It’s that time of the semester again (or for first-years, your first time), midterms are around the corner, and everybody’s goosebumps are rising, like the cost of living. Students are wondering how they can study for midterms and ensure they can get a good grade. If you’re wondering what to do, where to go, and who to go to, don’t worry — there are many resources available to you to ease your mind so you can worry less about midterms.
One of the best places to go on campus for midterm help is the Academic Support Center. It is run by Julia Aitchison, the Associate Director of the Academic Support Center, and is located on the 9th floor of the Howe Center. The Academic Support Center is available to help students with questions about their coursework and to help them review any information that may be needed in tests or other future assignments. For a more personalized approach, the Academic Support Center runs its Request A Tutor program, where you can request up to four courses to be tutored individually or in a small group by an upperclassman or graduate student who previously did well in the course. The Drop-In Tutoring Center, located in Sam’s Place on the first floor of the Samuel C. Williams Library also has student tutors available on a rotating schedule. You can check the Academic Support Center Stevens Hub Site to see hours and the schedule, including which students can help with which courses. For first-year students, First Year Quiz Reviews are typically hosted one to two days before a quiz throughout the semester, where you can prepare for quizzes using practice problems in a group setting. These review sessions are hosted for MA 121, MA 122, BME 312, CH 115, PEP 111S, and PEP 112S. Finally, there are Academic Success Workshops where you can set goals, manage your time, and create study skills to help prepare you for exams. The nex workshop is titled “Learning to Learn: Study Smarter, Not Harder” and will be on Wednesday, November 13 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Gateway North 213.
In addition to the formal resources available to you, here’s a list of practical suggestions to help you prepare for exams and manage your coursework effectively. First, consider creating a study schedule. This will allow you to allocate time for exam preparation while balancing other commitments, such as extracurricular activities and campus jobs. Additionally, don’t forget to take breaks. While studying is crucial, pushing yourself too hard can lead to stress and negatively impact your mental health. Giving your mind a chance to relax will ultimately enhance your ability to study effectively. Collaborating with friends is another helpful strategy. Working together enables you to share ideas and support one another, making it easier to grasp challenging concepts. Finally, aim to study consistently. Cramming or studying sporadically can diminish your stamina and retention of information. Regular study sessions will help you absorb new material while reinforcing what you’ve already learned.
By utilizing the resources at the Academic Support Center and following these study tips, you can reduce stress and approach your midterm exams and projects with greater confidence.
