember it. Professionals recommend teenagers get 9-10 hours of sleep per night. This will help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on your midterms.