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5 Steps to Help You Keep from Falling Behind in School

FROM PRIORITIZATION TO ASKING FOR HELP, RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE

It happens to students every year. The school year starts off well; deadlines are easily met, projects are easily completed. And then suddenly… something changes. The work gets harder, you miss a couple of classes, and suddenly you’ve fallen behind. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, what are some ways to reclaim the school year?

Below are five study tips to help you get—and stay—on track with your studies.

PRIORITIZE YOUR PROJECTS

The first thing you need to do is get organized. Take a look at everything that is still due for all of your classes, and figure out what is most important. Are some projects worth a larger part of your grade? Have you missed some deadlines already? What do you need to work on next to repair any damage that may already have happened when you fell behind? Once you know what remains on your plate, and the relative importance of each task, you can begin to break it down into manageable chunks and plan for how best to move forward.

CREATE AN ACTION PLAN

Using whatever kind of task management system works best for you—for instance, an app on your phone, a notebook you carry in your backpack, or a calendar on your computer—break your priorities down into a reasonable to-do list that you can hammer away at, a little bit each day. For instance, if you know that you have a paper due, your action plan may consist of a few days dedicated to working on an outline.

TALK TO OTHERS FOR HELP & INSPIRATION

Remember that you can always talk to your instructors and other students when you need support. Don’t give up! Instead, consider finding a study buddy or a study group to help you stay on task, share perspectives, and hold each other accountable. Both of these options help make learning more fun while you prepare for the class. The most supportive schools will have instructors and staff who are committed to your success, and who will work closely with you to ensure that, whatever the challenges, you will complete your program on time.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CAMPUS RESOURCES

Never be afraid to take advantage of resources provided by your school! Many schools will offer tutoring when you are struggling, to help you keep from falling behind. The professionals employed by the school are invested in your success and prepared to help you achieve your goals. When you have successfully caught up, the school may also provide additional career preparation, resume development, and job placement assistance. 

DO THE WORK

The most important thing to remember in order to keep from falling behind is to do the work. Yes, there will undoubtedly be speedbumps along the way. You may run into some challenges, and fear that you will have trouble getting on track. But if you follow the above advice, and stick with it, you will find that you can do whatever you have set your mind to. Do it one step at a time, with a team of peers, instructors, and staff right beside you, and you will achieve your dreams before you even know it!

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