Academic Success Guide Fall 2025 Midterms

ACADEMIC SUCCESS GUIDE RESIDENT LIFE | Fall 2025

Hi Terps, As you take on your upcoming midterms, remember that you’ve already accomplished so much on your academic journey. Each test or project is an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and growth. Take a deep breath, embrace the challenge, make time for yourself, and give it your best effort. You’ve got this, and your hard work will pay off. Good luck, and remember that your efforts are truly commendable.

The Department of Resident Life wishes you success on your midterms this fall!

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EXAM PREPARATION

It may be difficult to know how to prepare for midterms. Here are 10 tips to make sure you are ready to conquer!

1. Start Early: Begin reviewing your course materials well in advance of the midterm date. Cramming can lead to stress and poor retention of information.

2. Seek out Collaborative Study Groups. If there are others on your floor/building that are in the class with you, head to the lounge to study together. See if others in your class want to review the material.

If the department/instructor of your class is hosting review sessions, attend them!

3. Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study sessions in advance and allocate specific time slots for each subject - and stick to your schedule.

4. Practice with Past Exams: If previous midterms or sample questions are available, use them to practice. This can give you an idea of the format and types of questions that may be asked. Will partial credit be awarded for some answers?

5. Use Active Learning Techniques: Engage actively by summarizing, teaching it to someone else, or creating flashcards. Active learning enhances retention.

6. Seek Clarification: If you have doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors or teaching assistants. They are there to help you.

7. Take Breaks: These breaks can help you recharge and maintain focus.

8. Stay Positive: Self-doubt can be detrimental to your performance. Believe in your abilities and stay confident!

9. Practice Under Exam Conditions: As you get closer to the exam date, simulate exam conditions by taking practice tests with a timer to get used to the time constraints.

10. Stay Calm: On the day of the midterm, stay calm and focused. Take deep breaths if you feel anxious, and read through all the questions carefully before starting.

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MENTAL MAINTENANCE Taking care of your mental health during midterm exams is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.

Here are some tips to help manage stress and prioritize mental health during this challenging time:

PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.

This includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in regular physical activity.

CREATE A STUDY SCHEDULE Stick to your schedule, but be flexible and adjust it as needed to avoid overexertion.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques to reduce anxiety and increase focus. Apps and online resources can provide guided sessions.

STAY CONNECTED Don’t isolate yourself. Stay connected with friends and family for support, even if it’s just a short chat or a video call.

TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS

“YOUR TALENTS AND ABILITIES WILL IMPROVE OVER TIME, BUT FOR THAT, YOU HAVE TO START.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust about your stress and anxiety. Sometimes, sharing your feelings can provide relief and perspective.

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Set achievable goals for your exams. Understand that perfection is not required, and it’s okay to make mistakes or not know everything.

BREAK TASKS INTO SMALLER STEPS If studying feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This can make the workload feel less daunting.

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TAKE SHORT BREAKS Incorporate short breaks during your study sessions to recharge your mind.

Use this time to do something enjoyable or relax.

STAY ORGANIZED Keep track of important dates, assignments, and study materials. Being organized can reduce stress caused by last-minute rushes.

LIMIT CAFFEINE AND SUGAR While caffeine can provide a temporary energy boost, excessive consumption can lead to increased anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns. Consume in moderation.

PRACTICE DEEP BREATHING When feeling overwhelmed, take deep breaths to calm your nervous system.

Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique for relaxation.

ENGAGE IN RELAXATION TECHNIQUES Explore relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, aromatherapy, or look into taking a yoga class offered by RecWell.

LIMIT DISTRACTIONS Create a distraction-free study environment to enhance concentration. Put away your phone and other distractions during study sessions.

POSITIVE SELF-TALK Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your capabilities and past successes.

GET FRESH AIR Spend some time outdoors and get fresh air. Even a short walk can clear your mind and boost your mood.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can improve your mental outlook.

KNOW WHEN TO TAKE A BREAK If stress becomes overwhelming, don’t be afraid to step back and take a day off if needed. Your mental health should always come first.

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STAYING ORGANIZED Staying organized during midterms can help reduce stress and increase productivity. Here are some tips: 1. Use a Planner or Calendar: Write down important dates, deadlines, and exam times in a planner or digital calendar.

Having a visual representation of your commitments can help you stay on track.

2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Divide your study materials into manageable chunks or topics. Breaking tasks down into smaller steps can make them feel less overwhelming and easier to tackle. You can use this calculator from the University of Minnesota to break down large writing assignments (papers or lab reports) into smaller, more manageable parts.

3. Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks or subjects that require extra attention and prioritize them in your study schedule.

4. Organize Study Materials: Keep your notes, textbooks, and study materials organized and easily accessible. Use folders, binders, or digital tools to categorize and store materials for each subject.

