The week of midterms can be particularly trying to the average high school student. There’s much to do and even more to learn. Whether it’s your first midterm or the last one you’ll ever take in high school, this guide will help you through the obstacle course that is: Midterms at Harriton.

1. STUDY! It is hoped that this one is obvious to you. Except for the few fortunate “braniacs” with photographic memories, every student needs to at least refresh themselves on the material they learned back in September. Find the best study plan for you; try flashcards, outlines, group study sessions, reading over notes, or even singing the information out loud. Make a schedule and allocate a bit of time each day to each subject. Cramming isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as it’s not the first time you’ve opened your books in the past few weeks.
2. SLEEP! No matter how much you would like to believe it, you are not a robot. Your body needs sleep to function. Without it, you’re brain will not stay alert, your legs will not stay strong, and your eyes will not stay open. Getting enough rest is the first step to acing your midterms. All that cramming you did the night before means nothing if you don’t give your body the rest it needs to retain and store the information.
3. TAKE ADVANTAGE! Harriton offers an exceptional supply of assistance when it comes to midterms. Try spending Lunch and Learn studying in a teacher’s room so you can ask them questions as you work. Or visit the NHS tutors after school for some study help.
4. WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER! Midterms cover perhaps an excessive amount of information. It’s virtually impossible to memorize everything you’ve learned up to this point, so work smart. Study the bigger concepts, or the topics that have come up the most in class. And the simplest form of smart studying: don’t study what you already know. Being an expert on one specific unit won’t be much help on such a large test, so if you’re low on time, study a wide range of larger, more general ideas.
5. RELAX! A lot of the hardworking, highly motivated students at Harriton forget that it’s okay to take a break. Instead of studying for 5 straight hours and 5 straight days, give your brain and soul a little rest. Hang out with friends, go get some food, even watch TV. Yes, I am recommending watching TV. It’s important to give your mind some time to zone out so that you can attack your next study session with a fresh perspective.
6. IT’S OK! Most importantly, don’t worry. Whatever grade appears in PowerSchool after this grueling week, it is simply a number. It is not you; it is not your future. Midterms can be difficult, but they do not define who you are. No test does for that matter! Take a breath and take the test. I promise it will be okay.

With a little help and a positive mindset, you’ll make it through this grueling week with your sanity still intact.