Photo credit: Kimberly Smith
The beginning of the semester serves as an opportunity to start over. Midterms, however, remind the student body that living with blind optimism has long passed. Studying, if it is not already a top priority, must become one.
“Midterms make you realize how much you’ve been using your phone during class,” junior accounting major Michael Killion said. “Midterm studying is a wake-up call.”
According to the “Tips for Study Habits” from the Office of Academic Advising, students must plan ahead in order to succeed. Founding father Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
In lieu of midterm season at APU, here is a helpful list to help the average student survive the midterm struggle:
1. Study smarter, not harder.
While in school, communication studies assistant professor Starla Anderson would create her own index on the first page of the textbook as she read. Writing down key words, thoughts and concepts along with the corresponding page numbers made studying less daunting, she explained. When the time came, she would simply refer to her index in order to jog her memory.
Find out what works for you by noticing how and when you learn best, whether that is by using flashcards, taking additional notes or re-reading.
2. Avoid procrastination – it is really a form of harmful self-protection.
In her book “What Works Well with Children and Adolescents,” author Ann Vernon explains that “some procrastinators are afraid to fail; they feel inadequate because they cannot live up to their unrealistic, self-imposed standards.”
According to Vernon, procrastination is actually a form of protection, allowing the student to justify a low score by blaming lack of time rather than taking responsibility.
Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
3. Don’t Instagram about your study life.
Instagram’s Press Page reports 55 million photos posted every day. Save yourself some time and refrain from posting the typical “here’s my laptop, coffee, and perfectly scattered flashcards” photo.
4. Get some rest.
David G. Myer’s “Psychology” (hello, general psychology students) studies the role of sleep in daily life. Myer notes that nine hours of sleep actually causes one to “awake refreshed, sustain better moods, and perform more efficient and accurate work than those who get less sleep.”
Anderson also confirmed the importance of sleep. She even discouraged students from staying up extra late to memorize those last few facts. Sleep, according to her, is more important than cramming.
5. Location, location, location.
“Studying for midterms only happens at coffee shops,” junior liberal studies major Carly Bierman said. “So don’t even try to take that open table if you don’t have a book or laptop or some other studying device.”
Furthermore, APU has three libraries on campus, providing students with a quiet atmosphere for focus and productivity. Get to Marshburn early if you want a good spot with access to an outlet, or utilize the ample study space and large tables at Ahmanson computer lab on West Campus.
Midterms are here, but the wise student will take the right steps toward success. For more resources, visit the Academic Advising center online at www.apu.edu/advising/.