As midterms loom on the academic horizon at Concord University, the stakes are high for students striving to excel in their exams. To guide you through this crucial phase, we have sought expert advice from Beth Sampson, the Academic Coordinator at Concord University’s Student Support Services. Drawing from her academic experience, Sampson has shared her top three study tips for midterms, aimed at optimizing study efforts and achieving academic success.
1. Studying the Right Material
Beth Sampson emphasizes the necessity of focusing on the correct study material, a fundamental but often overlooked aspect of successful studying. She urges students to align their study efforts with the exam content by utilizing available resources.
“If you have a study guide from the professor, that’s great. If not, check your syllabus to make sure you have a good idea of what might be on a test,”
Beth Sampson
She stresses the importance of re-reading textbook chapters or notes listed on the syllabus and engaging in discussions with classmates to understand their expectations regarding the exam.
Students are warned against wasting precious study time on irrelevant topics, as Sampson notes:
“I frequently hear from students that they ‘wasted time studying things that weren’t even on the test.’”
Beth Sampson
This is a critical piece of advice. Wasting time on non-applicable study is a common pitfall of students unfamiliar with midterms.
2. Strategic Time Management and Study Sessions
A common challenge among students is an underestimation of the time required for thorough study preparation. To tackle this, Sampson advocates for prudent time management and a well-structured study plan:
“Don’t cram all of your studying into the night before your exam. Break the material up into smaller parts and make sure you really understand it and can remember it,”
Beth Sampson
She emphasizes the value of seeking guidance from successful peers or tutors to optimize study time and maximize comprehension.
3. Tailoring Your Study Routine and Environment
Recognizing the individuality of study preferences, Sampson encourages students to tailor their study routines and methods to align with their learning styles. She emphasizes the importance of identifying optimal study times, study techniques, and conducive study environments. Sampson prompts students to reflect on their preferred study approaches.
“Do you study better in the morning or at night? Do you like flashcards or re-writing your notes? Maybe you would benefit from a study group or from explaining the material out loud to someone,”
Beth Sampson
Sampson also provides advice on the study environment, cautioning against excessive comfort while studying. “Ideally, you want to be comfortable, but not too comfortable,” she says. She suggests creating a distraction-free space and incorporating short breaks to maintain focus and productivity.
In embracing these vital steps—aligning study efforts with exam content, efficient time management, and personalizing study routines—students at Concord University are poised to excel during midterms. The counsel provided by Beth Sampson serves as a compass, guiding students towards success in navigating the academic challenges that midterms present. Armed with this expert guidance, students can approach their exams with confidence and a structured approach, setting the stage for triumph.
by Josiah Smith