Midterms are one of the most anticipated yet least enjoyable exams of the semester. They come for most of us in the weeks leading up to Fall Break. Sometimes they are easy, but sometimes they aren’t. When it comes to midterms, though, there is still hope. Whether your midterm is a participation-only type of event or it is worth 30% of your overall grade, there are tips and tricks which may help get the job done.

First of all, study! Studying makes a huge difference whether or not we would like to admit it. There are different study techniques available online for students to access. At thebestcolleges.org, there are 17 scientifically proven ways to study more productively. Some are very common, but some of them may also be pretty surprising. It should be noted that there is no single correct way to study. It’s important to find the method that works the best for the current situation and stick with it.

Second, try out a study group. Make some friends in class and study as a group a few days before the exam to learn the material together. It usually works best to divide the study guide up among the group members and have everyone answer different questions. Then, when the group gets together, they can swap answers and provide explanations. Study groups can be an imperative part of the learning process, and it can help to make sure that time is spent at peak productivity.

Third, we have all been in a class that is just not up our alley. When this happens, studying for these topics can be even harder than normal, so getting a tutor might be a good idea. Now, tutoring may not be as effective so close to midterms, but it can be useful for general studying. Washburn’s own tutoring center in Mabee Library would be a great place to start.

Fourth, if the midterm is an essay rather than an exam, one valuable asset on campus is the writing center, which is located on the second floor of the library. These helpful folks help to make sure that students’ writing is in the correct form. They can help edit a draft, give helpful suggestions and coach people through grammar mistakes.

Finally, a combination of these things may be necessary to get a preferred grade on a midterm, but all the hard work is worth it. If it still seems like nothing is working, try talking to the professor of the difficult class. Professors are usually pretty understanding about all the different stressful situations students deal with and usually want students to succeed in their class. Professors are also a treasure trove of good tips when it comes to passing their specific midterms.

Midterms can be scary, but when it comes down to it, each one is just another test. Students should also keep in mind how capable they really are. As students, you are here to learn. These tests are simply a part of that learning process and, as a college student, you are smart enough to handle them. Plus, once midterms are over, Fall Break is just around the corner.

Washburn Student Media hopes these tips help. We also know that you’ve got this, Washburn, and we encourage everyone to go out and crush those midterms.

Edited by Shelby Hanson, Adam White, Jessica Galvin