As midterms are approaching at Florida A&M University, students are preparing for a demanding week of exams and projects to carry out the rest of the semester.
Midterms are given roughly halfway through the academic semester to evaluate students on how well they have grasped class material. Therefore, it is important to keep up with content from the start of classes to be prepared for midterms by mid-October and early November.
Sophomore biology student Jordan Washington suggests studying early.
“Don’t wait until the day before the exam or two days before. You need to start early or at least study the topics as classes go on,” said Washington.
It is also encouraged to grasp a personal study routine to help break down the material into smaller sessions leading to exam day.
Biomedical engineering major and FAMU softball player Tatiana Davis created a routine to aid in her study process throughout the next couple of weeks.
“I look at all of my classes, I look at each class chapter and section and divide the section up by how many days I need to study, then one day before the exam I do a review session,” said Davis.
However, balancing academics and athletics is no easy task. Davis admits that managing both her major and her commitments as a student-athlete is “extremely difficult.”
“Because of my major and how time-consuming to both being an athlete and an engineer is, it’s a struggle,” said Davis.
However, to support students, Davis suggests that professors be clear on their expectations to avoid confusion or miscommunication in the classroom. “Be clear with your instructions and what you’re asking from your students because, in engineering, there are so many ways to solve one problem,” said Davis.
To support students during midterms, FAMU offers several helpful resources, including the Writing Resource Center, the Tutoring Services and the Academic Success Center. Academic Coach Ronnie Mackey encourages students to take advantage of office hours.
“I highly encourage students to utilize office hours,” said Mackey. “Emailing your professors or trying to talk to them after class is not the best time to talk to them; get them one-on-one.”
Mackey also stressed the importance of balancing work with self-care.
“Work smarter, not harder,” said Mackey. “Give yourself adequate time to separate business and pleasure. If all you do is continuously work, you are not going to retain that information.”
With midterms quickly approaching, students are encouraged to establish good study habits, plan strategically, and find a healthy balance. Exams will take place throughout late October and into early November, marking a crucial point in the semester and determining student enrollment in future courses.