Midterms are an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned since the beginning of the year. They are also beneficial to teachers because the results can show what subjects students need to improve on. During midterms, there are different guidelines and routines compared to a normal school week.

This year, exams range from January 16th-19th. Students with a first midterm must arrive between 8:15-8:30, and students with a second exam need to arrive between 10:20-12:10. Students are able to come in or leave after the first midterm if they do not have an exam that other period. On Tuesday, period 1 and period 2 exams are given, and on Wednesday, Period 7 and 8 exams are given. On Thursday, periods 3 and 4 exams are taken, and on Friday, period 5 and 6 exams are taken. Bussing is at 2:30, as in a regular week. Periods with lunches are at the end of the week so students may have the opportunity to have a long weekend if they do not have an exam due to lunch.

Midterm exams are proctored by the class teacher and are taken in the same room as the normal class. All exams are 90 minutes, but students are granted a short study period before the exam is given while teachers take attendance and complete book checks.

If a student is sick and must miss an exam, they must have a doctor’s note. Without a doctor’s note, a zero on the midterm will be given. However, with a proper excuse, students are able to make-up the exam they missed. Make-ups may be provided on a period when a student does not have a scheduled exam. Also, midterms can be made up at 12:50 on exam days. Saturday morning is also make-up day.

Midterm exams may seem stressful, but proper studying and sleep will pay off. Good luck!

By Maddy Looney ’18

Midterms are approaching and it is time to prepare for them. On January 16-19, all Saint Rose students will be taking these tests that culminate the end of the first semester, The schedule for midterm week begins with Periods 1 and 2 on Tuesday, January 16, followed by Periods 7 and 8 on Wednesday, Periods 3 and 4 on Thursday and ending with Periods 5 and 6 on Friday. Each midterm will be an hour and half and a lot of studying is needed to be completely prepared. Here are some helpful hints to make you feel more prepared for each test.

The days prior to the exams will be filled with teacher’s reviews and study packets. It is important to utilize these reviews and study guides and take extra notes on them because all of this will be key information necessary to study for each class exam. This is also a prime opportunity for you to ask the teacher questions on anything that you are unsure of.

Some exam studying tips include managing your time. Time management is the most important idea and an essential way to prepare your study plan before midterm week. Prioritize according to which exam requires more studying and start early. Form a study group with others which can help keep you motivated and help you understand the material more as well as share helpful resources. Another tip would be to study in chunks. Do not cram all the information in one night. Study in 20 to 50 minute intervals and take 5 minute breaks in between. Limit social media to break times so the focus is on the studying. Also, try to move your study space often.

Switching up your environment rather than studying in one spot the entire time will keep your mind open. Also you can make your study time interesting by using mnemonic devices or songs made up of information or other acronyms to keep the knowledge in your head and help you remember the information.

Try to prevent test anxiety by being prepared and remaining calm during tests. If you do have a moment of anxiety take deep breaths with long exhales and focus on what you know first. Answer the questions that you have confident answers to first and then move onto the others that you are unsure of. Do not forget to have a good breakfast and try to get a good night sleep the night before. These test taking strategies will lead you to a successful week of midterms. Good Luck!

By Ashley Bock ’18

As a current senior, the stress of the upcoming college decision process is stressful. With students beginning to receive acceptances and making their choices of schools, it can be easy to compare yourself to your peers. However, it is important to remember as a senior every person takes their own path and the time will come. Even if you are still sending out applications before
the final January 15th deadline, even if you are considering a gap year, even if you are completely lost, it is imperative to know that life will turn out okay.

Turn to your peers for advice, but do not turn to comparison. With that being said, I decided to seek advice on the college process from some fellow seniors who have already decided upon the college they will be attending.

Ellie Farrell and Megan Kendall are seniors here at St. Rose. Having gotten to know them since freshman year, I can confidently say these young women are going to be huge successes in the world. They have both decided to attend their dream schools after having received acceptances through applying Early Action. The universities they are attending are exceptional schools and require a high level of intelligence to be accepted, especially early action! The level of achievement Ellie and Megan have reached is incredible, therefore I look to them to provide advice to both myself and other seniors.

Where have you decided to attend college next year?
-Ellie Farrell: “Georgetown University”
-Megan Kendall: “Notre Dame University”
How did you feel when you found out you were accepted?                                 -Ellie Farrell: “Really enthusiastic and taken aback.”
-Megan Kendall: “Excited and a little surprise.”
What are you planning on majoring in?
-Ellie Farrell: “Business”
-Megan Kendall: “Pre health a physician’s assistant.”
What is it like to already know where you want to go to school next year?
-Ellie Farrell: “Really weird because the process is so stressful and then it is done in a day. I have been toiling over this for so long and now it is just over.”
-Megan Kendall: “It takes a lot of stress of my chest. It is nice to know my hard work throughout my life has paid off.”
What is your favorite thing about the school?
-Ellie Farrell: “Location!! I love D.C. and there will is a lot of opportunities there for more to develop both myself as a person and in the career field.”
-Megan Kendall: “The overall community and school spirit.”
What advice do you have for seniors who are still unsure of where they want to attend school next year?
-Ellie Farrell: “Everything happens for a reason. Let life take you where it wants to because it out of your hands.”
-Megan Kendall: “Don’t stress out. You will end up where you are meant to go.”

By Erin McDermott ’18