As a new semester begins, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Whether you’re returning to school after a break, balancing academics with other responsibilities, or just aiming to improve your performance, starting the semester off on the right foot is crucial. Over the last year, I’ve developed a few strategies that have helped me excel academically while managing the demands of being wife and a mom. Here are the top five tips that have made all the difference in my journey.

1. Read the Syllabus for Each Class

It might seem basic, but you’d be surprised how many students skip this crucial step! If you want to stand out and set yourself up for success, thoroughly reading each syllabus is key. This will give you a clear understanding of how the class operates, what you need to do to succeed, and what your professor expects from you. By doing this, you'll be ahead of the game from day one!

2. Ask Questions Early

After reading the syllabi, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors if anything is unclear. One of the best pieces of advice I received as a nontraditional student was to always ask questions. Remember, returning to school is a significant investment in yourself, and your professors are there to help you maximize that investment. So, don’t be shy—ask away!

3. Input Your Assignments into a Project Management Tool

Staying organized is crucial, especially when juggling multiple classes. I use a tool called Asana, but there are plenty of other options out there. At the start of each semester, I input all my assignments along with their due dates into my calendar. This way, I can see at a glance what’s due each week and how much time I have to complete each task. This strategy allows me to turn in assignments early and still enjoy most weekends off.

4. Track Your Time

This is a game-changer that I started last semester. I use a free app called Clockify to track how much time I spend on each assignment. When I start working on something, I start the timer, and I stop it when I’m done. Doing this for every class each week gives me a clear picture of how long it takes to complete the work for each course. The general rule for college courses is that a 3-credit online course requires about 9 hours of work per week. However, some classes might need more or less time. Tracking your time helps you plan your week better, ensuring you’re using your time efficiently.

5. Tackle the Most Time-Intensive Assignments First

My final tip—one that’s been key to my success as a full-time student and full-time stay-at-home mom to a rambunctious toddler—is to tackle the most difficult assignments on Mondays. This approach offers several advantages. First, you’ll avoid spending the week dreading that challenging task, as it will already be behind you. Second, completing the toughest work early brings a sense of relief, knowing the hardest part is out of the way. Lastly, as your energy wanes toward the end of the week, you’ll only have the easier, less time-consuming tasks left to handle.

I hope these tips help you start the new semester on a strong note. Let’s make it a great one!