Study Skills Pointers & How to Be Prepared for Your Mid-Terms

Although it’s hard bouncing back from a winter break of relaxation and nothingness, school work has a way of catching up to us, and mid-terms are right around the corner! Use these study skills pointers to help you successfully get back into study mode and successfully perform on upcoming mid-term and final exams.

Start Early

It’s true what they say…you can never be too prepared in life. This holds true in the realm of test-taking as well. You can’t cram a whole semester’s worth of information into your brain overnight, so give yourself at least a week before exams to get started.

Get Organized

This means creating a routine or daily schedule, and setting deadlines for yourself. Calculate the amount of time it will take you to complete assignments and projects, and work on a little bit each day. This goes for studying as well. Break down the material and set time aside each day to study.

Take Notes, then Revise Them

When a teacher tells you that something is important, WRITE IT DOWN! When reviewing your notes, some of it might not make sense or be legible, so review and re-write them within 24 hours of the class, while the information is still fresh in your head. This will help save you time and confusion later, and it will be a lot easier to locate something in your notes when studying for mid-terms or finals if you know exactly what you’re looking for.

Get Help

Drafting and revising papers can be easier with the help of your teachers. After all, that’s what they’re there for. Get a good head start on projects before they are due, and take ideas to your teacher(s) for feedback. Finding the right answers is only possible if you take the initiative to ask questions, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you need it.

Make the Most of Your Downtime

Don’t waste away on the couch or in front of your computer/iPad/iPhone. If you feel like you’ve accomplished your daily goals, go out and get some fresh air. A change in scenery can help clear your head and reduce stress. It can even help to refocus your energy if you feel like you’ve hit a wall after hours of studying. Also, remember to get the rest you need. Sleep re-energizes the body and the brain, so don’t skip out on your much needed zzz‘s.