Midterms can be a spooky experience. Maybe you thought you were prepared, but now you’re staring at your grade and it wasn’t what you’d hoped for. If this is you, don’t worry—you have plenty of time to improve before finals. Here are some tips to help you turn your midterm frights into finals delights.
- Face your Fear: Look Closely at Your Midterm
Receiving less-than-ideal grades and feedback can feel a bit like watching a horror movie, but it’s essential for growth. Take the time to thoroughly review your graded midterm. Look for patterns and reflect on your preparation: Were you losing points due to missed issues, incomplete analysis, or misunderstanding key concepts? Pinpointing where you went off course is the first step to plotting a path forward.
- Breathe New Life into Your Study Habits
If your midterm didn’t go as planned, consider whether your study methods need a transformation. Were you cramming too much information at the last minute? Did you focus on memorization without practice? Find ways to study smarter: take practice exams, craft and review outlines consistently, and create summaries for complex topics. The goal is to transform your study habits from lifeless routines into active, effective learning strategies.
- Seek Wisdom from Your Guides (aka Professors and TAs)
Much like a Halloween film protagonist seeking guidance from a wise mentor, reach out to your professors, teaching assistants, or academic support professionals for help. Professors can offer valuable insights into your performance and suggest specific areas to improve. Attend office hours with prepared questions about the material or your midterm feedback, and consider bringing concrete examples of areas where you struggled. They’ll appreciate your initiative, and you’ll gain a clearer idea of what to work on.
- Form a “Coven” of Study Buddies
Collaborating with classmates can be a game-changer, especially if you’re haunted by similar questions. Join a study group or start one yourself, focusing on areas where you all need improvement. Comparing notes, discussing hypotheticals, and testing each other on tough concepts can make the learning process feel more collaborative and less daunting.
- Tackle the “Monster” Topics Head-On
Every class has those tricky concepts that can feel monstrous to master, whether it’s the Rule Against Perpetuities or Constitutional levels of scrutiny. Make a list of the topics you found most difficult on your midterm and set aside time each week to revisit them. Use practice problems to break these down into manageable parts, and remember that repeated exposure is key to mastering complex material.
- Craft a Plan and Stick to It
One of the best ways to overcome the ghost of a disappointing midterm is to create a focused study plan leading up to finals. Break down your outline by topic, schedule regular review sessions, and incorporate plenty of practice questions along the way. Stick to your plan with commitment, and you’ll find that each study session helps you gain confidence and clarity.
- Treat Yourself: Don’t Forget to Reward Your Progress
Improvement takes time and persistence, so don’t wait until finals are over to give yourself a pat on the back. Celebrate small victories along the way—whether it’s mastering a tough concept or hitting your study goals for the week. These little “treats” will keep you motivated as you work toward a stronger finish.
Final Thoughts
Your midterm grade doesn’t define you—it’s simply a snapshot of where you were at that moment in time. Midterms are an opportunity to assess, reflect, and improve. By facing your feedback, adjusting your study habits, and tackling challenging concepts head-on, you’re setting yourself up for finals success. With a fresh plan and the determination to improve, you’re ready to turn those “boos” into well-deserved “woos” come finals season.
Happy Halloween!
(Erica Sylvia, UMass Law)
