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Midterm Course Assessment & Recovery
Compiled by the Academic Success Center
Iowa State University
The Mid-Semester Assessment packet was created by Academic Coaching staff in the Academic Success Center
(ASC) at Iowa State University. If you need assistance with any of the information or other learning strategies
please contact the ASC for coaching at 515-294-6624. Coaching is one-on-one and free for all ISU students.
What is a Midterm?
There are two different kinds of midterms:
1) Professors tend to refer to their mid-semester exams as ‘midterms’. They could be the first of two
cumulative exams for the course (the other being the ‘final’ exam) worth significantly more points than
other exams in the course. They could also be the same weight as the other exams in the course and
simply be in the middle of the semester.
2) The Registrar’s Office asks that a ‘Midterm grade’ be reported for any student who is currently earning
a C- or lower at mid-semester. This packet is focused on the assessment of midterm grades.*
Points to Remember:
The purpose of a ‘Midterm grade’ is to identify how students are doing in their courses to identify where
improvements are needed.
Midterms are released approximately two weeks before the semester drop deadline so that students are able to
make an informed decision on whether or not to drop a course.
Professors are not required to submit Midterm grades. So, if you did not receive a midterm grade, it is still
important to assess where your grade stands in each course. You can seek out your professor’s help in
determining your grade as well.
Midterm grades are not recorded on your permanent record or transcript. They are designed to help students
assess their mid-semester standing and make changes, if needed.
You can find your midterm grade report in AccessPlus > Grades and Transcripts > Grade Report.
*If you need assistance with exam preparation related to a midterm exam or regular chapter exam, please call
the Academic Success Center to schedule an academic coaching appointment, 515-294-6624.
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
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Midterm Grade Assessment
The first step towards improvement is to identify where you stand in your individual courses. Take a minute to
look at your syllabi to identify what grades you received on your course assignments and tests. For the purposes
of this assessment, we recommend that you only look at the assignments that you’ve completed and have
received a grade for.
It’s important to understand that this might not be a completely accurate representation of your current grade as
there are likely assignments that haven’t been completed or graded and various weights or curves on
assignments or tests. For a more accurate idea of your current course grade, we recommend you speak with your
professors.
Example Course___Intro to Sociology__
Course Grades:
Assignment Name
Initial Self Analysis Paper
Conflict Theory Paper
Conflict Theory Test
Social Interaction Paper
Social Interaction Test
Midterm Exam
Total
Points
Received
30
15
35
20
25
50
A) 175
Points
Possible
30
30
50
30
50
75
B) 260
Meeting notes/Next steps for this course:
___*Professor said I can retake the test I received the lowest grade in.___________________
___*I’m going to start attending SI sessions for this course_____________________________
___*Tuesday I will start making flash cards for Chapters 3 & 4______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
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Course #1 _________________________
Course Grades:
Assignment Name
Total
Points
Received
A)
Points
Possible
B)
Meeting notes/Next steps for this course:
Course #2 _________________________
Course Grades:
Assignment Name
Total
Points
Received
A)
Points
Possible
B)
Meeting notes/Next steps for this course:
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
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Course #3_________________________
Course Grades:
Assignment Name
Total
Points
Received
A)
Points
Possible
B)
Meeting notes/Next steps for this course:
Course #4_________________________
Course Grades:
Assignment Name
Total
Points
Received
A)
Points
Possible
B)
Meeting notes/Next steps for this course:
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
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Course #5_________________________
Course Grades:
Assignment Name
Total
Points
Received
A)
Points
Possible
B)
Meeting notes/Next steps for this course:
Other Notes:
GPA Calculator
Visit the online GPA calculator to determine your anticipated GPA: http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/gpacalc/gpaCalculator.html. You will need to enter your ‘calculated’ letter grade and number of credits for each
course!
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
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Not satisfied with your grades?
If you received a midterm grade or are not satisfied with any of your current mid-semester grades, here are some
tips for improvement! Contact an Academic Coach in the Academic Success Center for help developing an
academic recovery plan for each class (515-294-6624)!
1) Meet with your professors!
