How to Survive the Apocalypse of Midterm Season | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How to Survive the Apocalypse of Midterm Season

Because it's that time of the semester (or quarter, for others) again!

122
How to Survive the Apocalypse of Midterm Season
Bottled Creativity

“Midterms.”

The word rings horror, dread, and other unenthusiastic emotions in most students’ ears. For some, it signals memorable all-nighters. For others, it means a season of productive reading, review, and recitation. However, the season that follows is usually far more pleasant: a period of real R&R - rest and relaxation. However, midterms themselves need not always have to translate to tedious days of stressful cramming and studying. With the implementation of just a few useful academic and mental strategies, one can turn Midterms season into a spell of academic success (aka eventual Dean’s List approvals!).

1. Start Early

“Do not wait ‘til the clock strikes twelve to start studying”.

In this matter, Cinderella sets a bad example. Procrastination is utterly futile when it comes to actually helping one comprehend concepts and apply critical thinking skills necessary for nearly all midterms, Finals and papers.

 Instead: Organize/rewrite your notes and make flashcards in advance in order to effectively cement all content into your long-term memory. Take full advantage of weekends, if you can. Discover your fortes; do you perform better when strengthening your weakest subject areas or when perfecting your strong suits?

2. Space Out Your Study Schedule and Your Midterm Study Schedule (If Possible)

Launder and meal prep before Midterm season starts. Use study apps and tools like Quizlet and Cold Turkey to maintain proper concentration on academics alone. Establish a timeline of what to study and how long to study it well before Midterm season approaches - incorporate short study breaks, if possible. Study every course at least once, even if that means devoting just a small chunk of time to each area. If your Midterm Exam Schedule (Google Calendar and NinjaCourses help with this!) includes three or more examinations on a single day, make it a point to discuss potential alternatives to such a jam-packed timetable with your professor/school authorities. Oftentimes, you’ll be surprised by how simply asking can give you what you need (in this case, a more manageable midterm examination agenda).

3. Practice Self-Care: Without the “Treat Yo’ Self” Mentality

“Stressed” is “Desserts” spelled backwards.

Staying away from unhealthy snacks, sweets, fried foods, and those tempting Twinkies becomes inherently difficult when cortisol (stress hormones) levels are peaking during midterm season. But don’t give in! Endeavor to avoid excessive coffee/boba and energy drinks and indulge in some good ol’ water (fruit-infused perhaps!) to boost your brainpower. Never skip meals either; constant - not sporadic - energy levels are the goal here.

Not only will your love handles and metabolism regret packing on the pounds, but so will your performance: consuming such empty calories devoid of nutrition will cause sugar crashes and extremely unaffordable energy dips, rendering your study efforts both inefficient and ineffective.

Instead: Exercise often, rejuvenate through a cup of herbal tea and watch one YouTube music video that appeals to you for recreation. Keep healthy snacks at the ready. Maintain personal hygiene by consistent brushing and bathing. Recharge with frequent, timed naps and resist the urge to under-/over-sleep. Doing so will train your brain and body to stay refreshed and reach its maximum potential.

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Hopefully, these sanity-preserving strategies will help you thrive in the examination halls (or lecture rooms) All in all, if one studies hard, focuses on one’s strength and balances studying with adequate exercise, sleep and nutrition, there is little chance that the class curve or ‘odds’ (of stellar grades) won’t fall in one’s favor. Don’t think; just jump into the studying bandwagon and soon, one will cruise through midterms - and finals - in a jiffy, landing A’s throughout!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

194353
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17363
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459710
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27693
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments