Ah, yes. Midterms.
It can feel like a nightmare—classes and scheduled meetings don’t yield to the craze of midterm exams and papers. With a campus full of ambitious and overly-involved students, in the rush of exam weeks, Hawk Hill can feel more like a wasteland than a space of learning where students make it to class just to keep getting by. So how do we, the editors of the The Hawk, study for our mid-semester exams? Here are a few of our best tips and for making it through when the going gets tough:
“During midterms, I am a list-making machine. Prioritizing your tasks with a list can help you be much more efficient. Plus, it feels great to cross things off once you’re finished!” – Molly Grab, ’17, Editor in Chief
“Make a playlist that won’t be too distracting (but still has songs that will keep you motivated), order a large of your favorite coffee from Starbucks, Dunkin, or wherever you prefer, write up a to-do list, and go for it.” – Angela Christaldi, ’17, Managing Editor
“I am the queen of Post-It notes. You can find me on the third floor of the library—I’ll be making lists, taking notes, and prioritizing my to-do list!” – Ashley Cappetta, ’17, Copy Chief
“In order for me to get quality studying done, I need to isolate myself from my friends. I usually go to the second floor old side of the library, get myself a soda or coffee, sit down and crank out as much work as possible: without music.” – Ana Faguy, ’19, News Editor
“I love to study in the library! My favorite time to be there is on Friday afternoons because it is usually pretty empty, making it the perfect time to get a lot of work done without getting distracted.” – Sam Henry, ’19, Assistant News Editor
“I need to change up the location of where I study to stay focused. One day I’ll do second floor PLC, the next my kitchen table, then after that third floor Campion. I think changing up your surroundings when you are studying the same material for several days stops your brain from getting too bored.” – Maria Spirk, ’17, Opinions Editor
“As Nike wisely advises, just do it. Stop overanalyzing and study your butt off.” – Victoria Tralies, ’18, Assistant Opinions Editor
“I’m always the most productive first thing in the morning, so I usually plan to get my intense studying out of the way toward the beginning of the day. Then I save reading and other low-key assignments for when my motivation drops off later. I think prepping for midterms is all about knowing how your brain works and building habits that work for you.” – Katie White, ’17, Lifestyle Editor
“Last spring, I listened to ‘The Life of Pablo,’ Kanye West’s latest album, while studying and preparing for all my midterms. It worked.” – Ciarra Bianculli, ’17, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
“You do you.” – Christy Selagey, M.A. ’17, Sports Editor
“Video game music is designed to help the listeners focus, so try that. Also, start early and take brain breaks. The color yellow stimulates the mind, as do blueberry muffins. Finally, if you study while chewing a certain flavor of gum or looking at a certain pen, you are more likely to remember what you studied if you’re chewing the same flavor or using the same pen during the exam.” – Nick Mandarano, ’18, Assistant Sports Editor
“I like to make really long playlists with all different genres to keep me on my toes. I definitely always keep a cup of coffee (or two) nearby and force myself to study.” – Krista Jaworski, ’17, Creative Director
“I get a Powerade and some sort of gummy candy and listen to trap music. It’s always nice to have something sweet to eat after a study session.” – Joey Toczylowski, ’19, Photo Editor
“I typically camp out in Claver with a large cup of tea when I study. I usually take small study breaks for socialization and existential crises. I also eat peanut butter. A lot of peanut butter.” – Abigail Gorman, ’17, Assistant Copy
“My advice for people taking midterms is to make sure to take breaks because you stress and exhaust yourself if you study for two or three hours straight. It’s OK to take a quick walk or visit friends for 10 or 15 minutes; after you’ll feel refreshed and will be able to focus better.” – Vivian Milan, ’18, Assistant Copy
“I’d say focusing on the relief that comes with handing in a completed exam gets me through studying. It’s a great reminder that stress is temporary.” – Liz Krotulis, ’17, Assistant Copy
“I like to consolidate my notes the weekend before any exam or big paper. Having everything I need on a few sheets of paper eases my mind.” – Mark De Leon, ’17, Assistant Copy
“When I get overwhelmed with work and school I’ll ride my scooter around my apartment to give myself a break. And when I feel daring I’ll scooter outside.” – Brenna Ritzert, ’17, Distribution Manager
We hope these tips can help you navigate late nights, coffee breaks, and perpetual cramming to achieve success with your midterm projects, papers, and exams. Ultimately, you know what works best for you, so buckle down and finish this last sprint as we head into fall break.
Good luck!
– Hawk Staff