9 Tips for When You Fall Behind on Your Studies
With a few adjustments, you can create a better work–school–life balance. Here are nine tips to help you get back on track.
1. Assess What’s Causing the Delay
Start by figuring out what sets you back. Maybe you or your kids got sick and you couldn’t find the time or energy to study. Or perhaps you put in extra hours at work to meet a critical deadline. Once you understand the cause, you can assess how likely it is to happen again and think about possible ways you can plan for or anticipate future delays.
2. Prioritize Overdue Coursework
Create a calendar that lists all your current coursework goals, and when you would like to have them completed by.. Start with past-due modules, but it’s okay to rearrange priorities if you feel you need to spend more time on specific subjects in your program. Try to rotate between overdue and upcoming work to stay on top of both and avoid falling behind again.
3. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Big tasks can feel overwhelming and may even lead to academic burnout. Instead of trying to complete a large chunk of your coursework all at once, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. You’ll feel more productive as you check off each part, and that progress can also boost your morale.
4. Reach Out for Help
If you’re struggling to catch up, remember that you’re not alone. MedCerts’ Student Success Advisors are here to help you succeed. Reach out to our support system by phone, email or live chat to get answers, guidance and ways to get back on track.
5. Visit the MedCerts Career Center
The MedCerts Career Center isn’t just for graduates. Career Coaches help students at every stage create résumés, prep for interviews or conduct job searches. Having a career plan in place can be mentally freeing and give you the confidence to stay focused on your studies.
6. Create a Realistic Study Schedule
Study schedules help you prep for course completions and quizzes, but the trick is to make them realistic. Don’t plan for one-hour study sessions every night if you already have long work days and kids’ after-school activities. Fifteen minutes in the morning or after dinner might be more manageable.
7. Eliminate Digital Distraction
Digital distractions are everywhere. Start by turning your phone to grayscale and putting it on silent mode. Without flashy colors and sound, the temptation decreases. You can also try a digital detox by unsubscribing from notifications, setting your status to “busy” or using productivity tools without all the bells and whistles.
8. Stay Organized
A clear mind starts with an organized study space. Keep your study area clutter-free, and use time-management strategies like time blocking or the Pomodoro method to sharpen your focus and help you get back on track.
9. Take Care of Yourself
Academic success also depends on taking care of your health. Make sure you get enough physical exercise and sleep, and take wellness breaks to give your brain a well-deserved rest.
Keeping Up With Your MedCerts Courses
It’s not the end of the world if you missed a planned study session or didn’t complete a course on the exact day you wanted to. But without taking corrective action, you won’t progress in your studies. To get back on track, identify the challenges, create a catch-up calendar and communicate your struggles to your MedCerts team. You’ve got this!
