As the school year moves forward, time seems to go by faster than we realize. Before we know it, the days of settling into new classes and getting used to new routines are weeks past, and midterms are suddenly approaching. One moment, students are getting used to their schedules, and the next, they’re trying to review month’s worth of material in what feels like no time at all.
Midterms always sneak up when students are least prepared, turning what might have been a fun and calm semester into a nonstop routine of study sessions, late-night cramming, and a lot of stress. Academic apps can be a great tool for college students, especially as they try to get through a tough school year. These apps provide tools that help with everything from organizing assignments to learning new study habits. With midterms being one of the most challenging times in a semester for many students, academic apps help by allowing students to manage their time, remember information, and lessen stress.
Junior Katelyn Branson, who is majoring in pre-physical therapy with a minor in Nursing, has a crazy-packed schedule. Her days are filled with classes, labs, volleyball practices, and games. Balancing academics with athletics can be a challenge for any student, but Branson, gets it done. When asked how she manages to keep everything under control, she shared, “It’s all about prioritizing and staying organized. I rely heavily on my planner and academic apps to keep track of everything. Whether it’s an upcoming exam, a lab report due, or a game day, I make sure I have everything written down. It helps me see the bigger picture and ensures I don’t fall behind.”
Katelyn’s favorite apps are Google Calendar, Quizlet, and a few others that help her stay on top of her busy schedule. She states “With so many classes, labs, practices, and games, I need to know exactly where I’m supposed to be throughout the day.” The app allows her to color code her different activities. By keeping her schedule organized, she feels less overwhelmed and more in control of her work. Quizlet is her go-to for studying, especially when she has back-to-back exams during midterms. “Quizlet is great for creating flashcards that I can review whenever I have free time. Sometimes I’ll go over them between classes or even on the bus to an away game.”
Junior Molly Langford, a biochemistry major, also has a tough schedule packed with classes and volleyball. When asked about how she manages her time during midterms, Langford shared, “That’s when our volleyball schedule really starts to get tough and busy, but with the help of apps like Google Calendar and Notion, I’m able to stay on top of everything.” She also says Notion is great for helping her keep track of her academic work. “With Notion, I can organize my notes, assignments, and study guides in one place. During midterms, it’s a lifesaver because I can break down my study materials by subject and create to-do lists for each exam. It keeps me focused on what needs to be done without feeling too overwhelmed.” Using these apps helps her manage her time during midterms without falling too behind in her classes or letting her performance on the volleyball court be affected.
As midterms start, time seems to fly, turning an easy semester into a hectic one due to study sessions and stress. Junior Katelyn Branson, balancing a pre-physical therapy major, volleyball, and labs, relies heavily on apps like Google Calendar and Quizlet to stay organized and study effectively. Similarly, Molly Langford manages her busy schedule of classes and volleyball by using Google Calendar for time management and Notion for organizing notes and assignments. Both students love these academic apps which allow them to have balance and success during the busy school year.
Photo by: Isabella Labrada