When you’re a freshman, college is all about first-time opportunities.

There is always the first sporting event, the first visit to Campus Corner and the first student ID. Just as freshmen begin to settle into their new environment, an even bigger and more challenging first arrives: the first big college exam.

A midterm, as its name explains, is a test given near the middle of the semester. It’s bigger than a typical exam, usually encompassing half of the course and worth a heavier percentage of the overall grade. Even if it may seem daunting, there’s no need to worry. Students at OU have several resources to help them conquer the mighty midterm.

The Writing Center is stocked with students who know a thing or two about writing a major term essay. For students with a 15-page paper looming, this may be the place to go for help.

“Writing is very different in college,” says Jessie St. Amand, English senior. “There are different expectations. Even though your writing may have been strong in high school, you may struggle in college.”

St. Amand has been helping students for two semesters by brainstorming topics and generating ideas. She says the most common writing error among freshmen is a weak thesis.

“The most common problem is their idea of a thesis isn’t strong enough in a university setting,” she says. “They need stronger arguments. The Writing Center is here to supplement that.”

Another resource, the Center for Student Advancement, specializes in study techniques, preparing students for the big test with resources and motivation. CSA director Lisa Portwood says students can become distracted during the school year for many reasons, but the center can help students get back on track.

“(The Center for Student Advancement) is a wonderful resource because what we want to do is help students,” Portwood says. “We’re willing to work with students of all levels . . . We teach students time management and how to prepare ahead. We also work with students who aren’t having a smooth transition into college.”

Time management can be a key element to succeeding in college. In high school, students could get away with studying 15 minutes for a test, something Portwood thinks isn’t good enough for college exams. She believes it can take weeks rather than minutes and gives students advice in two simple steps.

“One: take notes. And No. 2: review the notes within 24 hours of taking them,” she says.

For students who have reviewed the notes but want additional help, a tutor may be of assistance. The Assessment and Learning Center offers a program called Action Tutoring. Tutors can help walk-ins and take appointments depending on the student’s need.

Director Tammy Pratt says the tutoring programs can be used to not only help one student, but also groups of students tackling the same subject.

“We encourage the students to bring a buddy — up to six people,” she says. “We have more minds working together and we all learn very differently. Sometimes, different perspectives can help students figure out a problem.”

Pratt also said the attitude for using tutoring services shouldn’t be exclusive to those who need extra help in their courses.

“When you come to college, embrace the attitude of academic assistance is for everyone,” she says. “Whether it’s visiting the professor, [going to the] UC Action Center [or going to] UC Tutoring, it’s not just for people who need help.”

After the midterms have passed, take a breath and realize they weren’t too terrible. Then it’ll be time to get back to having pleasant college first-time experiences, not worrying about tests.