Even though midterms do not start for another couple of days, panic has already erupted throughout the school. Many teachers are trying to finish lessons and assess their students before the midterms begin. As a result, students are loaded with multiple assessments and hours more of homework than their usual loads a week before midterm testing.
This prevents students from studying an effective amount for tests this week and for their midterms. As Audrey Rowland summed it up, “When we are overloaded with so many tests, it is hard for us to excel. It is not a good testament to what kind of student we are.” This past week has left many students feeling deflated and upset.
What’s even worse is how some teachers use the “mandatory” review day. The term “mandatory” is in quotes because it does not seem to be solidly enforced. While it is understandable that classes with no midterm may assess students on that day, core class teachers also do so. This means that some students will not get the valuable review time that they have been promised.
As a junior, this week has been particularly stressful because this year is said to be the most important when applying to college. I, like many others, want to do as well as I can on my midterms and tests. It is frustrating to have two weeks of intensive studying that may not yield the desired results because of cramming.
Teachers cramming everything in the last week shows poor planning. Students should not have to suffer for that.