Midterm Grades: A Student’s Guide - The University of Tulsa
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Academic Advising and Enrollment

Midterm Grades: A Student’s Guide

Students in outdoor class circle on campus lawn

What are midterm grades?

If you’ve never heard of or had midterm grades, they can sound a little daunting. Midterm grades are a thermometer for your academic performance in classes, or an indication of your academic progress midway through the semester. Midterm grades serve as a reality check so you can determine if the strategies and techniques you have used so far are working. Are you where you want to be at the midterm point? If not, you have time to improve your grade and understanding of the course material. If you are on target with where you want to be, or have exceeded the goals you set for yourself, recognize your accomplishment because your efforts are working, but make sure to keep up the momentum!

What midterm grades are not …

Your midterm grades do not appear on your permanent academic record. Midterm grades do not predict your final course grade when you use them as a progress check and adjust your approach to learning as needed.

What next?

⁠——————————

Now that you’ve learned about midterm grades, take a few steps to understand your progress and plan your path forward. Use the guidance below to reflect on your experience, explore strategies and connect with resources that can support your success.

Step 1

Check your midterm grades on Self-Service

Student with braids uses a tablet on the McFarlin Library patio.
  • Log in to Self-Service and go to the Student Planning section.
  • On your profile, select the Grades tab.
  • Review your midterm grades and note the type of feedback you received:
    • D, F, Unsatisfactory – This is a red flag. Members of the student success team will contact you to offer support and connect you with helpful resources. We encourage you to use available tools to build strong academic habits.
    • C – This grade could be a yellow flag. Closely monitor your grades and continue using UTulsa’s resources.
    • A, B, Satisfactory – This is a green flag for now. Kudos on your progress at this snapshot! Continue using UTulsa’s resources.
Log in to Self-Service
Student with braids uses a tablet on the McFarlin Library patio.
Student studies with laptop and notebook for midterm exams.

Step 2

Reflect on your progress

Student studies with laptop and notebook for midterm exams.

Take a moment to reflect on your experience so far. Consider these questions:

  • What strategies and habits are working for me?
  • What are my areas of growth?
  • What obstacles are getting in my way?
  • We all get in our own way sometimes. In what ways am I getting in my own way?

This reflection can help you understand what’s supporting your success and where to focus your energy moving forward.

Step 3

Explore strategies for success

Professor discussing midterm grades with a student in an office setting

Use the ideas below to refine your approach or try new strategies:

  • Review your syllabus. Already looked over it? Read it again! There is a lot of important information in your syllabi, and if you’re not looking for it, you could miss it! This includes your professor’s contact information, preferred method of contact and office hours. There may also be information about how your work is graded and how your grades are weighted that can help you strategize goals for each of your courses.
  • Reach out to your professor. Use the information in your syllabus to contact your professor. Utilize office hours, reach out through email, or go before/stay after class to discuss realistic outcomes and how you can move yourself forward in their class. Ask questions … and then ask follow-up questions. Remember: your professors want you to contact them when you have questions and expect you to do so!
  • Meet with your student success coach. Your coach can help you brainstorm study strategies, build an action plan, and develop skills such as time management, note-taking and effective class engagement.
Schedule to meet with a coach
Professor discussing midterm grades with a student in an office setting
Students collaborating on laptops during a study session

Step 4

Ask for help

Students collaborating on laptops during a study session

You’re not expected to figure everything out on your own. UTulsa has many resources designed to support you:

  • Your professor – Reach out to them!
  • Center for Academic Advising – If you are considering withdrawing from a course, set up an appointment with your student success coach, who can help you determine if this is the best option for your degree plan. A success coach can tell you if the course is required for your degree, if there will be an academic penalty and ensure you stay enrolled in 12 or more hours to maintain your full-time status.
  • CaneCareers – If you need further guidance exploring your major or want help preparing for the job market, reach out to your career counselor in the CaneCareers office.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services – Our licensed clinicians provide compassionate and professional care with confidential mental health support tailored to meet your needs.
  • McFarlin Library – Get help with research strategies and proper citation.
  • Student Access Office – If you qualify for ADA/504 accommodations, make sure you are registered with Student Access.
  • Tutoring Services – Strengthen your understanding of course material through walk‑in lab tutoring or one-on-one sessions scheduled through Starfish.
  • Writing Center – UTulsa’s Writing Center can help you become a stronger, more confident writer. They do this by reviewing your current work, helping you identify weaknesses in your writing and providing feedback to improve your drafts.

Need more help?

Contact UTulsa's Center for Academic Advising and Enrollment

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