It’s about that time of year when the sinking reality that the year is ending kicks in. The first/natural reaction is to panic. Your grades are most likely a mess, you’re coming to terms with the fact that you’re one year closer to being an adult, and likely your mental and physical health is in the metaphorical gutter.

I’m here to tell you that it’s okay! We’re all feeling a little bit of that. More importantly, there is still plenty of time to get both your mental health and your grades in order! Both will be separate articles, and in this section, we’ll talk about the living nightmare that is our grades. This is my three-step program to help improve your grades and give you one less thing to worry about.

1. Get Organized

The first thing you’re going to have to do is keep track of your classes, and therefore, your assignments. If you can do this mentally, that’s great! I’d recommend getting a planner or a spare piece of paper. You can even keep a note on your phone. It takes a lot off your shoulders if you have all of your upcoming assignments in a place where you can see them.

2. Plan and Study

Now that you have your assignments where you want them, you can set priorities. You have a C in math and a B in Chemistry but you have tests in both of them. Focus on the math part! If you have time work on the Chemistry, but keep your priorities in order. Watch your grades slowly rise.

3. Talk To Your Teachers! (Early)

It is important that I preface this with the warning that I’m not telling you to ask your teacher to curve your F to an A, but I am saying that there’s a lot that teachers would be okay with if you talk to them early enough! You know that test you took a month ago and totally meant to retake but life is hard and naps are super appealing? If you talk to the teacher, they may let you retake it!

In addition, if you must ask a teacher to curve your 89.7 to an A, the best way to get on an educator’s good side is to first ask if there’s any extra credit you can do. The downside, you might have to put in a little more effort, but the upside is that you look hard working and caring.

I hope that my advice has found you well! No one knows better than me how hard the end of the year can be. Here’s to high grades, happiness, and wellbeing to you all!