-Sitting down with your professor can be a great way to identify where you struggled in past and what your
options are to improve your course grade.
-When you meet with them, consider asking them:
What exactly is my Midterm grade based on?
What tips do you (professor) have to help me learn this material?
Will there be any extra credit opportunities this semester?
-Explain to them that you really want to improve in their course and want to understand the material; you just
need some help getting there.
2) Take action now to avoid your midterm grade turning into your final grade!
*Talk with your adviser and your professors about where you’re at in each course, how you might be able to
improve, and whether dropping a course is the best option.
*If you want to drop a course…
Before dropping a course, be sure to know if you have reached your drop limit (see ISU Catalog for details on drop
limits). Dropping all of your classes is called ‘withdrawal’ and involves a different procedure than the one below.
1. Check if you will maintain full-time status as it can affect scholarships and financial aid, so check these
things before dropping below full-time status. You may be able to add a second half course to stay full time.
2. Check AccessPlus to determine the number of drops that remain. Freshmen are allowed five dropped courses
(after the first week of the semester) and transfer students are allowed four drops.
3. Check to see how dropping this class might affect your degree program. Consult the 4-year degree plans.
4. If there are any issues involving Steps 1-3, talk to your academic adviser. If you have completed Steps 1-3
and find no problems, get an Add/Drop slip from your academic adviser as well as their signature. (Note:
You can make multiple schedule changes on one Add/Drop slip.)
5. Take the Add/Drop Slip to your instructor and have him or her sign it.
6. Take the completed Add/Drop Slip to 10 Enrollment Services Center for processing. You will lose one of
your drops, and a fee will be charged to your U-Bill (after the first week of classes).
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
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3) Ask for help! Everyone can use new tips and tricks to being successful in
college.
“No one achieves true greatness alone!”
~ Jill Kramer (Coordinator, Academic Coaching, ASC)
Thinking of changing your major?
-To explore different majors and career options call the Student Counseling Service front desk (515-294-5056)
and tell the receptionist you would like to sign up for Individual Career Counseling. Alternatively, you can sign
up for Individual Career Counseling in person by visiting the Student Counseling Service front desk (located in
the waiting room on the 3rd floor of the Student Services Building).
-To change your major set up an appointment with your academic adviser.
Consider obtaining a tutor for a difficult course.
How Much Does it Cost?
We understand that affording a tutor can be a concern. Our goal is to maintain tutoring services at a low cost
reflects this concern. The costs for tutoring are:
 $5 administrative fee per semester.
 $4 per tutoring session.
Students may be eligible to receive financial assistance to aid them with tutoring costs. A listing of funding
sources is available on the tutee application. All other tutoring costs are billed to a student’s U-Bill.
How are Tutor Groups Organized?
Tutoring groups consist of two to four students. Students meet with their tutor two times for one hour sessions,
for a total of two hours of tutoring per week.
Ready to Request a Tutor?
You can request a tutor by filling out an online application: http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc/tutoring/getatutor
If you have questions, please call 515-294-6624 or e-mail tutorsrv@iastate.edu
Set up a FREE appointment with an Academic Coach in the Academic Success Center by calling 515294-6624
-Academic Coaching involves one-on-one meetings with students seeking help in evaluating and correcting
academic challenges. Students at any level are encouraged to seek academic coaching to develop skills that can
improve areas of their lives such as time management, note taking, study skills and test taking.
Need help with anxiety and stress management?
If you feel your anxiety is severely affecting your ability to succeed academically, you can call Student
Counseling Services (515-294-5056) to explore other anxiety management techniques including an individual
appointment with a staff member or biofeedback.
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
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4) Try and identify some reasons why you might be struggling overall.
Are you feeling a lot of stress, pressure and anxiety?
Healthy Stress Reduction1:
Change Your Thoughts
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When evaluating a situation or a task look at the
big picture and see how truly important it is.
Always try to stay positive no matter what the
outcome.
Once you feel you are fully prepared for an exam
step back and relax. Trust the process to take care of
itself.
Think of the worst case scenario and have a plan for
that outcome.
Visualize yourself succeeding. If you don’t think
something will happen why should anyone else?
