Midterms, tests, and final exams are a stressful time for many. They all require hours of studying, as they have a lot of the material that needs to be covered. For students that haven’t taken these kinds of tests before, it can be very stressful and time consuming. For students that are in their last few years of high school, it can be a matter of routine.

It doesn’t always have to be a stressful time. There are methods some people can employ to make studying and preparing for any test, including midterms and finals, easier.

A big challenge for students when it comes to preparing for large tests is time management. Most students either underestimate or overestimate the amount of time is required to prepare for a test.

When it comes to test preparations, making time is important. Always set aside at least one hour to read through your notes. Spending one or more hours per day studying in the weeks before the exam is light but effective. Spread time out and read throughout the day. Studying for 8 hours straight can be very taxing on the mind. Spreading the study hours throughout the day is a good way to even out all the work.

There are many ways to study for a test or midterm, however not all of them are effective. According to the University of St. Augustine for Health Science, it’s important to have some kind of method to study, as having a consistent system is a good habit. Some of the methods the University of St. Augustine for Health Science suggests:

• The SQ3R Method:  a type of reading comprehension technique.
• Retrieval Practice:  the concept of remembering things at a later time or date.
• Spaced Practice:  helps students spread out the work.

Studying in the right place can also increase productivity, as it can eliminate distractions. Sometimes studying in places where you are often can lead to many distractions being present. This can change or hinder the effectiveness of your study session. This makes finding a place to study an important part of the session. A library is perfect for this. It’s quiet and isolated when needed, and it will suit all the needs for a successful study session.

Having some small snacks is wise too. University of St. Augustine for Health Science suggests more healthy snacks like apples, edamame, or nuts. These will give a much longer energy boost than coffee or candy, as they can cause a sugar crash. All these conditions will lead to a focused and productive study.