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Key study strategies during midterm time

By Marcy Kraus, director of the College Center for Academic Support.

It's midterm time at the University of Rochester and for many students, it's also a time of increased anxiety, decreased sleep, and potentially disappointing news. For freshmen, it's important to reinforce the message that these first tests are learning experiences; successful students will use the feedback they receive to evaluate their study strategies and proactively take steps to address their difficulties. High school students often study for all of their courses in the same way. In college, students soon learn that they need to study for ECO 108 differently than they study for BIO 110 or PSY 101.

Some key points to remember: Successful students aren't afraid to seek support. Students should follow up with their professors and/or their TA's to discuss their difficulties; organizing a study group with classmates, or joining an already-made study group through Learning Assistance Services (LAS) supports and reinforces classroom learning; individual tutoring (available through the College Center for Academic Support) is often helpful; as is working with a study skills counselor to identify more effective ways to study and manage time. Parents and family members can support their students by sending notes, funny cards and care packages and helping their students develop some perspective during this often stressful time. Encouraging students to talk with someone EARLY—a professor, coach, resident adviser, pre-major adviser or an adviser in the College Center for Academic Support will help them realize that they are not alone in their worries and that there are often positive steps that can be taken to address their concerns. Action is the first step, success will likely follow.