After winter break is over, and a new year begins, South’s first semester begins to close its doors, leading up to the midterms that can make or break a grading period. For many, midterms carry a heavy weight on hopes for raising their GPA, and information to be sent to colleges for others. But with only two full weeks of 2026 preceding the tests, what do students at South do to ensure that they get the most out of their valuable 20 percent assessments?
The general idea for most students involves figuring out what exams matter the most to their overall performance, especially honors or AP courses, and utilizing the tools that are provided to them by their teachers. Angela Allen ’26 plans on focusing her efforts on AP English literature (AP Lit) and AP European history (AP Euro).
“I plan on doing all my reviews, like I do every year, but I really want to prioritize the classes that I have B’s in,” Allen said. “AP Euro is really what I’m focused on, but [I plan on] following my teacher’s advice and doing my study guides.”
Teachers are aware of the extra stress that comes with long, valuable tests like midterms, and most want the best for their students. Kristie Philliben, head of the math department and teacher of multiple math courses, likes to make sure her students have enough time to get ready.
“Review packets, DeltaMath sometimes… what we do in Calc (AP Calculus AB) will be activities, like scavenger hunts,” Philliben said. “Multiple choice questions in the review as well, to help prepare for that part of your test.”
Allen isn’t alone when it comes to focusing on the harder classes she is faced with. Fellow upperclassman Liam O’Mara ’26 takes AP Lit and AP Euro but also takes AP Organic Chemistry and AP Calculus AB. O’Mara’s study plans are different from most, however.
“I’m not amazing at studying usually. I just hope it works out, and it usually does,” O’Mara said. “I always have a doc of what I need to maintain the letter grade… and then I list those in priority.”
O’Mara is also aware of the variability that comes with each midterm experience, by student and by grade. He has had his share of stressful, time-consuming tests in his time at South.
“I remember last year was a bit more difficult, because junior year is usually the one with the heavier course load,” O’Mara said. “I think of it as, once you do your two midterms, you still have the full day to review for other things.”
Looking back to freshmen and sophomores who are going through some of the first major exams of their academic careers, Allen offers advice that she hopes will help them succeed, now and in the future.
“100 percent do all the study guides, I know teachers that have things before and after school if you want help,” Allen said. “Just do what your teachers say.”
