With Midterms and finals approaching, what are the best ways to prepare? Cobbers and professors alike have a handful of tips and tricks for you to get your best grades on tests.
Junior nursing major, Alex Maahs, shares that repeatedly handwriting her notes, going to a
tutor, and taking things one step at a time are most beneficial to her learning.
Maahs believes that finding the perfect study spot is crucial to the process.
“If I can find a place to study in ISC, I normally do- otherwise I like to study with my cat,” Maahs said.
Maahs also shares that reviewing PowerPoints or notes that professors have uploaded to Moodle are great courses of action. Maahs said he swears by watching instructional videos on YouTube and studying in chunks.
“It helps get the topic concrete in my head, it’s so important to go chunk by chunk and use your resources,” Maahs said.
English Professor Anna Bushy believes that mental health is the most crucial factor to
acing your exams.
Bushy is a Concordia alumni that remembers her days of exams well. Bushy strongly
believes that taking care of herself is what got her through it all.
“Prioritize your health. The way I study is thinking holistically about my health. Drink water, eat healthy, get enough sleep, take some vitamin C. Your mind can’t feel well if your body isn’t feeling well, and your grades will suffer if you don’t put yourself first,” she said.
Bushy also shares that taking your time instead of cramming, talking with your peers and rewarding yourself are important aspects to your exams.
“It’s always helpful to talk to someone else in your class, chances are if you’re nervous someone else is too- you’re not alone,” Bushy said.
Bushy doesn’t have any midterms scheduled for her students but is very familiar with the process.
She emphasizes that cramming and over-exerting yourself often leads to academic disaster, and that it’s important to go slow and take breaks. Bushy recommends a walk around campus between chapters, or ordering a sweet treat with your coffee before a long study session.
Sophomore, Jonah Krogstad, an English/ Communications Arts Education major,
shares a similar ideology. Krogstad learns best through audio representation.
“I like to explain the concepts I’m learning out-loud to myself. If I can speak it, I can do it, ” Krogstad said.
Krogstad said he loves to use the library study rooms, Anderson commons and the dining hall for studying.
“When I study at DS, I can get plenty of snacks and drinks while I work. Getting a little
treat while I tackle my work is a win-win,” Krogstad said.
Krogstad also believes that starting early is the best way to cement your test topics into your head.
“It’s best to start early, but sometimes you can’t, y’know? If you have to cram, which sometimes you do, just make sure to be kind to yourself. You’re doing a lot of work. Cramming can be beneficial too, since it saves more time,” he said.
Krogstad also shares that panicking is the last thing you should do, even if you’re in a frenzy. He said that staying calm will help you retain information better.
The overall feedback of our professors and fellow Cobbers alike shows that taking care of yourself is the best course of action. Make sure to get plenty of sleep, eat good meals, and take things one step at a time.
This fall semester, join Jonah Krogstad in the library study rooms, study with your furry friend like Alex Maahs or take a walk around campus like Professor Anna Bushy, and above all else, stay calm!
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