Mastering Midterms
- Dr. Ashley L. Conklin
- Oct 7, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 15, 2021
Congratulations, you’ve made it half way through the semester! Follow these steps and head into midterms with confidence.
1. Take Inventory
At least a week before midterms, figure out exactly where you stand in each class based on your current grades. Calculate your overall course percentage to date based on every graded assignment, test, paper, project, lab, homework, etc. If the mere thought of this evokes anxiety, recruit a friend, tutor, coach, significant other, or parent to sit with you for moral support. If grades aren’t available on your school’s learning management system, arrange an appointment with your professor to find out what your grade is. This step is critical because knowing where you stand in each class will help you prioritize your studying efforts.
2. Prioritize
Now that you know your grades to date in every class, you can determine which class needs more time and attention. For example, if you have solid Bs in all of your classes but are on the borderline between a C+ and a B- in one class, that class should be your initial focus. Putting a bit more time and effort into that class is a strategic maneuver with the potential to pay off well.
3. Gather Materials
Starting with your lecture notes, gather them in one place and make sure you have notes for every day. If you are missing a day, ask a classmate for a copy of theirs. Next, gather all the PowerPoint slides, handouts from class, books and assigned readings, etc. for each class.
4. Create a Plan
In addition to prioritizing the class or classes you need to invest the most time and effort toward, create a study plan for each class so you know exactly what you need to accomplish.
STEP 1: Create a written list for each class that includes all of the tasks you need to do to prepare for the midterm.
STEP 2: Once your list is complete, go back and estimate how much time each step will take…then add about 50%!
STEP 3: Using a weekly calendar, schedule each task as well as the time when you will tackle it. Set alarms or reminders (and label them with the task you are supposed to work on at that time) in your phone to help keep you on track. Spread your study sessions over as many days as possible. Research continues to show that spaced learning is far superior for mastery and retention that cramming.
EXAMPLE:
Psychology Midterm Prep: Current Grade=78.5% (C+)
Print PowerPoint slides for chapters 7-11. (45 minutes)
Read chapters 7-11. (7 hours)
Create 1-page summaries for chapters 7-11. (3 hours)
Read PowerPoint slides and add relevant information to each chapter’s summary sheet. (3 hours)
Study Summary sheets (6 hours)
TOTAL TIME for Psychology prep: ~20 hours.
Day 1
2-3:00ish
Print PPT Slides
Read Chapter 7 & Create 1 Page Summary
Day 2
7-8:30PM
Read Chapter 8 & Create 1 Page Summary
Day 3
7-8:30PM
Read Chapter 9 & Create 1 Page Summary
Day 4
7-8:30PM
Read Chapter 10 & Create 1 Page Summary
Day 5
7-8:30PM
Read Chapter 11 & Create 1 Page Summary
Day 6
3-6PM
Read All PPT Slides and add info to Summary Sheets
Day 7
7-8PM
Study Ch. 7 Summary Sheet
Day 8
7-8PM
Study Ch. 8 Summary Sheet
Review Chapter 7 Summary Sheet
Day 9
7-8PM
Study Ch. 9 Summary Sheet
Review Chapters 7 & 8 Summary Sheets
Day 10
7-8PM
Study Ch. 10 Summary Sheet
Review Chapters 7, 8 & 9 Summary Sheets
Day 11
7-8PM
Study Ch. 11 Summary Sheet
Review Chapters 7, 8, 9 & 10 Summary Sheets
Day 12
7-10PM
Review All Chapter Summary Sheets
Go to sleep early!
Day 13
12PM
PSYC MIDTERM
(Wake up early & eat some protein for breakfast)
I realize 20 hours is a lot of time to devote to one class when you have 4 or 5 classes. Remember, though, that you might not have to put in as much time in the other classes where your grades are higher. The earlier you can begin, the better off you will be. Starting 2 weeks ahead is a great idea.
5. Work the plan.
Consistency across time is key when it comes to studying. It is far better to study 2 hours a day for 10 days then to try to cram 10 hours of studying into 2 days. I know that most students with ADHD will claim they work best under pressure and need to cram in order to learn. That’s simply not true; most people who say this have never tried it any other way. Vary the time of day and study location if that helps alleviate some of the monotony. Exercise before you study or study outside. Have snacks and water handy. Recruit an accountability partner if necessary—whatever it takes to help you stick to the schedule.
Follow this midterm prep plan and you will go into your exams prepared and confident which will pay off in your performance.
Final Thought…Many people get rundown and sick during midterms and finals. Take care of yourself by eating well, drinking lots of water, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep!
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