The end of the semester can trigger many different reactions. You could be excited for summer, nervous about your overdue assignments, or somewhere in the middle. Between STAAR tests, EOC’s, and semester exams, every grade has something that makes the end of the year different from any other time of year. Well, you don’t have to worry anymore, because here are some tips and tricks that can help you finish on time and get the grade you want.

• Get ahead

I know, this may sound impossible, but if you can get ahead, you can lift a whole bunch of worries. Even just getting on pace would work. If you are behind, try doing 1.5-2 days of schoolwork a day to catch yourself back up. Make that your priority, and if you are too busy to do that on your normal schedule, make a new one. Make enough time to do school, chores, and your after school activities, but also, make sure you have time for yourself. Sometimes in the hassle of getting your work done, you forgot to carve out a bit of time for yourself. Take a few 15 minute breaks each day to take a walk, get some exercise, or even read a book. Take some time off the screen, but make sure you still get quality work turned in on time. 

• Sign up for HootTorials or tutorials with a teacher

Believe me when I say this, I understand that you might feel embarrassed or nervous about asking for help, but in an online school, having someone help you can increase your grade in minutes. Trust me, tutorials help to gain understanding in areas you struggle with, and the more you understand a subject, the easier school will be, and the faster you can work. You can sign up for tutorials if you need help on a particular assignment or just need help studying for STAAR, EOC’s, or semester exams.

• Do Corrections

This may sound so simple, and it is, but if you can do corrections, your grade will shoot up. They can help you get a better understanding of what went wrong, and in my experience, most people don’t see the need to go back and learn from your mistakes. In my experience with corrections, some sheets ask you why you messed up and tell you to rework the problem on the paper/doc. They help you realize what went wrong and the help you to have it never happen again; all while boosting your grade. Can you understand why they are helpful now?

• Make a schedule

I mentioned this in #1, but making a schedule that you can stick to can help you so much to do well in school. Include school work, chores, extracurriculars, possibly your job, and some you-time. Make sure to schedule at least 3-4 hours a day toward school, then you can add in everything else. 

• Study

Yes, studying is boring. I get it, but you shouldn’t rely on correction as a crutch. When you get to STAAR or EOC’s, you won’t be able to do corrections; what you get is what you get. Why rely on corrections as a crutch, if you study then you will rarely need them, and that would save you time. Carve out 60 minutes a day to study, and do 1-2 subjects a day. Get about 45 minutes for each subject weekly to prepare and you will succeed much more than you already were.

If you use these 5 tips, you can finish the semester on time or early and be well within passing grade. You’ll also be prepared for STAAR, EOC’s, and Semester Exams. Leave your nerves and anxiety behind, and end the year on a good note. Just have fun, and enjoy the last month of the 2020-2021 school year.