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Test day techniques

Test day techniques

The ominous cloud that hovers over Staples High School after the sunshine of Winter Break has finally arrived. This stressful environment is contagious, intoxicating almost every student who comes back lacking motivation.

 

Although midterm week is one of the most essential weeks of the school year, students need to realize that every year this storm comes, and every year it passes. The stress of midterm day can be avoided in just a few steps:

 

    1. Let midnight be your stopping point– As much studying that you have or have not done, any cramming past midnight is counterproductive. By no means is cramming an effective study habit, but after 12:00 p.m. less is more.
    2. Sleep and a positive mindset are your golden tickets- A midterm can’t stop a confident and motivated test-taker with 9 hours of sleep. Are you going to conquer that midterm or is the midterm going to conquer you?
    3. Tackle an easy question first– Confidence right from the start is key. Even if it means skipping the first couple questions, an early ah-ha moment can serve as a quick momentum-builder for the rest of the test.
    4. Listen to motivational music in the shower- Just like envisioning that state championship trophy in your hands, picture a 100 circled in big red font, stretched across your paper. Music is the perfect way to channel that inner drive and bring out the test-taking connoisseur in you.
    5. Chill- This test isn’t going to determine your life. Midterms are important, but there’s too much hype around one test. Everything can be fixed. Just stay calm, cool, and collected, and soon enough you’ll be cruising through the test until the ominous clouds have transformed into sunny skies.

 

 

 

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About the Contributor
Grant Sirlin, Staff Writer
A longtime veteran of Inklings, Grant Sirlin ’16 has always possessed the passion and commitment required of all young journalists. Coming into his third year as a member of Inklings and his final year at Staples High School, Grant looks forward to “ending [his] career with a bang”. He attributes his joining Inklings as a sophomore to his parents and peers. “My mom and dad really wanted me to try it and once I tried it I was immediately hooked,” Grant said. Outside of the newsroom, Grant enjoys becoming involved in countless activities around Westport. He is a four year member of the Staples soccer team and also participates in Service League of Boys and Safe Rides on Saturdays. An exemplary student, Grant serves as the vice-president for the National Honor Society at Staples. His commitment to education and community is reflected in the great role he plays in Inklings.