This week roughly marks the third week of classes, and stress appears to be in the air. We have gone past the point of introductions and are well on our way toward the first wave of exams. Due to this, it is very important to take stock of what we can do to give ourselves the best chance to succeed. If you are anything like me, you’re hoping to make academic success a top priority this semester. Below is a collection of ideas that may help you stay on track with your heavy course load.
Be Honest with Yourself About Your Bad Habits: Are you a procrastinator? Do you like to “wing it” when exam time comes? Do you prioritize fun activities over your studies? These types of mistakes can be deadly to your GPA. The first step in correcting this behavior is to recognize where you are letting yourself down.
Get Organized: If you are struggling with number one, it is likely because you have not developed good study habits or note taking skills. Finding a friend or classmate who has these skills, and is willing to share them with you, is key. It is also important to be able to acknowledge what you need to get done, and how much time needs to be allotted to complete said tasks. This will allow you to develop a realistic study plan
Find a Study Buddy: This can be the same person who helps you remain organized, or someone who is simply willing to keep you on track. Not only does having a study partner give you a better chance of academic success, but it also helps to make studying less of a burden and more of a social activity. Plus, two heads are better than one. So, you are more likely to maximize your learning potential.
Take Short Breaks: While it may sound counterintuitive, taking breaks while studying allows to stay fresh and not burnout on the material. Whether it is going for a walk, or a quick coffee break, time away from the subject matter also needs to factor into your study plan. Breaks should be no more than ten to fifteen minutes and limited to only a few per study session.
Acknowledge Your Accomplishments: You have mastered all the above techniques and you find yourself in a much better position to tackle your demanding schedule. It is perfectly okay to feel good about your success. These are skills that can help you throughout the rest of your college career, so you should recognize this as a big win. Acknowledging your success will also lead to motivate you for other positive changes in the future.