Smooth Sailing Through Midyears

by Emily Crampton

With January comes snow, cold and the new year, as well as the dreaded Midyear Exams. Midyear exams count for 20% of your semester grade, which can be good or bad for students. In a positive light, these exams give students a chance to bring up their grades. Unfortunately, these tests can also harm your good grades, causing students to drop letter grades for the semester. However, with some helpful tips, next week will be smooth sailing.

Talk to your teachers and do your study guides.

                When your teachers give you study guides, do them. Teachers know that will be on the tests best considering they created it. If you’re having an issue with a topic or need extra help, don’t be afraid to ask your teachers. They will most likely be willing to give you a few tips to succeed.

Don’t cram.

                Cramming is never a good idea, especially for Midyears. With so much information to understand and comprehend, there is no way you can learn everything you need to know in one night. Start studying a few days before, and you’ll be fine.

Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

                If you don’t sleep the night before your exam, you will be exhausted during the test. It’ll be harder for you to remember everything you learned, you won’t be able to focus, and you won’t be able to perform to the best of your ability. Throw back Thursday to the MCAS when teachers and administration told us constantly to get a good night’s sleep, make sure you listen.

Eat a good breakfast the morning of your exam.

                Again, as our previous teachers told us before the MCAS, make sure you eat a big, healthy, protein-filled breakfast the morning before your exam. You aren’t going to be able to focus on your test while your stomach is grumbling. Plus, with your stomach shouting of hunger, you’ll be distracting your classmates. Help yourself and your friends by having some eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, or whatever your heart desires.

Be on time.

                When you’re late, you’re stressing. In the craziness trying to rush to school, you can forget everything you know. Plus, when you walk in late you’ll miss test time, and also bother your fellow classmates. Do yourself a favor and be on time, at least just for this week.

Don’t stress.

                If you stress about these exams, there will be a good chance that you won’t be able to focus on your test. Relax and let your knowledge flow through your fingertips and onto your exam paper. These exams are just seven tests in your life, and there is a very good chance they won’t matter when you’re older. It is not the end of the world if you don’t get A’s on all of them, even though it seems like it might be right now.

                Next week may seem like a week from hell, but think on the bright side; we get out early, don’t have classes and don’t have homework. Don’t lose your mind over Midyears, and make sure to do the best you can. Good luck!