Got the Midterm Blues? Here's How to Turn-Around a Bad Semester in the Final Weeks

Okay, college students. Midterms are over. You've likely written that first Comp I essay and your Calculus class has left you far behind. Alas, all is not lost. Even though there's only a six weeks left in the semester, you can still turn your GPA-train wreck around and keep fall 2007 from becoming a blot on your transcript. Here's how to do it:

1. Have an honest discussion with your professor. This is one of those conversations where you need to be sincere even if you have to fake it. Ask for the professor's advice. The response may surprise you. Many professors will schedule private time to discuss difficult lessons or recommend study guides and other resources. In addition to the actual help, this conversation should convey to your professor that you are seriously trying to improve your grades and want to learn more.

2. Find out what help is available from your college's academic or student affairs offices. Most colleges offer free writing labs, math labs and tutoring services. Yes...I said free! Sure, it might be slightly humbling to get help from a peer tutor (another student), but it's worth it. Off-campus, you'll likely pay $15-25 for tutoring. Some tutoring offices even offer online assistance now. Just e-mail the outline for your next research paper. Twenty-four hours later, you'll get a reply with an honest assessment and tips to make the paper better.

3. Set a serious calendar, complete with deadlines and scheduled study sessions. See when your assignments are due and work backwards. For example, if a research paper is due Dec. 7, plan to have your outline done by Nov. 5. Schedule a couple of one-hour library or online research sessions over the next two weeks. Plan to have your rough draft done by Thanksgiving. Schedule an hour of study time for each subject in between each class. Your brain will retain more info if it's fed a little at a time as opposed to an all-night cram session covering six subjects!