By Genevieve Bernardino Rodas
Staff Writer
The Biology Oral Exam and Practical are coming up faster than most Juniors expected.
By December, the SOAR junior class will be taking it for the first time, which can seem overwhelming with so much material to cover and a ton of facts, processes, and concepts to remember. But with the right approach, you can tackle your midterm effectively and score well. Here's a guide to help you prepare for your Biology midterm, from organizing your notes, to refining your study techniques.
Your main focal point when studying for biology is to relate your thinking to the cross cutting concepts introduced in class. This is more manageable when you dedicate five minutes of your time each day to studying. I know you have all heard it from Ms. Campos [pictured to the right with a former student], but it will seriously help you. Taking just a bit of time to review and connect concepts everyday can go a long way. As Campos stated when asked what she expects from her students, “I want you guys to be scientific thinkers.”
If that’s not enough, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make space to come to tutoring,
which takes place during the 4M period (sometimes during 2M) and after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you miss a lab, Ms. Campos is completely fine with you visiting her class on alternate days so you can make it up. And if not, you can still come in just to study or to hear the lecture for a second time. However, lunch is not an option. “I never give up lunch,” Ms. Campos asserts with a smile.
On an important note, do not be afraid of not getting an A. Many students (current and
former) communicated that this class was extremely difficult. A current junior, Abigail Portillo Cerritos, expressed her thoughts on the class so far, “There’s a lot of scientific words that I’ve had to memorize, so it’s really interesting but also hard and stressful to learn. But, I hope I can pass my next test.” Even though some of the coursework seems tedious, it is a college class after all. You will reap more benefits from taking this course than you think, as it is preparing you for the rigorous work you will face at AVC and future university.
In conclusion, while studying for the Biology midterm might initially appear overwhelming, it is completely doable with regular work and the correct attitude. You will position yourself for success by concentrating on drawing connections between important ideas, setting aside a short period of time each day for review, and utilizing the tools that are accessible, like tutoring and make-up labs. Keep in mind that biology is more than just memorizing facts; it's also about using a scientific mindset and comprehending the connections between various ideas. However, remember that this class is ultimately preparing you for the challenges that lie ahead in college and beyond. Maintain your organization, your curiosity, and above all, your faith in your own potential to succeed.
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