You will know when midterms are approaching. The library is more packed, more people are awake during class. No one is out just walking around. Everyone is inside studying and stressing. You will see people stressed out, crying, yelling, and sleeping in the library. Being a college student is hard, and it's even more hard when it's midterm week. There are 5 emotions that my self and my peers all went through.
1.Acceptance
When you first start studying for midterms, you have accepted the fact that you won't be sleeping the next few days. You will be living off coffee, and ramen noodles. It's okay to spend your whole day and night in the library. Try getting a study group, so it won't be as bad. Pack a lot of snacks, and bring your I.D to get Starbucks. Study as much as you can, because it will be worth it when you get an A. Don't overwork your body too much, make sure to get some sleep before the exam.
2. Regret
You will ask yourself, why did you sign up for that class. You will wonder why you didn't pay attention in class that much.You will wish that you would've recorded your professors lectures. You will regret doing your major. Push through the negative thoughts, and work hard and finish hard.
3. Sadness
Your friends will want to hang out with you, and they want to catch dinner but you are stuck in the library studying. It's okay, I missed out on so many opportunities to hang out with my friends, because I was in the library doing homework or I was studying. To prevent sadness do study groups with your classmates. Plan dinners while you are studying, order pizza, or go pick up food. Even better cook with each other then do your study session.
4.Confusion
When your professor says there is only 30 questions on the exam, but he gives you a review covering 10 chapters. Professors will give you key things to study for and some professors won't give you any hints. If your professor gives you hints, take those hints and expand it. Cover all the chapters, the vocabulary, and the key terms. The best resource your professor gives you, is your GA, or your TA. They are there to help you, and they will tell you everything that they can.
5. Desperation
You start coming up with different ideas of ways to get out of your exam. Maybe someone can pull the fire alarm, or maybe someone can pass out during the exam. You could email your professor saying you have a family emergency, when reality the emergency is your grade. You can come up with so many different excuses, but then you realize that this exam determines if you pass or fail.
6. Exhaustion
Coffee and more coffee. Extra espresso shots. Energy drinks. Find your specific drink, food, or activity that can keep you awake. You will need it when you are up studying at 3 am.
