(Written by the Place Vanier A-Team)
Here are a few tips for the post-midterm blues shared by Michael Griffin, the professor in residence in Totem Park.
Don’t let the midterm define your year!
Doing poorly on a midterm can be scary for those who have never failed before, but make sure to remember that university standards are significantly higher than in high school. Recognize that you didn’t do as well as you wanted, but don’t dwell on it. Move on quickly and think about how you can improve for next time.
Make a plan.
Decide what went wrong this time, and figure out how to improve for next time. Maybe you focused on the wrong material, or your study methods weren’t effective. Regardless, use this midterm as a learning opportunity! Usually it’s still possible to get a good grade, despite a bad midterm.
Go to office hours.
Most profs and TAs are willing to go over the midterm with you. Don’t be embarrassed! Before you go, make sure to prepare some specific questions so the meeting will be productive. Also, remember to be respectful at all times and don’t go in with the intent to argue for marks! Sometimes, professors are willing to give you opportunities to make up for the grade, if you ask nicely. Try to take away lessons about content and methods of studying!
Talk to academic advising.
Especially in exceptional circumstances (e.g. sickness, family emergencies), academic advising can advocate for you if you did poorly on a midterm. This can take the form of an official note to your professor, future academic concessions, or various other ways that can help you succeed academically moving forward.
So you bombed a midterm. Don’t let this one midterm bring you down. University is hard, but despite common belief, your average doesn’t have to drop 30% from high school.
Until next time,
The A-Team
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