Staying focused

Ryan Tarinelli

Students should buckle down and concentrate on grades

It’s that time in the school year — the beginning of the end.

The days are longer, the sun is out and students no longer have to wrap themselves in four layers of clothing to get to class.

Ryan Tarinelli

Ryan Tarinelli

It’s no wonder the motivation to do school work is at its lowest point. Skipping class for an extra hour of sleep or blowing off an assignment for an afternoon in the sun seems easier this time of year.

Welcome to the mid-semester lull. The motivation after spring break is gone, but the excitement that comes with the end of the school year has not yet arrived.

Whether it is an internship, a summer job or a vacation with friends, most students have their summers planned out. But with four weeks of classes standing in the way, having summer plans often makes concentrating in class more difficult.

Unfortunately, four weeks is enough time to ruin a solid grade.

This is the time in many courses when students will take their last tests before the final. A poor showing on the last test and a disappointing grade on a final exam can have a large impact on a final grade.

It’s also amazing how quick a grade can turn south when assignments are blown off.

The same concept applies to the other end of the spectrum.

Four weeks is just enough time to improve a grade. D to an A? Not likely. But moving up a letter grade is certainly possible in most courses, especially considering final projects and exams — many of which have not been turned in yet.

Regardless, this is not the time to stop caring about school.

Although it feels like summer break is just a few days away, those 20 school days can have a large impact on a GPA.

The mid-semester lull does not only occur with students. Many faculty members feel the urge to be outside instead of huddled around a desk grading papers.

And much like students, faculty members also procrastinate.

When this happens, professors give out more assignments and squeeze more course material into the final weeks of class in preparation for the final. If a professor procrastinates, often times the course load increases and going to class becomes even more important.

Besides, having good grades going into dead week and finals week can remove added pressure, and working hard to finish the year strong is a great way to start off a long summer.

These last few weeks go fast. Before students know it, they will be figuring out their moving plans, taking their final exams and going off to their summer jobs.

These next few weeks are important for many students who want to see their grades improve, and even more important to students who do not want to see their grades falter. Either way, don’t waste the opportunity, unless you’re a graduating senior.

Graduating seniors — good luck. That’s all I have for you. These next few weeks will test your ability to perservere through the end of school without going crazy.

Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected]

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