For all of January, midterms loom over the heads of HHS students. Though these tests are known about well in advance, some still find themselves cramming the night before. Many students are unaware that midterms count for 10% of one’s final average for each class, so it’s important to take studying seriously. With that in mind, here are five tips you should take into consideration when studying for midterms:

1. Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying. While it may be easier to procrastinate until the night before the test, it is much more beneficial to study ahead of time. Midterms cover almost five months of material, so starting early is the key to success.
2. Find a good place to study. Some students find that they can study at home, while others admit that they easily get distracted in their houses. Luckily, Hillsborough has a great public library that offers areas for both quiet independent studying and cooperative, discussion based studying. You can also try local cafes, restaurants, or any other quiet place you can find.
3. Don’t waste time reviewing material you already know. When you start studying, try taking a practice test with questions similar to those on the midterm. If you find that there are areas you feel confident in, don’t spend time reviewing them. Although studying information you know well may give you a confident boost, you are much better off taking the time to build confidence in the areas you know less.
4. Study with friends. This can be a great studying tool if you use it effectively. There is no better way to go over the material from a certain class than to do it with your peers that take the class as well. Not only can peers provide answers that you cannot come up with on your own, it also helps to have to explain the information to someone else. If you’re able to explain something clearly, it means that you have a concrete understanding of it. However, be careful that the friends that you are studying with aren’t too much of a distraction so that you don’t waste your time.
5. Get comfortable with your teachers. Don’t be too scared to ask questions, if you’re confused about something make it known so that your teachers can help you. It is impossible to remember everything you’ve learned since September, and your teachers expect you to have questions. Don’t be afraid to approach your teachers; they are more than willing to clarify anything you don’t completely understand.

As midterms get started, hopefully you take these tips into account and perform to the best of your abilities. Good luck HHS!