It’s that time of the semester, midterms have passed and we’re in the final few weeks. If you’re like me, then this is your least favorite part of the semester. I’m burnt out from studying all the time and tired of taking tests. At the same time though, I really need to focus to maintain my good grades and pull up my not-so-good ones. I call it “midsemester-itis.” It’s the most crucial few weeks and it’s also the hardest time to stay focused, so here are a few tips for staying focused and getting ahead of the game before finals.
Go To Office Hours! Now is the time, if you haven’t already, to go see your professors and make a plan for the rest of the semester. Find out what you’ll need to make on your remaining grades to get the final grade you want. It’s also a good time to ask about extra credit or bonus points. Teachers don’t want to hear about extra credit a week before the final.
Get Organized! I know how difficult it is to make time for school, clubs, friends, football, and everything else that takes up a college student’s time during the fall. It’s a busy time of the year for everyone! My biggest piece of advice on managing time is this; GO BUY A PLANNER. I don’t know how people function without one. Sticky notes are also really good! I have them all over my dorm room, and it’s really satisfying to take a sticky note off the wall/mirror when I get something done.
Reward Yourself! I have a slight obsession with the chocolate chip cookies from Denny’s in Village Dining. So I’ve made a deal with myself–whenever I make an A (or a grade I’m really happy about) I allow myself to get a cookie! It may sound simple and a little bit childish, but it works for me. Find your bliss and reward yourself when you do a good job.
Have a roommate/friend hold you accountable. Everyone is in the same boat, so use that to your advantage! Have your roommate (or someone close to you) smack you on the back of the head if you need it. Everyone needs a little push every now and then. Have someone advise you against watching that third episode of “Friends”. You can do the same for them. Friends don’t let friends take a nap when there’s a test in twelve hours.
I could go on forever about this, and you could read ten self-help books about motivation. In the end though, it all comes down to you. How badly do you want the goal you’re trying to reach? Remind yourself everyday why you’re REALLY in college and it’ll make studying for that bio test a little bit easier to swallow. In the end it will be worth it (at least that’s what they keep telling me).