With spring break just around the corner, the semester has officially hit its midpoint. Grand Valley State University students are simultaneously cramming last-minute for exams and doing anything except studying. At the Lanthorn, we are no different. While we try to stay on top of our midterms and essays, we’re still finding ways to cope with the looming deadlines by putting them off until the last minute.
Foster Hazen, Copy Editor
This is my most important semester because it’s my last one before graduation, but I am definitely a procrastinator when it comes to deadlines. I’m not very good at multiple-choice exams, which is what half of my classes are this semester.
Even though I tend to slack on maintaining healthy study habits, the one that has been the most helpful, and that I actually follow, is keeping a physical agenda with upcoming due dates. Being able to cross off tasks with my favorite pen is super satisfying, and it motivates me to complete even my most dreaded assignments. I also reward myself with a movie after (and sometimes during) every hours-long study session to Pavlov myself into being a model student, although I’m still waiting for this method to work in my favor.
Ava Ermiger, Opinion Editor
Every midterm season, I tell myself I’m going to become the best, most studious version of myself. It’s been four years now, and I’ve yet to accomplish this goal. From long walks to binge reading 500-page books that aren’t on the syllabus, I’ve been doing everything but study for my upcoming tests.
As an English education major, my midterms typically consist of paper deadlines and books, but this semester is different, slightly scarier and consists of multiple in-person exams. Luckily, my professors have posted study guides on Blackboard, and I have some amazing friends in my classes to hold me accountable. If you’re feeling unmotivated or easily distracted this week, I recommend finding a friend to study with and checking out the 24-hour coffeehouse downtown, Bitterend. Just choose this friend wisely, and make sure you’re talking about class content, not the new season of “Love Is Blind.”
Pierson VanGorp, Sports Editor
Midterm week looks different for each of us on staff, and for me, it hasn’t meant bouncing from exam to exam. I only had one midterm, which I took last Wednesday in a communication law class, and the rest of my stress has come from project deadlines piling up all at once. Obviously, I prefer projects over exams any day of the week, but to have all of my projects due around the same date is exhausting. Instead of cramming for multiple tests, I’ve been juggling a handful of projects, and I genuinely prefer it that way. Projects let me pace my work, think creatively and apply what I’ve learned rather than trying to recall everything in a timed setting. As long as I manage my time correctly, I’ll be staying sane during this exam week.
Brady Kemmerling, Associate Editor
Regardless of how many midterm weeks you experience, nothing prepares you for the next one. The biggest struggle I face is getting overwhelmed by the pile of assignments, projects and the need to study for exams. While simply writing down assignments is the most basic way of keeping things organized, I put together a system that works best for me, which keeps responsibilities on track and organized. I put together a designated Google Doc where, as soon as I learn about an assignment or project, I write it down, regardless of how far out it is due.
From there, I give the work a due date of the day before it is due, so things get done the day before the deadline at the latest. Each day, I go on the Doc and highlight which assignments I need to do each day that week by color. Once that day rolls around, I task myself to complete everything highlighted for that day. Using color and early deadline organizers with my assignments helps me keep on track, stay focused and move forward through midterms and school in general.
Christina Bilko, Laker Life Editor
As a senior in my last semester at GVSU, it often feels like my motivation is on a sharp decline. My routines at university are becoming a little stale, and the anticipation for what awaits me after graduation only continues to build. During midterm week, it can be especially difficult to get out of my senioritis slump. As I type away at take-home midterms for writing courses and practice for upcoming presentations, I have to remind myself why I decided to go to university in the first place.
This will be different for everyone, but my goal of pursuing meaningful work in writing and communications to help others connect gives me a spark of inspiration to keep pushing forward. It’s easy to get caught up in the present, but remembering your reason why can be a good motivator. After the work is done, make sure to acknowledge it! The promise of a sweet treat can be just as persuasive.
Megan Matthews, Arts & Entertainment Editor
With this being my last semester at GVSU, the burnout during midterms has felt so real. Call it the senior slump if you must, but it can be easy to procrastinate or let the massive amounts of projects and assignments get me down.
My solution is lots and lots of to-do lists – maybe to the point where my sanity comes into question. I have a running list of all of the things I need to do for work, school, the Lanthorn and home/personal life tasks. I also make a weekly to-do list to make managing my workload as simple as possible. Finally, I have a daily list to keep me on track and organized throughout the day. Plus, it just feels great to check something off. List-oriented organization helps me a lot, but it also becomes necessary to take a bit off my plate by working fewer hours and saying no to extra and unnecessary responsibilities.
Regardless of the Lanthorn staff’s suffering and surviving through midterm week, we hope that our fellow Lakers have beneficial study techniques. For extra support, the University offers many academic resources to help navigate this stressful time of the semester. If your academic methods are anything like ours, we wish you the best of luck in achieving successful exam results.
