The semester is over - now what?

The spring semester is over and all that is left is waiting for your grades.  Here are some things to consider once you have them.


If you did well and your semester and cumulative grade averages are good:

• Congratulations on a job well done!
• Think about what went well.  What exactly did you do to earn high grades?  What will you do again next semester?

If your grades were disappointing:

• Can you pinpoint a specific area where you struggled, such as math or English?  If you can, consider some work over the summer to improve in that area.  For example, you could take a lower-level class at a local college but not have the credits transfer or purchase a workbook and study on your own.
• Look at the requirements for your major.  Did you do well in those classes but had trouble in others?  Or if you struggled in your major classes, perhaps you should consider changing your major to one with classes where you feel you would do well.
• Did you attend every class?
• Seriously examine your study habits.  Did you review your notes after every class?  Use a variety of active strategies to learn the material?  Start a week ahead to prepare for an exam?
• Did you take advantage of other resources such as tutoring or visiting your professor's office hours?

Worst case scenario - if you are on probation:

• Read the above five points.
• Examine your next semester.  Can you repeat any classes to eliminate a particularly low grade?
• Can you take any classes over the summer that will boost your grades?  (If you do this, be very sure you will do very well in the class!)
• Consider talking with your advisor to make a recovery plan.

Whatever your outcome, plan ahead for the successful, positive strategies you will use next semester.  Consider writing a note  about this to yourself and packing it away with the things you will be taking back to college with you.


Enjoy the summer and a break from classes, however long it will be.
This blog will not be taking the summer off!  Look for more learning strategies and ideas to enhance your success!
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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and wordassociation.com.  Click on the upper right link.