Plan ahead and make your fall semester the best yet.
Summer
- After reading through your online college’s degree requirements, call a counselor and discuss which courses to take this fall. Remember, some courses are only offered during certain semesters.
- Register for your online classes. Print off a hard copy of your schedule and keep it for future reference.
- Buy your textbooks in advance to get a good deal (don’t forget to consider return policies).
- If your online college requires supervised testing, find a proctor or testing center near you.
- Upgrade your computer. Your online college should list the hardware / software requirements on their website. Follow their guidelines to make sure you will be able to access your courses when school begins.
- Make sure your financial aid or any tuition payment programs are in order.
September
- Jump right in. Become an active member of your online college by participating in online discussions and emailing your professor with any questions.
- After your first week, evaluate your online class schedule. Is your workload too challenging? Too light? Now is the time to make changes.
- Drop any unwanted online classes by the required drop date to avoid having a “W” on your transcript.
- Write down all of your long term assignments and exams in a planner.
- Establish a regular study time, free of distractions and interruptions. Let your family members and work associates know when you will be unavailable.
October
- Keep up the good work. Some students let their studies slip during the last weeks of October and the first of November. Don’t let that happen to you.
- If you’re struggling in any of your online classes, talk with the instructor or a school counselor to seek solutions. Your online college may offer access to virtual tutors or you may need to seek outside assistance.
- Study and take your mid-terms. These mid-semester exams can make up a big portion of your grade. Review your notes and know what the instructor expects before taking any test.
- Begin your final papers. Many online classes require an essay to be submitted at the end of the semester. If you will have a paper due, start your research and outlining now.
- Start thinking about next semester’s online classes. Winter semester courses are only a couple months away. Know what you are going to take and register as soon as you’re permitted.
November
- Balance online college with other responsibilities. The winter holiday season begins this month, making it difficult to balance assignments with family get-togethers and work obligations. Set aside extra time for your online class work and stick to a schedule.
- Complete your final paper. If you have an essay due at the end of the semester, finish it in November to avoid last-minute stress.
- Begin studying for finals. It’s only a few weeks before the semester ends. Begin reviewing your notes / reading assignments now.
December
- Don’t stress. Unhealthy habits such as skipping sleep and eating poorly may hamper your performance on your finals. Studying is important, but remember to keep a healthy perspective.
- Ace your last tests and turn in any semester papers.
- Make sure you have the contact information for professors and peers you want to keep in touch with. School contacts can often evolve into worthwhile friendships or valuable business connections.
- Relax. After a semester of hard work on your online classes, you deserve a break.
