Fall semester is nearly halfway over, and as wild as that seems it really is time to kick it into gear if you haven't already. Whether it's your first semester at college or you're graduating soon, midterm grades can be great time to reflect on the semester so far and create a game plan for finishing strong.
1. Take your midterm grades lightly - but not too lightly
Midterm grades are essentially a yardstick measurement. You may only have one exam or paper to have a grade reflect, or maybe your semester got off to a rocky start. Your midterm grade is not your final grade. Read that again. Yes, midterms can tell you a lot about how you're doing in a class, but they're not the end all be all - you have half a semester left to finish the way you want to!
2. Seek out the resources and help available to you
If your midterm grades aren't looking as great as you'd like them to, figure out what your campus offers to help you! Whether it's a drop-in tutor session, faculty-led study sessions, or even just a meeting with an academic adviser there are people there to help you!
3. Study hard, but don't burn out!
The pressure in college is REAL, but don't spend all your time studying! Burn out is real, especially around midterms and finals. Study hard, but make time for things you enjoy! Sign up for a fitness class in the campus rec center, go to a free concert, or just go out for lunch with some friends! School is important, but it shouldn't be the absolute center of your life!
4. Don't be afraid to drop a class
A "W" on your transcript will ALWAYS look better than an "F". If you're really struggling in a class and don't know if you'll be able to bring that grade up, ask your adviser about dropping the class. Make sure it won't affect your course load in a way that will make you ineligible for athletics or financial aid first!
5. Don't let your undergraduate grades define you
Again, school can seem like the most important aspect of your life at times, but I promise it isn't. Your health should always come first, and if you're stressed you need to take care of yourself! Your undergraduate grades don't mean a lot in the great grand scheme of things - even if your goal is grad school it's likely that your grades are only a small percentage of your application.
While midterms can be the cause of a lot of stress, be sure and take care of yourself this season!
