It is common for many students to find themselves behind to varying degrees in their courses throughout the term. Yet, being behind going into the last few weeks and through finals can create a lot of additional stress. Today I am providing some strategies to manage being behind during crunch time.
First and foremost, as the end of the term nears, “if you find yourself behind, stop digging” (Will Rogers). As hard as it may be in the moment, take 30-60 minutes to accurately understand your situation and make a plan. This will help you move forward more productively (…and hopefully with less stress) than bouncing haphazardly from one thing to the next in a state of panic.
Tips for when you find yourself behind entering the last portion of the term:
Assess
- List the classes in which you are behind.
- For each make note of the following:
- What is the minimum grade you must achieve in each to earn credit, fulfill a requirement or for admission into a specific program or major?
- Is it an elective or course that fulfills a general education/major requirement? Major?
- Is it a prerequisite for a course you will take in the future, etc.
- Other important details about the course.
- Now rank order the list (i.e. Considering the above questions and additional information you know. Ask, how important is each class with regard to my academic progress?)
- Using the rank ordered list, assess and note how you are doing in each course..
- What is your current grade?
- Are there any outstanding grades (i.e., work that you have submitted but have not yet been returned…and can you request them)?
- How does your current grade compare to your goal for the course going into the semester (be realistic, most students will not get A’s in the majority of their classes).
- Will there be a curve?
- How behind are you in each course?
- Identify specific tasks and assignments for each course, as well as how long you estimate it will take you to complete each task.
- How many pages/chapters do you have to read?
- Which lecture recordings do you need to watch?
- How many homeworks do you have to catch up on?
- What projects, labs, papers, or other assignments do you need to do?
- Are you dependent on others to catch up on work (if yes, list who)?
- Can you still earn some credit for “past due” tasks/assignments?
- Meet and talk with your instructors (do not do this over email). Be honest about being behind, explore if you can still earn credit for missing assignments, if there is any flexibility with the grading rubric (such that remaining work can increase in value), and any suggestions they have given that the end of the semester is near.
- Identify specific tasks and assignments for each course, as well as how long you estimate it will take you to complete each task.
Evaluate
- Which tasks are “high-impact” and should you prioritize?
- Take a look at the tasks for the course you ranked most important.
- Think about if/how catching up will assist you with completing the remainder of the course more successfully (e.g. Do you have a cumulative final? Do past readings need to be utilized in a final paper? Do you have to contribute to a group project?).
- Identify which tasks must be completed (highlight), those that you’d like to complete if you have time (circle), and those that you will “let go” (cross off).
- Repeat this process for each course in your rank order list. It is important to be willing to cut your losses with some tasks. Keep in perspective the overall importance of each course with regard to your academic progress, and then each task with respect to your final grade in that course. Remind yourself that you are not operating under ideal circumstances. Particularly because it is late in the term, focusing on tasks with the highest return on investment is critical.
One important note: as you go through this process you may realize that either you are past the point of diminishing return in one or more classes. Meaning, you have fallen so far behind that it doesn’t make sense to invest time and energy to catch up and/or complete the course(s), either because it’s simply too much to catch up on or that in order to catch up your other classes will suffer. Or you may decide that it is wise to “take the hit” in a particular class by ceasing to do anything further for that particular course. Perhaps you accept your grade to date or complete the course as best as you can, without significant investment of your time, realizing your final grade will suffer.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, or experiencing stress or anxiety such that you are not sleeping, eating or able to concentrate, please talk with an advisor and your instructor(s) immediately. There may be options including but not limited to requesting a late course withdrawal(s), taking an “incomplete” in one or more courses, or requesting a leave of absence. Options vary by institution and other options not mentioned here may exist, so please reach out at your institution.
Just Do It
Once you have fully evaluated each course in which you are behind and considered the remaining work for all of your classes, it is time to develop a plan. Determine what tasks to prioritize so that you can invest your time and energy on the highest impact tasks overall. And, “Wishful thinking is not an action plan!” (MHB) You must move beyond talking about what you need and intend to do, and create a plan of action!
- Create a consistent general daily routine to provide structure.
- Ensure you get enough sleep (7 hrs), eat well (hydrate), and exercise (30 mins/day)-these are non-negotiables.
- Get organized and create a clutter-free study space.
- Manage your time. Develop a to-do list and then a schedule for critical tasks.
- Minimize distractions, turn off notifications, find a quiet space, and focus on the task at hand (Try the Pomodoro Study Technique).
- Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable sub-parts.
- Focus on completing one task at a time (start with a small or “easier” task to build momentum).
- Seek support- from study groups, office hours, your instructors, review sessions, tutoring, and online resources (but don’t go down rabbit holes) for clarification, filling gaps in your understanding, and help with concepts you find challenging or confusing.
- Engage in positive self-talk and visualization. Remember times that you have successfully overcome challenges, picture yourself doing the same now and create positive affirmations you can tell yourself every day these last few weeks as you grind!
Yes, being behind at the end of the semester is stressful. Being strategic is key. Focusing on high-impact tasks, effectively managing your time, and using resources are critical. Finally, maintaining a healthy balance between work and self-care will help position you to perform your best!
Best of luck!
Beth A. Howland is founder of College Navigators, LLC and coaches college students to optimize their undergraduate experiences in support of their educational, personal, and career goals. She worked for close to 25 years in a variety of direct service and leadership positions in student support services at Cornell University, Duke University, Ithaca College, Tulane University, and UNC-Chapel Hill. Check out Beth’s previous posts about college student success.
