Midterm Madness

Students are hitting that mid-semester slump. Classes are getting monotonous, homework is starting to pile up on everyone, teachers are getting behind on grading, and students are getting more antsy for a break. Grades might be slipping, but there are some tips and tricks for getting ready for midterms and dealing with the madness of papers and tests. 

The first thing that students should do is talk to your teachers if you are confused or need answers to questions for your midterms. If you are struggling in your classes, figure out how much your midterm is worth your grade so that way you can know what type of grade you should be aiming for. Most teachers have posted office hours and if you can not meet with them during those times do not be afraid to message them through Canvas or email them. Your teachers are the first person you should go to when studying if you need help with a question because they ultimately know the class better than any student who has ever taken the class. 

The second thing that students should do is utilize on-campus support staff. Students have the option to go in and get help at the success center located at either the Estherville or Emmetsburg campus. These resources are available to all students regardless of whether or not you are in TRIO. These options can help students become familiar with how to help their grades or just give you a quiet place to study. There are staff that work on campus and you can find out if you are missing assignments or if you need to make up a quiz. These staffers can help students get caught up and can help with study habits. 

Another option that is only available to TRIO students is cram fest for midterms. This event is for students who are in TRIO. This will provide students the opportunity to study with other students in their group from 4-7 pm. Tiffany Neavin is the director for TRIO here on the Estherville campus. Neavin is in charge of helping students in TRIO and had some advice for students that are in TRIO and on campus.

“One thing that TRIO does is midterm progress reports,” said Neavin, “So whoever is receiving a D or an F will receive a midterm progress report from me with suggestions on what they need to do to increase their grade.”

Neavin discussed how she felt that most students don’t take advantage of peer tutoring on campus. She discussed how she felt there is a stigma around tutoring and hopes to help students end that stigma around it. Neavin feels that tutoring is meant to help and shouldn’t be looked down upon. Neavin wants students to go see their tutors because she doesn’t want students to waste their money.

“Our tutors are people who have either A’s or B’s in all of their classes, so it may just be having a conversation with students who have better study tips,” said Neavin, “Having a conversation with other students and figuring out what they are doing that may you, as a student, may not be doing that is keeping you from achieving your maximum capability.”

The last tip for students is to make sure you don’t overstudy. Overstudying can cause you to try and remember things that may be small and insignificant details that won’t help you in the long run. Just try and relax and study your notes, but don’t try and learn the entire textbook overnight. Make sure you are studying before your test. One thing that has worked for other students was studying right before tests because it was easier for them. But you should learn what works best for you and you can study the way that works for you.