Identifying test anxiety:
When taking tests, do you…
-Feel like your mind “goes blank”?
-Find yourself thinking “I can’t do this”?
-Find it difficult to breathe?
-Get more anxious by other students finishing
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Change Your Behaviors
Separate yourself from unnecessary stress
Make a to-do list and categorize everything by
priority; accomplishing the main priorities first.
Create a schedule so you know when you need
to complete everything and how to eliminate
wasted time.
Admit to yourself that you are overwhelmed and
say no to situations that may cause more stress.
Keep your mind and body healthy by eating
well, exercising and getting a healthy amount of
sleep.
-Become easily frustrated?
-Feel like the room is closing in on you?
-Suddenly “know” the answers after turning in the test?
-Score much lower on tests than on homework or papers?
Minimizing tension during a test begins with your behaviors before the test2.
Before the test, consider the following:
 Follow your regular sleep pattern at least two nights before the exam. Set two alarms for morning tests.
 Avoid caffeinated beverages and energy drinks.
 Stretch to loosen your body and encourage circulation; practice deep/slow breathing.
 Change negative thoughts into positives.
o Instead of, “I won’t do well” think to yourself, “I will do my best.”
On test day, arrive early, and ease yourself into the testing situation by:
 Select a seat that is comfortable for you with good lighting and space (perhaps decreasing distractions).
 Sit quietly and breathe deeply and slowly.
 Run concepts that may be on the test through your mind. Continue to breathe deeply and slowly.
During the test, pay attention to yourself and your reactions to the test material.
 If you are breathing quickly…adjust your posture and consciously focus on deep, slow breathing for 1015 seconds. Return to the test.
 If you are holding your pen/pencil too tight…set down the pen/pencil. Then, clench and loosen your
grip 4-5 times, and shake it briefly. Grasp your pen/pencil again but loosely. Return to the test.
 If you begin feeling anxious about a certain question/topic… mark that question as unanswered and
come back to it later.
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Contents of this section based on: Downing, S. (2011). On Course, 6th ed. Boston, MA: Wadsworth.
Based in part on: Dillon, A. G. (2008). Get connected: Study skills, reading, and writing. Boston: Thomson.
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
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Are you managing your time and setting priorities (daily/weekly)?
In the spaces below, please write how many hours you spend doing those things in a week. (For example, if you
get 7 hours of sleep per night, you would write 49 in the sleep column.) Be as honest and accurate as you can.
When you are finished with all of the categories, total up the number of hours you recorded.
Sleeping
Studying
Eating
Exercising
Social Media
Extracurricular Activities
On/Off Campus job
In-Class
Talking/Texting
Watching TV
TOTAL # of HOURS
 There are only 168 hours in a week. How does
that compare with your total?
 What needs more or less time?
 Approximately how many hours do you feel
you waste in a week?
 In what categories do you waste the most time?
 Are you surprised at how you distribute your
time?
 What areas would you like to change?
Time Management is the Way to Success!
Set Goals. Determine exactly what you want to accomplish each day and every week. By setting goals, you will
be more inclined to follow through with them and accomplish your tasks.
Prioritize. Once you know what needs to be accomplished, you must prioritize your tasks. Be sure to stay
focused on the most important task before you move on to the next ones.
Organize. Create a weekly calendar that includes your schedule for classes, study time, social events, club
meetings, exercise, and any other time necessary to achieve your goals. Also include assignment due dates in
this calendar so you don’t miss a deadline. Review this calendar every day so you will develop a regular routine.
Avoid Procrastination. Procrastination is the main downfall of achieving your goals. If you plan on doing an
activity, stick to your schedule; don’t put it off until tomorrow.
Utilize Spare Minutes. Do you ever get out of class early or waste time waiting on someone to meet you? If
so, you need to start using those extra minutes wisely. Accomplish small tasks while you’re waiting and you
will find that you have extra time to complete those larger tasks later.
Know when you are Most Productive. Everyone has a time period during the day when they are most
productive. Use times when you have the most energy to accomplish the tasks that are more demanding. The
times when you have less energy to work should be used to complete tasks that are less challenging.
