A SUCCESSFUL TERM END

/in /by

The last seven to ten days of class are here, then finals. You want no surprises once finals start, so what can you get done before class ends? 

The three areas to attend to ensure you are in shape right up to the finish line are (a) being in condition for the last laps, (b) the trivial administrative details that are not so trivial if you overlook them, and (c) optimizing your project and exam performance.

Being in Condition for That Last Lap

You’ve almost made it through the November windstorm, so endorse yourself for your effort. You are still here. Now, to last through term wrap-up, take a breath, and 

  • Plan for efficient, healthy meals, sleep, and exercise.
  • Plan for social connection.
  • Plan to get outside daily.
  • Plan for daily realistic positive self-talk.
  • Plan for breaks and small rewards.

I know, I know, you know all that. Of course. And, of course, you won’t need to remind yourself to keep that engine well tuned. Good.

Wrapping up the Course Work

You have maybe three to five classes left. Before these last classes, take an hour and do an overview of each course:

  • Prepare questions in your challenge areas for each class, lab, or seminar.
  • Check the syllabus for each course. If you don’t have a printout, check online. If you can’t find one, ask your prof or the department. Here is where you find deadlines, how your work is graded, and goodies such as, “All students must . . .” You don’t get a pass with but-I-didn’t-know if the information is in the syllabus.
  • What work do you have left to submit? 
  • What are the deadlines for each assignment?
  • What needs to be done to put the group project to bed and ensure you get credit?
  • Are you behind because of illness or family circumstance? Do you need an extension or deferral (see administrative detail)?
  • What are your challenge areas in each subject?
  • Line up review or assistance with the resources available–your study group, your tutors, advisors, librarians, and, of course, your class question periods. 
  • Block out your challenge areas for review for finals. Ideally, and this is more likely if you are not a first-year student, you will have been doing regular review all along. But if not, look over your notes and texts, take a breath, and mark the areas you will want to go over as you start your final review.
  • Schedule the next two weeks.

Administrative Detail

Now. The administrivia. Every course, every program has uninteresting routine administrative details that can become very interesting if not attended to:

  • Check to make sure that you have been credited for your work and that your marks are entered correctly on your course site.
  • What are the deadlines for withdrawal? Now is decision time–to drop, or not. If your grades are where you need them to be, then there is no decision. If they are not, it is a tough call and a different one for everyone. You need to do the math, then estimate the time needed and probability of getting the grade you need. Note: the grade you need, not the grade that perfectionist you might want. Use a realistic sounding board. 
  • What accommodation arrangements do you need to have in place by when for each final? Who do you need to provide with this information?
  • What are the rules about extensions and deferrals? When can you get them? When do you have to apply for them, and where?
  • When and where is each exam? What do you need to bring?
  • Schedule getting the trivia done so it doesn’t bite you when it’s too late to do anything about it.

Students leave marks on the table every term, not because of poor course performance but because one or more of the above details got overlooked. That doesn’t have to be you.

Cost/Benefit

The hour or two spent on this overview puts you in control and reduces surprises you really don’t want during these last weeks. You’ll notice two things here that won’t surprise you if you’ve been following this blog:

  1. Schedule. Scheduling keeps tasks on track and brings them back when they fall off.
  2. Look after yourself.

You’ve made it thus far. Good on you, and carry on!

Connect with me to sound out your end of term [email protected] 

The information in this blog cannot take the place of support from your own mental health professional or community health resources. Reach out to them. And IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS, PLEASE DIAL 911.