5. Minimize Distractions: Silence your phone or use apps to temporarily block distracting websites.

6. Set Goals: Establish specific, achievable goals for each study session to keep yourself motivated and focused. Celebrate your progress as you reach each milestone.

7. Review Regularly: Schedule regular review sessions to reinforce your understanding of the material and prevent cramming before exams.

8. Use Memory Aids: Utilize mnemonic devices, flashcards, diagrams, or other memory aids to help you retain information more effectively.

9. Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks during study sessions to rest and recharge. Avoid studying for long periods without breaks, as this can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.

“START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN.” -Arthur Ashe

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UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

The Wellness Series: Coping with Stress

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

The Wellness Series: Freedom from Perfectionism

OCTOBER 1, 2025

The Wellness Series: Pay Attention! Tips to Improve Focus

OCTOBER 1, 2025

Self-Care Fair: Mental Health Awareness Week

OCTOBER 9, 2025

The Wellness Series: Conquer Procrastination Now (Not later)

“WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN. AND REWRITE IT. NO FAIRY TALES. BE YOUR OWN NARRATOR. AND GO FOR A HAPPY ENDING. ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER. YOU WILL MAKE IT.” -Shonda Rhimes

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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND TUTORIAL SERVICES

As an initiative of the Academic Achievement Programs (AAP), the Academic Success and Tutorial Services program provides free peer tutoring to all UM students for over twenty 100- and 200-level general education courses. Additionally, tutoring is offered for historically difficult courses in areas such as biology, business, chemistry, computer science, economics, mathematics/statistics, and physics.

THE COUNSELING CENTER

The Counseling Center is the primary campus provider of free and confidential therapy to help UMD students manage personal, social, and academic challenges. The Counseling Center also offers wellness workshops and a variety of resources to help students with common student concerns.

GUIDED STUDY SESSIONS

The Guided Study Sessions (GSS) program offers FREE, regularly scheduled group review sessions for students in traditionally difficult courses. GSS Leaders have previously taken your course and earned an A, so they know what it takes to stay on track in lectures and prepare for exams. Go once, a few times, or attend every session—it’s never too late to start attending GSS. Visit the GSS Schedule to view the available sessions.

LIBRARIES

The University Libraries offer plenty of resources including those for getting started on research as well as places to study. There are six libraries on campus and all have different hours.

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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES KEYSTONE CENTER

Located in the J. M. Patterson, the Keystone Center is where you can go to work on homework or group projects, use the computer labs, or study for exams. It is staffed with upper-level undergraduate and graduate students who can provide you with assistance in answering questions in fundamental engineering and STEM courses: CHEM135, MATH140, MATH141, MATH241, and MATH246.

MATH SUCCESS PROGRAM

The Math Success Program offers free, drop-in math coaching and tutoring services for all UMD undergraduate students. The program is open Sunday - Thursday from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays are held in ESJ 1224, Sundays are virtual and require an appointment. Visit the Math Success Program website to get more information and access the program.

MATH TUTORING ROOM & MATLAB TUTORING

TAs available on a daily basis for most of the introductory math courses in Math Building Room 0203. To see all courses offered and a full schedule, please see the Undergraduate Tutoring Hours.

MATH TEST BANK

Google Drive of past exams from the Math Department for tons of classes. Great practice material for studying for final exams.

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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES OFFICE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

The Office of Student Conduct serves the UMD community by investigating referrals, enforcing the Codes (Code of Academic Integrity and Code of Student Conduct), and committing to a fair, honest, and transparent conduct process. The Office of Student Conduct handles issues of academic integrity. If you are unsure of rules about academic integrity, the Office of Student Conduct has resources to assist you.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (OCC)

The OCC can provide: peer consulting for presentations, speeches, and other modes of oral communication; Speech planning and practice assistance; Interactive workshops on a variety of relevant communication skills; Special events and workshop series. You can schedule an appointment here.

QUIET STUDY SPACES

These spaces offer some great opportunities to safely explore campus and find new places to get your work done. Please visit the Quiet Study Spaces list to view the spaces that are available, as well as the guidelines around using the spaces.

TUTORING & ACADEMIC SUCCESS RESOURCES

The University is committed to academic excellence, and provides a variety of tutoring and other academic resources to support student success — available on campus, from our peer institutions, and other non-university websites. To learn more about the available resources, visit tutoring. umd.edu. Also checkout these helpful resources to tackle some common academic concerns.

THE WRITING CENTER

The Writing Center provides opportunities for undergraduate students to improve their writing, research, and critical thinking skills in preparation for successful academic, professional, and civic lives. In a supportive atmosphere, trained consultants from a variety of backgrounds and majors assist writers in-person and online throughout the writing process. Visit the Writing Center’s website to schedule an appointment.

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Study hard, go to class, get enough sleep and ask for help when needed.

You’ve got this!

Good luck on midterms, Terps!