Final Stretch (Weeks 11–14)
Get together with friends to go over the class material. Ask questions in class.
Prep for Final Projects and Final Exams
What is procrastination and what causes it?
To successfully prepare for final projects and exams, you must determine what causes you to PROCRASTINATE or put off doing tasks you need to complete. We tend to procrastinate when we are faced with a difficult or unpleasant task. Often, we put off doing things because we are not confident in our abilities, do not know how to prioritize important tasks, or are disorganized. Sometimes, putting off tasks can lead to increased anxiety and depression.
How can you cope with procrastination?
First, list everything you need to do, from most important to least important. Make sure you understand each task and ask your professors well ahead of time if you do not understand something.
Next, make a list of “time robbers” or things that cause you to waste time, like social media and video games. Use these things as a reward once you complete your tasks.
Making a plan for academic success
Once you have determined the causes of procrastination, you need to complete an action plan for academic success. Decide exactly what you need to do and the order you will do it. Prioritizing tasks that are most important and/or take the most time first. Use a whiteboard, or a calendar to plan what you will do and when you will do it. Some people use a planner on their phone or computers whereas others like to use an old-fashioned planner. If you have something that seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller chunks, to be completed over several days. For instance, if you have a project due, schedule small chunks of time over multiple days to complete it. This will allow you to complete your project and keep on top of all your other studies.
Complete one task at a time, being mindful that you may have multiple courses to complete assignments and exams in. Plan to do the harder things first when you are fresh and alert. If you have an important test the next day, prepare for that first. Then you could schedule some time to work on an important assignment. Any other time you have blocked off for school could be used to complete smaller tasks. Remember to schedule time for yourself as well! You need time to eat, sleep, exercise and socialize as well.
Motivate yourself to get started! Motivation builds the closer you get to completing a task. Mustering enough motivation to get things started can be the biggest challenge. Once you have started a task, you will find the task easier to work on.
Give yourself a time limit. Put a firm time limit on how long you will give yourself to work on a task. Dragging unpleasant tasks out only promotes procrastination. A time limit encourages you to finish the task faster.
Disconnect from social media and unnecessary technology! Social media and video games are a breeding ground for procrastination. Limit yourself to using only the technology you need to complete your task. Turn off notifications so that you do not get distracted.
Teamwork is dreamwork! Study groups are a fantastic way of studying. Review important concepts, formulas, and ideas. Prepare flash cards and quiz each other. Discuss difficult material together and share notes. Working with others makes everyone accountable.Ask questions! Reach out to your instructors if you do not understand. Do not be afraid to ask questions in class or email your professors. If your instructor gives you a review package, a test outline or study guide, use this to create questions that could be on a test or exam. In addition, make sure you understand the instructions and expectations for assignments prior to starting them.
Learn How to Better Manage Your TimeCheck LauNCh Guide Student Success Section
Remember, don’t forget to check the Student Success section on the LauNCh Guide. For more information, read through the Check LauNCh Guide Student Success section from weeks 6-7.
Tuition Deposit for Next Term
For domestic students, a $250 mandatory non-refundable, non-transferrable tuition deposit is required each term for all new and returning students – including those students receiving OSAP funding or waiting for their RESP.
This deposit is required to secure a place in a program and is also required before students can select a timetable. The tuition deposit counts toward tuition fees. For more information on how to make a payment, please check the link below.
Payment by the due date will reserve your seat in a program, allow you to continue in class, write examinations, receive reports, and maintain academic evaluation.
Check your NC Email & Brightspace Announcements
Remember, be sure to check your NC email and announcements on Brightspace! If you aren’t sure how, take a look at the Email and Brightspace guidelines from weeks 1–3.