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Approaching Midterm Exams

by Betsy Chapman

Midterm exams are happening soon, which can bring a wave of performance anxiety for first-year students navigating this rigorous testing environment for the first time.

You can support your student through this high-stakes period by keeping expectations grounded:

  • Understand the shift in testing: High school testing often emphasizes memorization. College exams require students to analyze and apply complex concepts critically. This intellectual leap takes time and practice.

  • Alleviate imagined pressure: Your student may worry deeply about your reaction to their initial grades. Reassure them that you recognize this semester as a learning process.

  • Focus on continuous improvement: Remind your student that there is still plenty of time left in the semester to adjust study habits, seek free tutoring from CLASS (Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success), and improve their standing.

When the academic pressure builds, your unconditional love is the ultimate safety net. Remind them that a test score never defines their worth, and you are proud of their hard work above all else.

Contact

To contact the Office of Family Engagement or Family Communications, please visit our contact page.

For mental health assistance: 336-758-CARE (2273) is a service that ensures someone will always be available (i.e., 24/7 M-F, weekends and university holidays) to provide caring and thoughtful consultation services for Wake Forest students in need of mental health assistance or support. You can also visit we.wfu.edu for resources.