Midterm momentum: how to bounce back or level up mid-semester

For many students, the middle of the semester brings both relief and stress – you’ve made it through the first half of the semester successfully, but you still have several weeks (and several large projects) left to complete. 

If you’re wondering how to make the most of your semester, you’re not alone. In fact, many students face stress when it comes to dealing with midterm season. 

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to bounce back or level up mid-semester. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

Start Early 

Looking for ways to improve your grades and make it through your midterm exams?  

Start now. 

Don’t begin preparing for your exam the night before the test. Instead, come up with a study plan that includes reviewing lecture notes and key textbook passages in the days and weeks leading up to your test. 

Similarly, if you have an essay due, start working on it long before the due date. Early preparation will ensure you’re able to find the sources and support you need to be successful. Getting ready in advance also means you won’t be frantically emailing your professor the night before an exam asking for help. 

Get Organized 

When you’re in college, it’s easy to feel disorganized and overwhelmed, but staying on top of your assignments and projects can strengthen your work during any mid-semester slump. 

One of the best ways to get organized is to invest in a planner or calendar app. Take the time to mark important dates, including project deadlines and essay due dates. You’ll also want to review these deadlines regularly and plan your social life around them to ensure you have plenty of time to work on your projects. 

Regularly reviewing your calendar or planner means you’ll stay on top of key deadlines and important assignments. Plus, if you choose to use a digital planner, you’ll be able to see both school and personal commitments in the same app. This will help you balance your life even more, as you’ll be able to scale back on social commitments during periods when you have more projects due. 

Reach Out 

If you’re concerned about your grade, your performance or your academic career in general, it’s important to reach out for additional support. Questions about your class performance and grades should be directed to your professor; however, you can talk with your student success coach for information on academic resources that can help you during the semester. For example, K-State Olathe offers a variety of mental health resources for emotional support, as well as a Cats’ Cupboard Cart that provides students with free access to nutritious food. 

Whether this is your first semester and you’re learning to juggle your classes or you’re an experienced learner about to graduate, the middle of the semester provides you with the perfect opportunity to evaluate your progress and to ensure you’re on track to finish strong.