For many, midterm week is a challenging and stressful week. Although this week typically brings stress, anxiety, and tension, it presents many positives as well - it’s all about perspective. What students should take into consideration is that the week is all about time management, learning to work under pressure, and standardized test taking - necessary skills to practice and strengthen for every year that lies ahead.

 

During this week students are asked to take tests for core classes in the gymnasium; math, english, history, science, and language. On top of this, elective classes assign projects or in class assessments. Considering the aforementioned, time management is essential in order to do well on the exams and projects prior to the test week in January. 

 

What students need to understand is that these tests require weeks of preparation and will set a student up for success. Instead of waiting until the night before, students should block out time in weeks prior to study. Not only are kids building their time management skills, but the stress and anxiety surrounding this week will be lessened. The time and effort put into your studying will be reflected in the grade. Why not capitalize on this opportunity for now and for the future?

 

In fact, Junior Gabriella Segarra reflects, “I find midterm week to value students ' success because it allows people to learn and utilize time management. Additionally, some days I do not have midterms so it lets me relax and reevaluate myself.”

 

Even more important is the fact that every test is timed. Students have 2 hours to complete most exams; some tests run longer than others but the clocking is always ticking. This is another way to prep for deadlines and time restrictions in adult life. 

 

Thanks to these time restrictions there is a bit of  “racing against the clock.” While students worry they may not finish, they are actually beginning to develop the skills necessary to pace themselves. Learning to work under pressure not only helps in this isolated situation, but will also help for exams moving forward, whether that be in college or after. 

 

Sitting in the gym for an extended period of time without breaks and without access to a phone or friends aids in understanding how a standardized test works. Most students after high school will have to take a standardized test for their profession. The experiences gained during January Midterm Week and June Finals Week  in high school familiarizes students with experiences they will, in fact, have. Everyone is more comfortable being familiar, and, more important, will be able to perform at their best.