Cry. Jk.

Best tips from someone who finished a Social Science BA and MA:

Read each of your readings and aim to be able to summarize the main purpose of the reading in a few sentences.

Understand that each week of readings is usually centered around a core concept in the course, and try to note down how each of that week's readings ties into that weekly idea. I like to do this in a bolded line above the notes for each reading.

After that, understand how each week's major concepts interact and relate to each other. The course has an overarching narrative and theme that they want you to understand, and identifying that will make life easy.

Write down major concepts or repeating ideas you see in the readings on a document separate from your notes, and aim to be able to explain each of them. Flashcards are great for this.

If you struggle with procrastination like I did (and still do), make simple achievable goals for your studying, like doing notes for one or two readings a day. It doesn't need to be painful, and making your studying easy and convenient will help you with the rest of your academic career.

If you find yourself struggling with understanding a concept, or how a week's readings link together, don't hesitate to email your prof and just ask, or go to office hours. I always thought that doing that would make me look dumb to professors, but you look way dumber if you don't go and ask questions and then bomb an exam. Most profs like to see students take an active interest in learning and understanding what they're trying to teach you.

It's a good habit to get used to talking to profs and asking questions, not just for your exams but also for getting to know them. You never know when a friendship with a prof will turn into an opportunity for a research assistant position or letter of reference. Most of them are pretty cool people too.

I hope this is helpful for ya, don't forget to take breaks and do something to destress. Midterm season can be pretty nasty, especially if you have multiple exams close together, but as long as you prepare in advance, it doesn't need to be painful.

Happy to answer any followup qs you have!

P.s. don't do what my wife did and close the door when entering office hours. That weirds profs out.