Navigating the Semester:
5 Tips for a Successful Start

Eddie Weber

Alumni Ambassador – USA

As the summer days of late August fade into recent memory, many students will find themselves shocked to be right around the corner from their first round of assignments and midterm examinations near the end of September. Depending on where you are in the U.S., the air may start to get just a bit chillier and the leaves a little less green as you realize that it may be time to start doing those extra readings that your professor “highly recommends” to make sure you really understand what you’ve covered in your classes.

During my high school, undergraduate, and graduate studies, the initial thrill of each new academic year would quickly and often abruptly fade as looming assignment deadlines approached. Each year, I improved at making the transition from summer to school less stressful and more manageable. Starting good habits early in the semester will lead to better grades. I learned this, especially over my four years of undergraduate studies, and my G.P.A. (grade point average) steadily improved as I became more prepared for the start of each semester. Here are five tips for a successful start to the semester:

1) Introduce Yourself to Your Professor

  • To make a positive impression, introduce yourself by sharing your name, background, major, and reasons for taking the class. This will go a long way toward helping your professor or teaching assistant (TA) remember you.
    ○ This is especially important when you’re sick, traveling, or need to ask for accommodations such as an extension on an assignment.
  • Professors are human beings, and treating them with respect can make them more willing to help you and give you the benefit of the doubt when needed.
  • Before sending an email, consider speaking to your professor in person. A polite and apologetic explanation might make them more likely to grant you an extension down the line.

2) Take Advantage of Office Hours

  • Your professor or TA is your best resource when answering any questions you may have about your class.
  • By attending office hours and making an effort early in the semester, you will establish a good relationship before needing to ask for accommodations.
  • Check your syllabus to see if you need to schedule an appointment before you go. If not, you can likely show up, and even if you have to wait in line for a bit, it’s worth it.

3) Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus for Each Class

  • During the first week of each semester, you’ll receive a syllabus in each of your classes outlining course materials, topics, and important dates for assignments and exams.
  • The syllabus will include a breakdown of the grading criteria and how your professor will calculate your final grade.

    For example:
    ■ Attendance – 10%
    ■ Participation – 10%
    ■ Homework – 30%
    ■ Midterm Exam – 20%
    ■ Final Exam – 30%

  • While the specific grading breakdown may vary, most classes include attendance, participation, assignments, and tests, but the exact weighting of each component may differ.
  • Understanding the grading breakdown will allow you to allocate your time more efficiently and prioritize tasks accordingly.

 

4) Keep Track of Deadlines

  • Whether via Google Calendar, an academic planner, or a hanging wall calendar, take the time during the first few weeks to record all essential dates from each syllabus, including homework, projects, exams, and papers.
  • Creating a visual overview of your semester will help you stay organized and avoid the stress of last-minute surprises.
  • By planning ahead, you’ll be more likely to remember assignments and have more time to complete them effectively.

 

5) Class Attendance & Participation is Crucial

  • Unlike at universities in the U.K., class attendance is often mandatory for passing grades in the U.S.A.
  • Class attendance is a baseline requirement, and active participation can significantly influence your grade.
  • You may not be required to attend every lecture, but missing classes will hurt your participation grade, ranging from a minor 10% to a whopping 30% in discussion-centered seminar classes.

Wherever you may be in your semester, I hope these five tips help you start your school year strong!