Tips for Successful First Year Midterm Exams, Projects and Papers?

Answer 1

By Jen Westmoreland Bouchard

If this is your first year in college, right about now you’re most likely feeling like everything is finally under control (or at least almost under control). You’re getting the hang of how to manage your coursework from week to week, you have a core group of friends and are hopefully meeting lots of other interesting people, and perhaps you’ve even settled into the rhythm of dorm life. However, you should be aware that this feeling of control is only temporary, because midterm exams and projects are lurking just around the corner!

Typically the point values professors assign to midterm exams and projects are not as much as they would assign for finals. Therefore, midterm exams and projects are a great way to practice and prepare for the pressures, expectations and time management issues that go along with taking final exams. Here are some tips to help make your first round of midterms a successful one.

1. Plan ahead. There is nothing worse than looking at the calendar and remembering that you have a 15- page paper due in two days (well, I guess not having it marked on the calendar would be even worse). As each midterm project/exam is assigned or scheduled, mark it on your planner, calendar, or whatever you use to stay organized. Most professors give the dates for midterms at the beginning of the semester, so you have plenty of time to plan ahead. If you have any questions or need clarification regarding a professor’s expectations for midterms, be sure to clarify these well in advance.
2. Make a schedule and stick to it. Once you know when all of your midterms are due, then it’s time to figure out how you are going to manage your time until they are all handed in. It may seem tedious at first, but putting into writing how you plan to finish every project is very helpful. You may even want to write on your calendar what steps need to be completed each day to keep you on track.
3. Two (or more) heads are better than one.Organize study groups with other students in your courses. You know the student who seems to have every answer the professor is looking for? Yeah, you’ll want to ask her or him to join your study group for sure. If your professor has assigned a paper or project, it’s always good to have another pair of eyes proofread it for you before handing it in. The great thing about identifying “study buddies” or forming study groups before midterms is that you will then have a natural, built-in support system when final exam time hits in a couple of months.
4. Take care of yourself. When you’re in the throws of putting finishing touches on papers and reviewing notecards into the wee hours of the morning, it’s easy to forget about the basics (you know, like eating or sleeping). The truth is, if you’re body’s exhausted, it doesn’t really matter how well you prepare, you still won’t perform to the best of your ability.

Happy studying!

Answer 2

1. Stay organized by creating a study schedule and breaking down assignments into manageable tasks.
2. Start preparing early to avoid last-minute stress and cramming.
3. Seek help from professors, classmates, or tutoring services if you're struggling with any subject.
4. Take care of your physical and mental health by eating well, exercising, and managing stress.