With half of the year almost gone, preparing for the next semester/term can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you to feel better prepared.

Set goals

Setting goals for the term is always a good place to start. This can be done by checking how you performed in the previous terms. What were your marks like? Did you struggle with any subject and, if yes, why? Draw up a realistic map for yourself and refer back to it throughout the term. This will allow you to tick off your checklist and all the things you’ve achieved and haven’t achieved. Remember Choma, failure is part of success.

Get organised

The best way to manage your stress throughout the school year is to be in control of your academic responsibilities. If you receive your study material, read through it carefully and note important deadlines and exam dates. Keep track of those dates in a paper or digital planner so you can note when certain projects and timelines will overlap, or when you might have scheduling conflicts.

Make use of resources

The library or media centre at your school is a great place to be productive. You can also visit your local community library to do some studying and reading after school hours, on weekends and school holidays. You’ll find that there are books on all your school subjects. Some of these can even offer better explanations for concepts than your own textbooks.

Manage your school/home time.

The addition of schoolwork, classes, and travelling to school can be overwhelming. Adding school and home responsibilities to your weekly schedule will encourage you to establish a morning and evening routine that allows you to stay refreshed and focused all day. When you’ve adjusted to your new routine, you will be able to better manage your schoolwork and your other responsibilities at home.

Prepare for tests and exams from day one

Don’t wait until the middle or the end of the semester/term to cram all the work, rather start revising what you have learnt for the day, from day one. A big mistake that we make is only studying towards the beginning of exams, which means we got a lot of studying to get through in a shorter period. Learn to use your time wisely Choma.

Get involved

The first few weeks of the semester are the perfect time to reconnect with your study groups. Get involved in-class activities and ask as many questions as possible during class time. This will help you identify which topics you’re struggling with, and give you enough time to get necessary support and assistance you need, before exams.

Making the extra effort to prepare for the next semester/ term of school will help set the tone for a productive school year and put you on the right track toward achieving your goals

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).