Students at Orono High School are rejoicing with the beginning of the new semester, giving them a fresh start for the remainder of the year. This is an opportunity to improve study habits, work ethic and hopefully grades. With new schedules and different classes that create a sense of new beginnings, students can come to school feeling as if they are working on a nearly blank slate. However, not all new beginnings are as inspiring to some, but the outcome is of the utmost importance.

When beginning a new semester, it is important for students to keep themselves and their schoolwork organized.  According to Herzing University, being organized is the first step to take towards managing stress and being in control of academic responsibilities.  Using things such as planners or calendars to map out due dates and important deadlines can help students get ahead along with stay ahead says The Honor Society. Students who have good grades and are very successful in school set multiple due dates for not just turning in work, but also for understanding content that is being taught. “The only thing getting in the way of awesome grades is you,” says The Honor Society.

“I wish I studied a little more and took better notes in classes where I needed them,” freshman Anna Schmidt said.

Benefits of planning out the semester in writing include noticeable improvements on students report card. According to Study Right, planning out the semester takes extra time and effort but will be very worthwhile in the long run. It will prevent stressful late-night study sessions, allow students to spend less time doing homework and overall improve their overall grades. This all starts with planning out goals on paper and thinking long term instead of short time.

While working toward superior grades requires specific study skills and new routines, remember that what may work for a fellow friend or classmate, may not work for the student personally. According to The Honor Society, finding what kind of learner the student is will greatly aid their study routine and what exactly they do to study. Also, remember to study in a motivating and energizing environment that is free of distractions and not too comfortable like a bed or a couch.

“I put the most important assignments at the top of my list and leave band and music for the end, as a type of reward,” junior Sam Stavig said.

During study periods it is important to begin working right away and taking advantage of study periods during the school day. This will most likely reduce the amount of work that will have to be completed at home. However, According to Teens Health, when completing homework outside of school it is important for students to tackle the hardest assignments first while they still have the most energy. While working on homework, if students find themselves getting stuck on problems, it is best to continue working and come back to the problem. This will prevent students from derailing their homework schedule. It is also important for them to allow themselves more frequent breaks in order to continue being productive and efficient with their work.

“For Junior year, the second-semester grades and GPA are more important because colleges look at second semester more than they do the first semester. I’m depending on myself more in the second semester for college,” junior Anna Syversen said.

Although tips and tricks may help guide students to a better semester grade-wise, it is important to remember that not all strategies work for all students. They cannot compare to others simply because of how or what they study. What is important is that as an individual student they find study strategies that benefit them and will lead them to a successful future. With this in mind, the new semester is theirs to be made.