Academic Success Guide - Midterms Edition, Fall 2023

ACADEMIC SUCCESS GUIDE RESIDENT LIFE | Fall 2023

Dear Terps, As you face the challenges of midterms, remember that you’ve already accomplished so much on your academic journey. You are capable, resilient, and well-prepared. Each test is an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and growth. Stay focused, believe in yourselves, and know that you have a whole community cheering you on. Take a deep breath, embrace the challenge, and give it your best effort.

You’ve got this, and your hard work will pay off. Keep pushing forward, and success will surely follow.

Good luck, and remember that your efforts are truly commendable.

The Department of Resident Life wishes you the most success on midterms!

TIPS TO CONQUER MIDTERMS It may be difficult to know how to prepare for Midterms. Here are 10 tips to make sure you are ready to conquer!

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

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Review Class Notes Regularly: Go through your class notes and highlight key concepts, formulas, and important details. This will help you identify the most critical information.

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Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study sessions in advance and allocate specific time slots for each subject. Stick to your schedule to ensure balanced preparation.

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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.

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

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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.

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Take Breaks: Don’t forget to include short breaks during your study sessions. These breaks can help you recharge and maintain focus.

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Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude. Self-doubt can be detrimental to your performance. Believe in your abilities and stay confident.

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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.

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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.

SUCCESS IS THE SUM OF SMALL EFFORTS, REPEATED DAY IN AND DAY OUT.” -Robert Collier

LIFE IS LIKE RIDING A BICYCLE, TO KEEP YOUR BALANCE, YOU MUST KEEP MOVING.” -Albert Einstein

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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 for students 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

Plan your study sessions with breaks to avoid burnout. 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

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 mista kes 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.

TAKE SHORT BREAKS

Incorporate short breaks during your study sessions to recharge your mind. Use this time to do something enjoyable or relax.

SELF-CARE IS HOW YOU TAKE YOUR POWER BACK” -Lalah Delia

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

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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.

SEEK CAMPUS RESOURCES Many universities offer counseling services and mental health resources. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need professional support.

ENGAGE IN RELAXATION TECHNIQUES Explore relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, aromatherapy, or taking a warm bath to alleviate stress.

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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SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL, FAILURE IS NOT FATAL : IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS.” -Winston Churchill

NEVER BEND YOUR HEAD. ALWAYS HOLD IT HIGH. LOOK THE WORLD STRAIGHT IN THE EYE.” -Helen Keller

UPCOMING ACADEMIC SUCCESS EVENTS OCTOBER 3, 2023 COMM First Look Fair OCTOBER 3, 2023 The Wellness Series: Time Management OCTOBER 3, 2023 Meet Your Mental Health Providers: Mental Health Awareness OCTOBER 6, 2023 Self-Care Fair: Mental Health Awareness Week

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STAYING ORGANIZED Staying organized during midterms is crucial for managing your time effectively and reducing stress. Here are some of our top tips to help you stay organized!

USE A PLANNER OR DIGITAL CALENDAR Keep track of important dates, including exam dates, assignment deadlines, and study sessions, using a planner or a digital calendar. Set reminders to stay on top of your schedule.

PRIORITIZE TASKS Identify the most critical tasks and focus on them first.

Prioritizing helps you tackle the most challenging or highimpact subjects when your energy and concentration are at their peak.

BREAK DOWN STUDY SESSIONS Divide your study sessions into manageable chunks, typically 25-30 minutes each (the Pomodoro technique).

Take short breaks in between to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

USE TO-DO LISTS Create daily to-do lists outlining specific tasks and goals. Crossing items off your list provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated.

ORGANIZE STUDY MATERIALS Keep your study materials organized. Use folders, binders, or digital tools to store notes, textbooks, and reference materials for each subject.

DESIGNATE A STUDY SPACE Establish a dedicated and organized study space free from distractions. Make sure it’s comfortable and well-lit to enhance productivity.

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IT TAKES AS MUCH ENERGY TO WISH AS IT DOES TO PLAN.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

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

STAY HEALTHY Prioritize self-care, including getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in physical activity. A healthy body and mind are essential for effective studying!

GATHER NECESSARY SUPPLIES Before each study session, ensure you have all the supplies you need, such as pens, highlighters, notebooks, and any other materials relevant to your subjects.

USE DIGITAL TOOLS Utilize productivity apps and tools for note-taking, task management, and time tracking. Apps like Evernote, Trello, or Google Keep can be helpful.

SET GOALS FOR EACH SESSION Define clear goals for each study session. What do you want to accomplish during that time? Having specific objectives helps you stay focused.

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REVIEW REGULARLY Periodically review and revise your study schedule and to-do lists to ensure you’re on track. Adjust as necessary based on your progress.

AVOID MULTITASKING

Focus on one subject or task at a time. Multitasking can reduce your efficiency and comprehension.

STAY INFORMED Stay updated on any changes in exam schedules, assignment due dates, or class announcements. Check your university email and online platforms regularly.

MANAGE STRESS

Implement stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to keep anxiety at bay.

ASK FOR HELP Don’t hesitate to seek help from professors, teaching assistants, or classmates if you have questions or need clarification on course materials.

REWARD YOURSELF After achieving your study goals or completing a challenging midterm, treat yourself to a small reward as motivation.

IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL IT’S DONE. -Nelson Mandela

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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES ACADEMIC SUCCESS & 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 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. For the Fall 2023 semester, some Guided Study Sessions will be conducted in-person and others will be conducted virtually through Zoom. To access a specific virtual session, please contact your GSS Leader or email gss@umd.edu from a University email address. Visit the GSS Schdule to view the available sessions.

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.

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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES 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.

ACADEMIC LEARNING ASSISTANT

The TLTC Learning Success Team provides free, 30-minute, one-on-one academic coaching sessions for UMD students. Our coaching sessions are collaborative and you set the agenda.

Whether you are looking to improve your learning strategies, develop an effective study plan, or survive/ace a course our team is here to support your academic success. Click here or visit go.umd.edu/learn to schedule an appointment.

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. Sundays are virtual, and Mondays through Thursdays are held in ESJ 1224. Visit the Math Success Program website to get more information and access the program.

MATH TEST BANK

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

OFFICE OF MULTI-ETHNIC STUDENT EDUCATION (OMSE)

OMSE offers free tutorial programs that cover most key courses in Writing, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Economics, among other courses. Individual and small group tutoring consisting of 2-4 students per group is available each semester in most undergraduate courses.

Check out the OMSE tutoring site to learn more and to request a tutor. You can also check out these short videos created by OMSE tutors on some traditionally difficult concepts.

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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, 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.

Bonus Tip: Keep track of academic deadlines and other important academic opportunities on campus by downloading the Department of Resident Life’s Academic Success Calendar.

SPS TUTORING SERVICES

The Society of Physics Students (SPS) offers free online and in-person tutoring for anyone taking an introductory physics course at UMD. Tutoring is available on a drop-in basis through Zoom from 4-6pm, Monday through Thursday. It is also available in Toll 1303 at the same time. In order to request the Zoom information, students must fill out the following brief form: https://forms. gle/M8FnJrEDgTkwSiUR8.

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HELPFUL CAMPUS RESOURCES 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.

Good luck on midterms, Terps!

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

You’ve got this!