Midterms are just around the corner and everyone needs to know what exam they are taking what day and how to prepare for it. Midterms for the first semester of the 2018-2019 school year begin on January 11, 2019 and last for a whole week.

There are two exams each day. Monday has first period and fourth period exams; Tuesday is second and fifth period exams; Wednesday is a two hour early dismissal day, so there are no exams; Thursday is third and sixth period exams; and, lastly, Friday is seventh and eighth period exams.

Studying for exams are always stressful and because students might be taking two in one day it is even harder. Check out these tips and try a few in the weeks before midterms begin in January:

• Do not study just the night before; study a little bit each day leading up to the exam.
• If writing a study guide or making a review, write in blue pen–it helps you retain the information you are studying.
• Eat chocolate while studying–it helps you retain the information you are studying.
• Use highlighters to highlight important information.
• Do not try to memorize words, try to UNDERSTAND them.
• You are 50% more likely to remember information if you speak it out loud instead of reading it silently to yourself.

On the night before the exam, go to sleep at a reasonable hour; if you are staying up super late, trying to cram, you will not remember the information the next day.  You should also get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast on the morning of scheduled midterms. It is also a good idea to wear comfortable clothes so you can focus during the exam.

Midterms are just tests, and it is important to remember that. Many faculty members and West graduates remember the wisdom of Mrs. Karen Mapes,  a beloved English teacher here at West, who was famous for saying, “Your GPA will not be on your tombstone.”  She was right, so do not make yourself sick or super stressed about them. Just try your very best and that is all you can do! Don’t stress, don’t worry and try your best!