So finals are two or
three weeks away. And you have no idea what is going on, let alone what you
need to be doing. Some classes have nothing due these last few weeks,
with the expectation that you will be studying for a final exam. Other classes
have long term projects coming due in these last few weeks.
Some people feel
impossibly behind when they just don't have a good feel for what is going on
right now in the class. Others haven't done anything for the class in some
period of time and truly may be "impossibly behind". The first step
is to determine what is going on, where you are in relation to where you need
to be right now.
Dig out your syllabus.
Maybe you have a paper copy, or access to an online copy. Find it. Print a new
one. Read it. Here is what to look for:
1. The instructor's
withdrawal policy: some instructors give permission for you to drop up until
the last day of class. Others only let you drop up until the midterm - they
figure if they have put this much effort into you, you should put some effort
in at the end. While impossibly behind doesn't necessarily mean that you need
to drop, reading this section will let you know if it is at least an option for
you at this point.
2. The grading policy:
the syllabus should outline how you will be graded. How much of that have you
accomplished? How much is left to do? Is that "on track" with the
timeline of the course? Or have you missed due dates or exams along the way?
Write down specifically what you are missing. The printable linked at the end
of this blog post might help you outline this and see how it might affect your grade.
3. The schedule: this
will help you with figuring out due dates that you have missed and what might
be coming up.
Are you considering a
withdrawal? Here are some factors to consider:
1. Are you on financial
aid? Check with your financial aid office about your best course of action.
Sometimes students are asked to repay financial aid or lose future eligibility
if they withdraw from a course.
2. Are you planning to
repeat the course? In this case, some students stick it out until the end to
get the most exposure to the material possible. In the event of a D or failing
grade, you can re-take the class and the grade may replace your grade this
semester.
3. Are you applying for a
program in the next semester where your GPA or transcript will be considered?
In this case you will likely want to withdraw instead of fail the course, since
the failing grade will likely be calculated into your GPA.
Can't, or have decided not to, withdraw? Time
to buckle down and get serious about what you can accomplish before the end of
the semester.
First, block out some
time to work. Look at your schedule between now and finals. Thanksgiving is
this week (in the US) and many college students have at least part of this week
off. Use that to your advantage - this means time that you can work on studying
previous material when new material isn't being added. How much time could you
take off work? Could you limit other obligations? Can you get someone to watch
your kids while you have uninterrupted study time? Get serious here, you will
need a lot of time to try to do a semester's worth of work in three
weeks.
Second, make a plan
for the work that you need to do. Are you studying for a comprehensive final
exam? What's the last chapter you studied in depth? How many chapters does that
leave you? Figure out how you are going to review those chapters in the time
you are planning. Have a presentation to give, block out time for research,
writing, and rehearsing before the big due date.
Third, figure out your
reward. Okay, so if you put your nose to the grindstone for three solid weeks, and
you pull it out for this class, think about the reward at the end that will
help keep you motivated.
Some other advice:
Think about the
expectations for the class so far. How have you done on exams up until now? Do
you need to step up your study techniques at this point to try to rock the
final?
Try to hook up with
others in your class for study groups. It doesn't have to be the "A"
student at this point, just working with others who are also getting serious
for the end of the class will be beneficial for you. This can also help you wrap your mind around where you are in the course relative to where you need to be.
Talk to your
instructor. Yes, some instructors get peeved when a student they haven't seen
in months shows up asking "what do I need to do to pass this class?" - that's not what I am suggesting. Make an appointment - you don't ever want to
have an important discussion on the fly at the end of class in front of other
students. Be sure you are well versed in what you need to do for the course. If
you have missed a deadline, ask for an extension. The worse they can say is no,
but they may be willing to compromise. Plan what you want to ask for - don't
plan excuses. Even it is the truth, and the real reason you fell behind,
instructors hear "my grandmother died" or "my kid was really
sick" ALL THE TIME. Knowing the reason you fell behind is NOT likely to
influence their decision about extending your deadline or giving you another
chance on work. What WILL influence that decision is how prepared you are for
the conversation, how much you have informed yourself what you need to do, and
how well you have planned to do it.
Okay, so you've talked
to the instructor, found a group of students to work with, and you know what
you need to do in the next three weeks. It's time to buckle down and just do
it.
Have any of you had a
semester where you fell behind? Were you able to get caught up? Have advice to
share with the impossibly behind student?
Free Printable: Calculating My Grade
