Midterm Magic

By Grace Carballo ‘17

The word “midterm” is in fact a misnomer, because though we are still in the first few weeks of the semester and not the middle, I have 2 next week. Still, like stoplights and spiders, they are a necessary evil, and as a freshman I learned how to come out of these trying times relatively unscathed. 

Very few people know all of my midterm rituals…

Really only those who have had the distinct pleasure/learning experience of living with me. 

So, for the sake of my dignity, I will keep some to myself- but I will divulge 10 amazing midterm tips which you should feel free to borrow or personalize to fit your needs. 

1) Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, Just Sweat A Lot

Always workout before a test. Exercise has a positive effect on the brain, ask any scientist. Seriously call up any of the scientists in your contacts and they will confirm this or call my mother who taught me this when I was a mere youth. Plus the endorphins will help you keep a great attitude!

2) Speaking of Attitude

I always listen to Boss Ass B*tch and sometimes Conceited on the walk to the actual exam. This sets the mood and takes my ego to a whole 'notha level. This habit becomes a little problematic if a friend is in my class and wants to walk with me, but they tend to be understanding and I don’t intend on changing it. 

3) Control What You Can Control

I do not like classrooms to be dead silent during tests; it’s far too ominous. I like a little background noise and cannot always count on my peers to provide this, they’re so damn respectful. I usually take the initiative and wear a track suit, loud plasticy-material, type of jacket to break the silence whenever I move. I wish this was a joke, but it isn’t.

4) Sharing Is Caring

Bring an extra bluebook or pen to share. This may seem selfless but is actually a great way to guilt someone into being your friend or to earn some good karma points, possibly turning the curve in your favor. 

5) Intimidation 

Speaking of the curve, every point counts. While of course you want your peers to do well, this sometimes make it harder for you to get the grade you want. For this reason, I wear book earrings to midterms to intimidate those around me and bump the curve in my favor. There’s really nothing that screams “academic” quite like small books dangling from your ears.

6) But Still Dress Sharp

Look good, feel good, test good well. See, I might not have caught that if I didn’t look amazing as I type this. 

7) Data Dump

On the walk to the test, look over last-minute study guides or notes while listening to the aforementioned pump-up tunes. Then, as soon as the test is in your hands, write down everything you just looked at - acronyms, formulas, conjugations, whatever- before you even look at the questions. This is called a “data dump” and is perfect for anyone who forgets things under pressure and/or lacks a photographic memory.

8) Breakfast is the MOST important meal/part of my life

Eat breakfast before the test. Eat breakfast everyday. Consider eating breakfast for every meal. (If you take enough naps, it can be like getting several starts to each day!) Breakfast is seriously the only wholly good thing in the world, plus helps with tests, why would you deny yourself of this?

9) Answer Every Question

Fill in a bubble, make an educated guess, write anything. I firmly believe I did well on the AP U.S. History test, without taking the course itself (I dropped it because there was summer homework which I find un-American and refused to do on principle), because my essays were so patriotic. Style points are still points!

10) Treat Yo Self

When the studying seems to be destroying your soul, motivate yourself with something, anything, to get you through. Even during the test, it is crucial to have a reward to work towards. I’m partial to trashy television, pricey trail mixes, or lengthy naps - but it’s not about what I like, it’s about treating yo self.

With these 10 tips, you cannot* fail. In the words of my late great-grandfather, “The time spent in search of knowledge is never wasted.”

*Disclaimer: You could, in fact, still fail, but you will learn from it. This is great advice.