Many of you may be reaching the middle of the semester and wondering what you should do next. You may have your sights set on next semester and are not sure how to plan. You may also have questions about some of the things that happen at this time during the fall, such as “Why am I getting these reports from my professor? What do they mean?” Below are some things that you can expect or should do midway through the semester:
1. Mid-Semester Reports – If you receive a mid-semester report, follow the instructions the instructor sent and meet with the faculty member for additional assistance. They can provide significant guidance at a critical point in the semester. This is also an excellent opportunity to review your most recent exam and make sure you understand the material. Also schedule a meeting with your adviser to discuss utilizing additional PSU resources
2. To Drop or Not to Drop? Is it OK to drop down to only 12 credits? At this point, as long as you have late drop credits, you can late drop a course. However, is this in your best interest? In many cases, it is not a good idea to drop a course. This is especially true if you will have fewer than 12 credits, which could possibly affect your financial aid and health insurance. If you are considering a late drop and have questions, please consult with your adviser.
3. Study, study, study. If you are struggling in your classes, reflect on how you are studying. Are you studying with your music on or in a busy restaurant where there are a lot of people? Or, are you studying in the library, where you can concentrate on what you are trying to learn? Are you utilizing all of the services the University provides, such as the services provided through Penn State Learning?
4. Utilize the GPA predictor on eLion. Use the grades you currently have. This should give you a good baseline as to what your GPA will be at the end of the semester.
5. Brainstorm possible internships. This is a good time to start investigating possible internships for next semester. Many internship opportunities are posted on the LAUS Announcements Blog and your adviser can make appropriate referrals about internship opportunities that are specific to your academic department.
6. Thinking about studying abroad? You should start looking into study abroad opportunities on the Education Abroad Website. The Deadline for applying for next fall abroad experiences is January 20, 2011 and the deadline for a summer abroad experience is February 1, 2011.
7. Time to meet with your adviser! Most students meet with their adviser at least once a semester to discuss course selection for the upcoming term and also discuss long-term planning and career goals. Please keep in mind that your adviser’s calendar may fill quickly, so schedule an appointment several weeks in advance of your scheduling date.
8. And lastly, it is a time to stay healthy. You are rapidly approaching the end of the semester. You need to make sure you eat right, sleep well and take appropriate measures to stop the spreading of germs. You need to stay healthy to be ready for the end of the semester ‘crunch’. Take advantage of the services offered by University Health Services!