Although it seems that midterm season has come to an end, it won’t be long before we find ourselves immersed in late-night cramming sessions and frantic hunts for premade Quizlets. Luckily, we at the Clog have created the perfect soundtrack to the morning of your midterm, that covers basically every emotion you’ll encounter on the day.

Emotion: Self-pity 

Song: “This Life” by Vampire Weekend

It’s the morning of your midterm. Your alarm rings and you grudgingly reach towards the snooze button. As you’re beginning to dread the day ahead, you may begin to relate to Ezra Koenig as he asks, “am I good for nothing?” At this point, it feels fitting to listen to a song that will encapsulate those feelings of self-pity and sorrow and allow you to question life and “all its suffering”. 

Emotion: Confusion

Song: “Where Is My Mind?” by Pixies 

At this point, you’ve sat down to review some of the practice questions posted by the professor, and let’s just say, they’re not making much sense. You’re trying to concentrate but your head feels completely blank, “and you’ll ask yourself, where is my mind?” Just like the lyrics of this song, everything feels abstract and doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.

Emotion: Panic

Song: “Panic” by The Smiths

Once the initial confusion has passed, the panic sets in and you start to freak out a little. In his angsty songwriting, Morrissey refers to chaos unraveling throughout Britain, before prompting listeners to “burn down the disco.” Overall, a wonderful parallel to the mayhem that may be taking place in your mind. 

Emotion: Acceptance

Song: “Float On” by Modest Mouse

“Float On” is a reminder that things will always work out, even if they seem hopeless right now. After the panic has subsided, you’ll hopefully start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and realize that regardless of the outcome of this exam, your GPA won’t be completely ruined. In other words, “we’ll all float on, okay.”

Emotion: Optimistic

Song: “Have A Nice Day” by Stereophonics

This song just radiates positivity. As you’re gathering all your supplies for the exam, this song will provide just the kind of energy you need. While you’re bopping your head to the chorus, you can’t help but feel comforted by the upbeat, catchy melody and you’re feeling ready to get the exam over and “have a nice day”.

Emotion: Ready

Song: “Ready For The Floor” by Hot Chip

After grabbing your bag and exiting your apartment building, the adrenaline is definitely rushing. This is the song for when you’re walking towards the lecture hall, and you’re trying to convince yourself that everything’s under control. You’re “ready for the floor” — in your case, “the floor” referring to 150 Wheeler. 

Emotion: Fear

Song: “Lullaby” by The Cure

As you approach the exam hall with a racing heart and shaky hands, you start to question whether you’re having an inescapable nightmare. “Lullaby” is a very disturbing song that recounts a nightmare where a spider crawls on a victim’s bed, before devouring him alive. Pretty comparable to what a midterm could do, right?

Emotion: Anger

Song: “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis

You’ve finished the exam, and you’re feeling angry at yourself and your inability to answer the simplest questions on the paper. Eventually, though, you know you have to move on. Don’t look back in anger; instead, focus on the future. Use the experience to set up achievable goals for yourself and work on your weaknesses.

Emotion: Regret

Song: “How to Disappear Completely” by Radiohead

As you’re walking home, you start to reflect on all your past decisions, and suddenly they don’t seem so smart anymore. “Why did I binge-watch all of Gossip Girl last weekend? Why wasn’t I studying for this midterm?” You’re filled with so much regret that you just want to lock yourself in a dark room and disappear from the world. 

Emotion: Relief

Song: “Dog Days are Over” by Florence + the Machine

Eventually, you’ll reach a point where you realize that whatever the outcome of the midterm, at least it’s over. You can finally chill out and spend the evening reading your book and getting an early night’s sleep. The “dog days” are finally over, and let me tell you, it feels liberating. 

Halfway through the semester, it’s inevitable that most of us are starting to feel a little fed up with nonstop midterms. Just remember, you’re not alone! Hopefully, this playlist helps you work through the varied emotional reactions before and after taking a midterm.