Christina Kingan ’23
EE Features Editor
As midterms are mentioned more frequently these days, it’s important to understand what they are, the schedule modifications they invoke, and what preparations are necessary to be confident during these tests. Midterms are the exams around the end of the first semester, meant to measure how students have been performing and what knowledge they retain. These exams will start on the Thursday following Martin Luther King Jr. day, the 20th of January. They will end the following week on Tuesday the 25th. The format of these exams is structured in two period blocks. On the first day of testing exams for period one and two will be taken. On day two of testing exams for periods three and four will be taken. This pattern occurs for day three and day four as well.
Studying for midterms can be stressful and challenging for people who don’t know where to start. It’s important to first heed any advice given by teachers on what topics to study and complete any packets given. If you feel that you need additional support consult your teacher and see if they can offer anymore assistance. Looking over past tests can also be beneficial to see what you didn’t understand as well as review what you did. Looking over notes or assignments can also be helpful in reviewing what you need to know. Watching review videos on YouTube is also a great strategy as some students find it easier to listen than go over notes. It’s a good idea to talk to upperclassmen who might have taken the test already and can provide any advice on how they were successful when taking the exams.
“Don’t wait until the last minute and try and plan ahead,” advises senior Anju Rajah when asked for her perspective on successful midterm preparation. “For example, if there are five units, do one per night and then designate one night for review”.
She encourages students to utilize a spread out study plan like this, making sure they’re not overwhelmed by the amount of information they are trying to remember.
“When studying for midterms don’t stress,” says senior Melany Lewis. “And remember it’s not a significant amount of your grade; there is time to make up a bad grade if that’s the case”.
Midterms should be taken seriously but if your grade is not what you wanted it to be, there is still second semester to raise your grade so it’s nothing to panic about.
Taking midterms is a stressful experience and it’s important to understand the schedule of midterms and to mold a study plan around them, looking over past tests and notes to prepare, and talking to upperclassmen and teachers.