Taking midterm exams for the first time is intimidating. Five serious tests, each 20 percent of your final grade, all in one week is a definite form of chaos. Efficient studying is key to success during this crazy mid-semester time. Follow CL’s top three tips to mastering midterm madness!

Be comfortable: The key to staying focused is being comfortable. There’s nothing worse than feeling stuck in a business suit and pumps when trying to memorize the periodic table. Change into your favorite yoga pants and head to a study “zone.” This should be a place with limited distractions, so all of your effort can go toward studying. Need inspiration on finding the perfect study zone? Read CL’s intern diaries to discover where classy interns study.

Be alert: Studying while sleepy won’t help you remember the functions of muscles for an anatomy exam. It’s a great idea to study when you’ll learn the material best, whether that’s in the early morning, during lunch break or at night. Research recommends studying before a long dose of REM sleep can reinforce material in the memory (Science Daily). Also, even the most studious co-eds can’t stay focused on one subject for five hours straight. Take a break! Every 45 minutes, spend 15 minutes doing something enjoyable, like searching College Lifestyles on Pinterest.

Be aware of your learning style: Did you know making note cards to study can make or break your grade? Everyone learns in different ways; study habits can greatly impact how well you actually understand the material. The Institute for Learning Styles Research suggests there are seven perceptual styles of learning, each leading to various studying techniques. If you’re a print oriented learner, strive to always rewrite your notes. If you’re an aural learner, try reading the midterm material aloud.

Always remember, midterms are stressful, but every classy, confident co-ed can succeed with effort and determination.

Read more on study tips: CL’s Guide to: Old Fashioned Studying