Midterm Exam Week Survival Guide: 6 Proven Study Tips Every CMUan Needs to Succeed

It’s officially midterm exam week! You’ve prepared, sacrificed, and worked hard to get to this point. Now, it’s time to trust yourself and give your absolute best. May this week be filled with focus, clarity, and confidence.

Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your game:

• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲: Study in 25-minute blocks followed by a 5-minute break. It keeps your brain fresh and prevents burnout.

• 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹: Instead of just re-reading your notes, quiz yourself. Try explaining a concept out loud as if you’re teaching it to a friend.

• 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Find a quiet spot in the library or a cozy corner where you won’t be easily distracted by your phone.

• 𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻: Swap sugary snacks for “brain foods” like nuts, fruits, or dark chocolate to avoid a sugar crash.

• 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗱: Lightly reviewing your most difficult material right before sleep can help your brain solidify those memories overnight.

• 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and keeping up with your studies.

You’ve got this, CMUans!