From Stress to Success: Your Ultimate Guide to Midterm Excellence
by Kayla Bowens ‘25
The midterms season is already upon us, and this might be frightening, but there are ways to proactively approach studying for these exams. Whether you are embarking on your first semester or are well into your academic journey at USC, the apprehension and overwhelming feelings that accompany test-taking are inevitable. As someone who falls victim to severe procrastination every time, I often find myself constrained by time. Moreover, being unable to formulate a study plan in advance exacerbates the problem. If you find yourself in the same predicament or simply want to create better study habits, consider these suggestions to get started on a successful midterms season.
Utilize The Resources You Have and Ask Questions
If you find yourself struggling to understand concepts in lecture, don’t be afraid to raise your hand and ask questions throughout the semester. You will thank yourself in the long run and could very well be asking the question everyone else in the room is thinking. Admittedly, this is much easier said than done. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions in the classroom setting, go to office hours. Professors welcome engagements from their students, so don’t be shy about making an appointment or stopping by. Additionally, some schools at USC provide tutoring/study sessions for particular classes. For example, Marshall has study resources for classes including Econ 351x, Econ 352x, BUAD 306/308, BUAD 310, and BUAD 311. These sessions are led by Peer Academic Leaders, and there is a schedule for each class accessible on the Marshall Academic Resources page. The USC Writing Center is also a great general resource if you need an extra pair of eyes on your written assignments. Look into what special study resources your school might offer if you need the help.
Keep Your Notes Organized and Start Reviewing Early
One way to make your study process easier is to get organized ahead of time and review concepts and notes weekly. I make sure I’m reading the assigned chapters or articles for each class and stay on top of assignments and upcoming tests. To facilitate this, I create a masterlist of readings, assignments, and test dates on Excel with all my assignments color coded by due date and class subject. There are also programs like Notion that have a plethora of templates available for various organizational needs. Try making a study schedule to avoid cramming for a test the night before. Though we have all been there, so don’t be too hard on yourself if things slide till the last minute. Do what you can!
Don't Dismiss Self Care
While it seems cliche, prioritizing mental and physical health is important. Proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and physical activity are all helpful ways to increase your mental wellbeing. Allocating time to disengage from studying to take a walk can rejuvenate your mind and facilitate better retention of class material. Don’t neglect your body due to continuous studying!
Study with a Friend or Group of Classmates
When in doubt, find a study buddy! Having someone else to study with can create a collaborative environment where you can learn from each other and even have some fun doing it. You can exchange insights and perspectives, which can enhance comprehension of a subject you might otherwise have trouble understanding. Being able to teach a concept to someone else is the ultimate sign you understand it backwards and forwards. Studying can become frustrating and anxiety inducing, but sharing that with a friend is a good reminder that we’re all going through it.
Get a Change of Scenery
I don’t know about you, but studying in the hospital-lit basement of Leavey Library does not keep me very motivated. Similarly, the comforts of staying at home tend to be distracting. I have tried various study spots like cafes, restaurants, or even going outside depending on the weather since I like a lively, stimulating study environment and have found that these are much more suitable for my study needs. Curate your study environment to align with your preferences and needs to inspire motivation.
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