By: Brandon Ruggiero

Midterms. A word you most likely heard about. In most schools worldwide, during the middle of the year, or end of 1st semester these assessments are used to evaluate students in what they are learning. In order to get a better idea if they are improving and successfully advancing forward. While midterms is a great way to examine a student’s progress, there are many drawbacks associated with it. In this list I’ve put together, you will see why midterms can have a positive effect, but can also have a negative one. 

Pro #1

A final way to boost your grade 

When it comes to taking a midterm, one pro could be boosting your grade. Depending on the grade you have in the class, doing well on the midterm, can in fact raise your grade. In addition some teachers also give extra credit or bonus points which can also contribute to your overall grade.

Pro #2

Ensures you have learned all the information from the semester

By taking a midterm, it is a way to know if you have learned something throughout the semester. In my opinion, I believe learning is more important and defines you better than a letter grade. 

Pro #3

Teaches you how to prepare for major exams

When doing a midterm, it is a great way to prepare you for the future. If planning to go to college, it is a big help to have this practice ahead of time, as in college you are expected to take midterms and finals. By doing this ahead of time, and knowing how to practice, and study for them, it will help you in the future, and help you become successful. 

Con #1

How well you do can impact your overall grade

When taking a midterm, there are some drawbacks associated with it. Doing poorly on a midterm can bring down your grade, regardless of how well you did on previous tests and quizzes. One test can ruin months of work and preparation. 

Con #2

Those who are not good test takers, can be discouraged from how they do on one test

Some people out there may not be doing well with taking tests, and therefore feel discouraged if they did not do well on their midterm. Student’s understanding of material and learning cannot be based on a midterm in my opinion. 

Con #3

It is hard to balance midterms, with school, home, work, and etc.

Students have more than just school on their minds. People do sports on the side and some may have a stressful time outside of school, while others don’t. Balancing the pressure of doing well or not on midterms, and having to keep up with sports, or work can take a toll on your mental health. In my opinion, I believe it’s unfair to students, and they shouldn’t have to keep up with all these priorities all at once.

In any case and circumstances midterms can have positive outcomes, and negative ones. It can be a bad or good thing. I think midterms should be changed in the future, and the students’ feelings and priorities should be more of a factor in determining whether the midterms take place or not.