Steps to Success with Prioritizing and Time Management
1. Keep a planner or use some type of weekly schedule (see last page) and make ‘to-do’ lists
2. Set short and long term goals that are realistic and achievable
3. Combine several activities at once (e.g. working out with reviewing note cards)
4. Stick with your goals
5. Don’t be a perfectionist. Do the best you can do and plan ahead
6. Seek help with projects and feedback on assignments from professors and peers
7. Learn to say “no” (or ‘not right now’ to allow yourself to complete work first and then have fun later)
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
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Do you struggle with exam preparation and test taking?
Preparing for Tests:
1. Familiarize yourself with the test. Ask the professor how long it will be, what kind of questions will be on
it, which concepts are most important, which chapters to focus on, and what you will have to do on the test.
Also ask for some sample test questions, and whether there is a copy of a similar test on file in a library.
Your goal is to determine both the content and the type of memory skills you will be asked to use.
2. Overview all the work to be done and schedule time to do it. Based on your familiarity with the test, make a
list of all the tasks you must complete to prepare for it. Assign priorities to your study tasks according to the
topics you expect to be most important on the test.
3. Avoid the "escape syndrome." If you find yourself fretting or talking about your work rather than studying,
relax for a few minutes and rethink what you are doing‚ reappraise your priorities and if necessary rethink
your study plan to address your worries and then start working!
4. When faced with unread material keep in mind how much time you have and what you need to get out of
the reading. Divide the material into parts, looking for the organizational scheme, and decide what can be
omitted, what can be skimmed, and what needs to be read. Set time limits for reading each part.
5. Review actively. Integrate notes, text, and other information onto summary sheets by diagramming, charting,
outlining, categorizing in tables, or simply writing summaries. Try to create a summary sheet for each study
session, main idea, or concept.
6. Practice doing what you will be doing on the test. Answer unassigned problems and questions in the text or
anticipate test questions by asking, "If I were making up this test I would probably ask...," and then answer
your question.
7. Study with other well-prepared students and attend any review sessions. Such sessions are to clarify the
material; don't expect them to repeat lectures or give additional information.
Taking Tests:
1. Be prepared emotionally, physically and intellectually. Get into a "fighting" attitude, emotionally ready to
do your best. Focus on what you know rather than what you do not know. Get enough rest the night before
the test, eat well balanced meals and exercise regularly.
2. Arrive at the test room early enough to arrange your working conditions and establish a calm, alert mode.
3. When you receive your test use the back to jot down all the information you might forget (ask whether you
can write on the test form first).
4. Preview the whole test before trying to answer any questions. Make sure your copy has no missing or
duplicate pages. Ask the instructor or proctor to clarify any ambiguities. Read the directions carefully.
5. Plan your time. Allow the most time for the questions which offer the most points, and leave time at the end
to review.
6. Start with the easy questions to build confidence and gain time for harder questions. Work the entire test,
and put down an answer for each questions even if you must guess (unless there is a "penalty for guessing").
7. Do not panic if you see a question you did not anticipate. Use everything you know to analyze the question
and create a logical answer.
8. Read the question as is. Avoid overanalyzing or oversimplifying, or you will end up answering a question
that exists only in your mind. Answer the question the test maker intended.
Analyzing Returned Tests:
1. If you receive your test back to keep, rework your errors to find out why the correct answer was correct.
2. If you do not receive your test back, visit your instructor's office to look at your answer sheet and the
questions you missed.
3. Look for the origin of each question--text, notes, labs, supplementary reading, etc. What does that tell you?
4. Identify the reason you missed questions. Did you read the question incorrectly? Did you underprepare for
that content? Was the test at a more difficult level than you prepared for? Did you run out of time?
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
HOUR
6-7 AM
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
7-8 AM
8-9 AM
9-10 AM
10-11 AM
11-Noon
12-1 PM
1-2 PM
2-3 PM
3-4 PM
4-5 PM
5-6 PM
6-7 PM
7-8 PM
8-9 PM
9-10 PM
10-11 PM
11-Midnight
Academic Success Center
1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center  515-294-6624
success@iastate.edu  http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc
FRIDAY
SATURDAY 11