There are many events that college students dread, like hearing their overzealous teacher lecture, or being cut off by a crazed driver on I-95. However, nothing causes students to panic more than hearing these two words echo endlessly in their minds: midterms and finals.
Don’t vacate your residence and move into the library just yet. There are a few things you can keep in mind that will ensure better results on exams and relieve the tension of an over–stressed mind: organize efficiently and study proficiently.
Here are some quick tips to ensure better organization, and ensure satisfactory outcomes on your exams.
Be neat.
Keep your room neat and tidy. I don’t mean that you should become a neat freak or borderline OCD, but organize your room so you have an idea where your books, notebooks and class papers are. Keep a spot in your room that is devoted to school, like your desk. Make sure nothing clutters it, like food or work supplies. Otherwise, you’re studying habits will be cluttered too.
Also, don’t just have your desk or room organized, but your notes and folders as well. Have a folder and notebook for each class so that everything you need is easily accessible. Cramming for a midterm is hard enough without searching all over your room for the notes which you put in the wrong folder. You don’t want to start pulling out your hair before your studying even starts.
Be systematic.
We’re all human and prone to forgetfulness. The best way to combat this forgetfulness is a planner. A day-by-day calendar or planner will help you record the dates that assignments are due and dates of important events. This will help you stay on track, not schedule meetings at the same time, and not miss a test because you were at a midnight premiere the night before, completely forgetting about the test.
A planner will also help you schedule your free time and your study time. Nothing beats lying on your bed and watching movies all day. However, your midterms won’t ace themselves. Make sure you’re not only writing down when your tests are, but writing down when you’re going to study and for how long. Procrastination and midterms do not go hand-in-hand, so start studying now and next week you won’t have to buy Starbucks as often.
Be responsible.
The easiest and most important way to stay organized is to be responsible. You’re a college student now, so you have to grow up one of these days and stay on top of your assignments and tests. Mommy isn’t here to help you study and you shouldn’t rely on your friends either. Hold yourself accountable and get straight A’s on your midterms.
If you incorporate these simple tips into your daily routine, this upcoming midterm week won’t also stand for Hell Week. Good luck, stay organized and hopefully you ace a few exams.
