We're all back from our December vacation and just getting used to the school schedule and the work load again. However, as the weeks quickly go by we realize that there's something huge at the end of January; we all know it's coming and we all don't want to face it. That's right GHS students, it's Midterm Week!

Teachers are finishing up the last of their lessons, completing grades, and starting to print out Midterm Review Packets for their classes. During this part of January, I usually start to freak out about when to study, how to study, and who to study with. It can be overwhelming over the next few weeks but not to worry, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.

Trick #1 - Start Studying Now!

Don't wait until the night before to start cramming. It's better to start now while you can still ask teachers questions and more time to re-learn all of your notes. It's better to ask your teachers questions in class because if you have follow-up questions or your other classmates are confused about the material it's easier to understand your teacher's explanations in class than on an e-mail at 11:30 at night. Also, you have over a week to stay after for extra help with your teacher so utilize it! You don't want to regret never getting help the night before the exam.

Trick #2 - Study Materials Are A Must!

During the school year, I usually take very sloppy and unreadable notes for class. As it becomes closer and closer to midterms, I soon realize that studying will take twice as long because I can't decipher my notes! I suggest that everyone takes a quick trip to Staples and buys some new notebooks, post-it's, highlighters, etc. so that they can start to decode and rewrite their notes! By rewriting important facts you're brain starts to recognize and remember your notes. This method has really helped me to memorize class lessons a lot faster than staring blankly at my old notes.

Trick #3 - Who Should I Study With?

Okay, you know how to study and when to study but who should you study with? Does it really matter? Yes! I know everyone has an urge to hang out with friends and study but let me warn you now: it never works. When you try to study with a group of friends it can turn into a gossip fest in a matter of seconds. Now is the time to buckle down and focus on your work not talk about whether or not you like your friend's new shoes. Find some people in your class that you know and try and form a study group. If it's a small group from class you're more likely to stay focused and accomplish more than if you were with your friends at the Library.

Trick #4 - To Eat Or Not To Eat?

I'm not alone when I say I skip breakfast in the morning because I don't have enough time before school. The week of midterms though, make time. It is so important to eat breakfast because it will keep you full and focused on your test. The day of the exam you should try and have eggs, yogurt, nuts, toast, and even oatmeal. These foods will keep you full and energized so you can concentrate completely on your test. I also recommend that you keep your caffeine intake to a minimum. If you have too much of it you'll crash and become drowsy during your exams!

Trick #5 - What Should I Bring To Class?

After you've studied for hours and you're fully prepared for your test it's time to pack your backpack for the exam. It's a test though, what do you have to bring? The first thing that you should always put into your backpack is any textbooks from your class. If you don't hand them in you are NOT allowed to take the test so it is very important that you have it with you. Bring your notes for the exams you're taking because chances are that you'll have down time between tests so you can review beforehand. Also, bring extra pencils, erasers, pens, and any other writing utensil that you think you'll need, along with a calculator if you're taking a math or science exam. In addition, you might need a few nutritious snacks to munch on during the exam so bring protein bars, fruit, nuts; anything to keep you energized! Lastly, bring a book, music, notes, or anything to keep you entertained while you wait for the test to be done.

Good luck to everyone taking midterms!