TIPS TO GET ORGANIZED

Committing to an organized semester will help you to stay motivated, keep stress levels down, and accomplish more in a short period of time. Try out some of the following suggestions to get and stay organized:

• Set goals by month, week, and day that outline what you want to accomplish. Be specific!

Pro Tip: You can add your course calendar from ELMS-CANVAS to your google calendar to keep track of assignment due dates. Learn more by checking out this guide.

• Commit to specific study times and hold yourself accountable. Building a routine is important.

• Set up your study space so it is clean, free from distractions, uncluttered, and comfortable. Make sure you have plenty of light.

• Include ALL of your obligations on your digital calendar and ensure that you set alarms for items you might forget.

• Determine a set day or week to check that all of your notes and course materials are present, organized, and complete. Update when and where it is necessary.

• Determine a regular time (daily or weekly) to ensure that your personal space is clean and tidy. Get rid of clutter and put everything in its designated spot. Choose one thing to deep clean (vacuuming counts as deep cleaning).

• Keep a “to do” list and add everything that you need to complete. This list does not need to have details, but should include everything you need to do. You can use a note in your phone, a physical notebook, your phone’s reminder application, or the tool of your choice. As long as it is easily accessible and can hold a list, you are on the right track.

YOU GET IN LIFE WHAT YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO ASK FOR.”

Winfrey

-Unknown

How To Beat Midterm Mania

Ask Questions

Your instructors should be your very first stop when getting ready for midterms. Make sure you’re asking the right questions to get the information you need about the exam. Here’s a quick list of questions you should confirm for each class:

1. Will the teacher be providing a review packet or holding an in-class review session? Will there be outside-of-class opportunities for more review?

2. Will the midterm test material from the whole semester so far or just the most recent material?

3. What is the format of the exam?

4. How many points is the exam worth?

5. What study suggestions does your instructor have?

6. Does your instructor have specific suggestions for improving your grade like turning in extra credit, rewriting a paper, or getting a tutor?

Make A Midterm Study Schedule

We know it feels as though you’re doing nothing but studying. But you can actually spend less time studying for midterms if you make a plan. Once you know what’s going to be on the exam, make a list of what topics or question types you need to cover and when you’re going to cover them. Make sure you study a little each night from now until the midterm.

READY TO STUDY? START WITH YOUR NOTES AND TESTS

While you’re at it, gather up any handouts or worksheets. If your midterm exam covers material from the whole semester, then your previous tests will help you see what your professor thinks is important. (Plus, you can learn from your past test mistakes). If the quality of your notes is less than stellar, check out these strategies for note taking.

Form A Study Group

Study groups can also help you study more efficiently— dividing and conquering a chapter outline, for example, can help all of you prepare.

Form A Study Group

Study groups can also help you study more efficiently—dividing and conquering a chapter outline, for example, can help all of you prepare.

Study Smarter

UMD offers different resources for learning and tutoring. Check out the available options to see what might help you achieve your academic goals.

Understand Each Subject Is Different

Practice problems may work for geometry, but what’s your strategy going to be for English? Figure out the best study method for you for each course you’re taking.

Mix It Up

If you find yourself losing concentration because you’ve been studying in the same way, switch it up. Try asking a friend to quiz you in biology, putting history dates to music, or recording yourself practicing your French vocab.

Change The Scenery

Breaks are essential to retain what you’ve learned and keep your focus. No matter how hard you’re working, take some time to grab a snack from the kitchen or go for a quick run. It also helps to switch up your study space when reviewing for exams. Try studying in the library, at a coffee shop, or at a study buddy’s house for a change.

DON’T SKIMP ON SLEEP

You might be tempted to pull an all-nighter, but a good night’s sleep is key to your success. Start a healthy sleep routine in the weeks leading up to your exam, so you can reap the benefits of a fresh mind on test day.

Stay Positive

Test anxiety is real. A smart plan, focused studying, and a calm morning are your best plan of attack.

*Adapted from the Princeton Review’s “10 Ways to Study for Midterms”

Pro Tip: You can use this calculator from the University of Minnesota to break down large writing assignments into smaller, more manageable parts.

THE BEAUTIFUL THING ABOUT LEARNING IS THAT NO ONE CAN TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU.”

-B.B.

King

FOCUS ON DOING THE RIGHT THINGS INSTEAD OF A BUNCH OF THINGS.”

-Mike Krieger

MARCH 7, 2023

APRIL 12, 2023

TLTC & Res Life Reflection Walk

TLTC & Res Life Reflection Walk