Midterms? Students Share Their Reaction

(Edited by Saul Flores and Angela Mangueira)

Southwestern Adventist University is in the middle of midterms, and students are somewhat optimistic. Freshmen face their first college test week. Seniors feel pressure to succeed in their last fall semester. No matter what grade level, there are three things each student should remember: study, sleep, and don’t stress.

Angel Zayas

“The pressure is on,” says Angel Zayas, senior kinesiology major. “I had several midterms this week and I feel like there is no room for slack.”

“I feel like I did well,” says Destiny Cosner, sophomore fire science major. “I studied when I could. Some tests were difficult, and some were easy.”

Midterms are often worth anywhere from 10 to 50 percent of a final grade. While studying is crucial to success at any time of the semester, tests with such heavy weight give students extra incentive to study.

The library can be a great place to concentrate. There are quiet corners for those who need to be alone, and open areas for students to group study.

Astrid Partida

“I love studying in the library because I can actually concentrate,” says Astrid Partida, sophomore nursing major. “Sometimes when I study in my room, my bed whispers to me that I deserve a nap, when I should be doing my homework.”

Another great study location is the rotunda. With weather transitioning from hot summer to cool fall, it’s the perfect time to study outdoors.

Also, rest is very important for midterm preparation. A study by Harris Health System says that a good night’s rest is better than all-night studying. To do ones best, a student must feel ones best.

Besides studying and sleep, students can prepare for midterms by eating breakfast, exercise, and having general cleanliness.  Amanda Madigan, freshman education major, advises students to “dress for success.”

Not all midterms are created equal. The nursing department is faced with difficult testing every week. In that case, midterms simply serve as a checkpoint for grades.

Alex Cortes

“I passed my tests, but I wish I could have done better,” says Alexander Cortes, junior nursing major. “My midterms were about a 7 out of 10. My nursing test was a 12 out of 10.”

“Midterms for nursing students is basically finding out if we’re surviving the semester alright,” says Chelsea Zabala, senior nursing major. “It’s probably where most students question if it’s worth it or not. I encourage my class and future classes to keep going. There is a light ahead. It will be worth it in the end.”

Matthew 6:27 says, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Worrying will not raise midterm grades. When the test is over, nothing can be changed. This difficult time of the year is a reminder to focus on college. “It can be tempting to be overwhelmed and slack off,” said Ann Sauder, senior music major, “But don’t give up.”

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