Author: Kris Bruckner
Seminary Academic Support
It is hard to concentrate with so many distractions. The last few weeks of fall semester are especially stressful because personally, I would rather be baking, decorating, singing, shopping . . . anything but finishing all the assignments on my academic to-do list.
But the days are getting shorter, and not just because there is less daylight. A small amount of procrastination each week may have turned into a log jam of assignments in weeks 13 and 14. So what, if anything, can be done at this point? Staying up later? Going into seclusion somewhere?
Here are a few ideas, gleaned from years of first-hand struggle to have my celebrations and do good work, too.
Stop right now and assess the situation. Make a list, in precise detail, of what you have left to do, and when you plan to do it. Be realistic about how long each step will take. Your assessment can involve some or perhaps all the following questions: Where do I work best? What time of day? What distracting obstacles can I remove from my study area? How long can I be productive before I need a break?? This is the moment to be strategic and self-aware.
If you have a large project or paper due at the end of the semester, this is for you. Go back to your syllabus (and any additional directions) to be sure you are following the instructions exactly. If you don’t understand some aspect of the project, ask your professor for clarification. Your process will be much more straightforward if you focus on doing what is asked of you. Check your rubric for the assignment. How will it be assessed? Pay attention to this before you start to write. This is how people get good grades, btw.
You may have a final exam in a few weeks. If your professor has given you a study guide, or any other information about the content or form of the test, begin to fill it in now, before you are too rushed to remember all the details. Again, consult the rubric to see just how many specific facts you may be asked to provide in each answer. Your memory will work better on the day of the test if you work on it over a period of weeks.
Please keep the North Park Theological Seminary Writing Handbook https://www.northpark.edu/wp-content/uploads/Writing-Handbook-2017-2018.pdf handy as you work. It will save you time and frustration as you try to figure out Turabian citation style, and the requirements of our seminary for written work. Best blessings as you do your work and celebrate the coming birth of our God, with us.