BY AYANA JONES
SC Contributing Writer
As the semester comes to an end, you may find your momentum and enthusiasm decreasing.
For many students, it becomes harder to stay focused and complete assignments on time, as many tend to drag toward the closing of a semester.
Although the end of a semester may be tiresome and difficult, it is important to stay on track and finish strong. You will be satisfied when you receive that GPA you wanted.
When the going gets tough, you simply have to push yourself harder. Go against those feelings of laziness that creep into your work ethic. As you try to finish the semester strong, here are a few tips that you may find useful.
Reset Your Goals
As the semester comes to a close, you may find yourself needing to reevaluate your goals.
Write down where you currently stand in your classes, and set a goal to improve. Place your list of goals somewhere that can be seen daily.
Sometimes you simply need to remind yourself what the ultimate objective is in order to move forward in a positive way.
Change Work Habits
As you finish the final stretch of the semester, it is not too late to change your study habits.
If you find yourself slipping, perhaps you should change your regime. Try to take a different approach to studying that you haven’t tried before. You may need to set a different time for your studying.
Figure out what time of day you are most alert, and try to get your work done during that time.
Organize chapters needed to be reviewed for any upcoming exams, and use the information on study guides given.
As finals week approaches, organizing your studying will prove beneficial.
Hit the Library
When you are trying to be as productive as possible, let’s face it, your room is probably not the best spot to get work done. There are simply too many distractions.
It is best to get work done in a place where you can fully focus. The library may be the place for you.
Studying at the library will limit distractions. Find a location that is most comfortable for you.
While at the library, keep your phone out of reach. The cell phone can be a major hindrance when trying to be productive. If you can’t resist the urge, simply turn it off until your work is done.
Get a Study Buddy
If you find yourself unable to deal with the quietness in the library, then you may decide to study with a friend instead.
Designate a time to meet with your study partner in a work-friendly environment.
Before meeting with your friend, have a plan set for what you need to study. Create a list of work that needs to be done, and check it off as you complete them.
In doing so, you can keep track of your tasks and make better use of the time you spend studying together.
Take advantage of extra credit
Extra credit is one of a college student’s best friends. Go back through your syllabus to see if you missed any extra credit opportunities that you may still be able to complete.
If you can, take advantage of the opportunity. This may help give your grade that extra boost you need.
As students get tired late in the semester, their grades have a tendency to suffer. Boost your grade back up. Do not just let the opportunity to improve pass you by or settle for where you are.
Reach out to your professors for help if needed. You do not want to be that student that waits till the last week of school to utilize an office hour.
If you have not already done so, attempt to build a relationship with your professor.
It is normal to get tired and lose your desire to do work near the close of a semester.
Nevertheless, it is important that you finish the semester strong. The habits that you develop in college will be carried into your career of choice.
Finishing the semester strong will be good for not only your GPA, but it will strengthen the skills needed for success in the workplace.
Email Ayana at:
ajones @live.esu.edu
