As we are nearing the end of the school year, we want students to end their academic year strong, whether it be doing well on their finals or finishing their standardized tests. In this article, we will go over a few tips to how to prepare for the end of the year as well as how to mentally prepare yourself for the end of the school year.
Time Management is Key - For many freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, the second semester could be a very busy time. Students may be studying for AP tests and/or ACT/SAT/SAT II tests while simultaneously keeping up with their school classes. This means that you will have to start to keep an organized calendar and/or planner to ensure that large tasks are planned beforehand to be completed by the deadline and that tests are well-prepared for. In addition, we encourage students to make a list of their priorities. This means that if social activities, volunteer events, etc., may not fit into your schedule, then you may have to leave them off for later. In the end, think about which choice would give you the most long-term benefit.
Don’t overwork yourself - Even though you may have an extremely busy schedule, it is important to keep in mind that efficiency is better than studying extra hours. You may also want to consider breaks between your study time to give your mind a little time to rejuvenate. This could include taking a 10-minute walk outside or a snack break in between studying or completing homework. Ideally, you want around 7 hours a sleep each night. Though you may be busy, if you prioritize your activities and tasks and work efficiently, you should be able to leave some time for your sleep. It is important to note that lack of sleep leads to fatigue, which may have inverse effects on your test on the next day.
Get rid of distractions - Phones, social media, and electronic devices often stand as distractive obstacles when studying or getting work done. If you do not have the self-control to keep distractions from electronic devices away, you may want to download apps that restrict the amount of time you can spend on social media or games. Although it may also be tough giving up your devices to your parents during study time, it is another effective way to keep yourself focused so you get the most out of your time spent working. When studying for exams, avoid bringing along friends who may act as distractions. Some students work more efficiently when working with studying buddies, but many others tend to get side-tracked easily when around friends. Find the perfect studying environment for you (with/without music, with/without studying buddies, etc.)
Maintain a motivated mindset - Even though summer vacation is nearing, make sure you don’t cruise from now until the end of the year. Think about your future goals and plans, and what steps you’ll need to take to reach those goals. In addition, don’t over-stress! If you do not receive a desired score on a test or assignment, you still have time to bring it up. Always keep your goals in mind, and surround yourself with people who will support you along the way.
You are only around one step away from ending the school year, so keep up the good work and you’ll feel satisfied by the time school ends. The key is to work hard now so there are no regrets later. Best of luck!
