I think it’s safe to say that when heading towards the fourth and final quarter of the school year, many students get super busy and often feel like they have no time to stay on top of all of their school work and extracurricular activities. On top of that, numerous students are preparing to take tests such as PSAT/SATs, AP tests, Keystones, etc., all while counting down the days until summer vacation. How can you possibly stay motivated and organized in this crazy part of the school year? Here are a few quick tips to make sure you continue to rock out the rest of the 3rd and 4th quarters.
- Use Your Time Wisely
It’s something all students hear their teachers, parents, and almost every adult say, but it’s true! Set aside time each day for studying for a big test you have coming up, catching up on work you might have missed, or just finishing things for your classes! Instead of your usual 45-minute “TikTok break,” cut it down to 25 minutes and use those extra 20 minutes to get ahead for the week!
- Stay Organized
It’s easy for lots of your personal, academic, and athletic life to get jumbled together and to miss important deadlines or feel like you’re always falling behind. Although it may seem like a pain, keep a planner or a to-do list of your week with you/at home! Investing in a planner may be a great option because it allows you to write down your tasks in advance and pace yourself more efficiently throughout the week. If a planner isn’t your style, using your Google Calendar, notes app, or online reminders can also work.
- Setting Attainable Goals
When we think about our end-of-the-year goals, the majority of us think “Just getting to the end of the school year,” is what our goal should be. Setting weekly, or even monthly goals with a more positive attitude will surely allow you to feel better about yourself and your hard work. Setting a goal such as, “By the end of March, I’ll have studied the first 4 chapters of material for my AP test” is much more valuable than saying, “By the time I take my AP test, I’ll have studied.” Set more attainable goals and you’ll be much happier with your progress.
- Doing things you love
With a busy schedule, it’s easy to not have enough time to do your favorite hobbies or things that make you happy. Make sure that even at your busiest, you’re taking care of yourself and surrounding yourself with positive thoughts, attitudes, and people. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, listening to music, taking a walk, or binge-watching your favorite Netflix show, leaving time for yourself can help you relieve stress and be your best self.
