Thanksgiving break is over and done with, and the students at NDP are turning their minds to the rapidly approaching Christmas break. Amidst the presents, the cookies, the trees, the family, and the festive cheer, it is very easy to forget what comes only two weeks after returning to campus. Yes, that is right; it is midterm season.  

Midterms stress everyone out, no matter the grade or class, but do not fear. Below are simple tricks and tips to help you prepare and study for the exams.  

• Start Early 

This is kind of an obvious one. Do not start studying or making your review sheets the night before an exam. That is cramming. There is too much material to review all in one night. Start early, maybe a week or two out, study little by little, and then the night before review everything. It will make a difference.  

• Know How You Think  

Different people think in different ways. For example, if you prefer to learn visually, try drawing something or looking at pictures. If you are more of a memorization type of studier, try flashcards. If you like to read, reread your notes. If you need to write something down to understand it, rewrite all your notes. This is also a good idea if you are struggling in a class. Writing your notes down has proven to be a better learning style than typing, so if you are struggling in a class, try rewriting your notes and see if that helps. These are just a few ideas, but if you need more, ask your friends, teachers, or go online and find some.  

• Make Study Guides 

Sometimes teachers will give you a study guide with questions already written out and all you have to do is fill it in and study that. But often, teachers will give you one big sheet that has everything you need to study just written down. If they give you that paper, where there are no questions already written down, and it is just an overview of the semester, you need to make a study guide. Do not rely on that small piece of paper to get you that grade that you want for the exam. Sit down and go through your notes to make the perfect study guide. Doing this helps you in multiple ways because you are studying the material while making your study guide.  

• Make a Plan  

This may seem pointless, but I promise you it is not. Take a moment, before anything else, and write down your plan for how, when, and what you are going to study each night. Maybe one night you will make your study guide for English. Then the next night, you will make your math study guide. A week later, you will study your English or math. Whatever it is you are doing, write it down. That way you have a plan, and you know that you are prepared, and then all you have to do is stick to the plan.  

• Ask Questions 

This is simple. If you are struggling with something, talk to your friends. See if you can figure it out with their help and if you cannot, email your teacher and organize a time when you can meet and ask questions. Your teachers do not want you to fail. They want to help you, so do not be afraid to ask for help.  

Remember, you know the material; you just need to remember it. Now you have a few tips on studying for your exams and you are on your way to acing them. Good luck with the midterms!