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Get Fresh: Midterm Madness

Surviving midterms. Photo by Marlee Bever.
Surviving midterms. Photo by Marlee Bever.

My eyes feel like they are going to fall out of my head, and I can barely function in my everyday life. This is the horrible case of over-tired college student staying up too late to study for a test that they have everyday. This is a very common disease and can affect each and every one of you, if you’re not careful.

With the insane amount of midterms that will be hitting all of us in the next couple of weeks, it is important that we are prepared for the ride.

In high school the famous studying habit was to pull the notes out the night before or day of the test and “study.” However, in college the grades will not be in your favor if these dangerous study habit comes into play.

If you are struggling with studying for exams, have no fear, because ASU offers personal life coaches for their students. Now, a personal life coach may sound a bit over-the-top, especially for studying, but this life coach business is no joke. The coaches, or I suppose mentors, can help you become more confident in organizational skills, note taking, critical reading, critical thinking, test taking, anxiety reduction, study skills, time management — the list could really go on. Like I said, these coaches mean business and if you need help in any of those areas or more, they will be there to coach you on.

I can understand if you do not want to go as far as a life coach, however there are other options for being successful on tests. The most common option is a tutor. ASU offers many tutoring options, even tutoring online for math and writing. There are math and writing tutoring centers on all four campuses, and they are free of charge.

ASU also offers a huge variety of SI sessions or Supplemental Instruction sessions. SI sessions are available to help you understand the content of the course, learn helpful study skills, and as explained on ASU’s tutoring website page, “make new friends.” SI sessions include sessions for BIO 100, BIO 181, BIO 201, BIO 202, CHM 101, HCR 240, NTR 241, PGS 101, SOC 101, PHY 112, CHM 101, CHM 113, CHM 233, POS 110, PGS 101, some more BIO 100, and even more BIO 181. I hope that you are able to make a least some friends from the “small” array of SI sessions.

Another stress and concern of many college students is whether or not to drop a class. With the unfortunate amount of just three tests a semester, a final, and little-to-no homework, there is not much time to raise a grade. There is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed if you do have to withdrawal from a class; everyone has done it at least once in college. My advice is if you feel that you are in danger of failing and will not be able to raise your grade, I would withdrawal from that class.

Many students think that having a W on their transcripts is detrimental. However, having a W looks much better than having an E for failing a class. Just remember it’s okay to have to retake a class.

Before you know it, winter break will be here, and all of this stress will be put to rest just in time for the lovely Spring semester midterm madness. Get Fresh tips:

  • If a life coach is something that interests you, and will benefit you, do not hesitate to check out your options.
  • Check online for the huge array of ASU’s SI sessions; they will help benefit you in the end.
  • Also check online for other tutoring options for math and writing.
  • Make an appointment with your adviser if you are questioning whether or not to withdrawal from a class.
  • Most importantly, make sure to get plenty of sleep during these crazy weeks of testing; your health will be more beneficial than anything.

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