During the summer months, students from all over the country (And the world!) flock to Cambridge to take advantadge of Boston's prestigious academic institutions. Looking around Harvard Square, we see students of all ages boasting their hometown or college logos, scribbling art-history dates on note-pads in coffee shops, or simply strolling, classics books in hand.
It is a pleasure to be in Boston at this time of year as the academic cycle brings in a group of fresh-faced students looking to expand their minds and explore a new place over the summer.
Here at Cambridge Coaching, we know that getting acclimated to a new town, much less a new academic environment, can be challenging. On top of it, the rigors of coursework do not subside, just because it's the summer!
You might be wondering...
How can I make the most of my time in Boston? How can I balance my coursework, but also actually enjoy the warm months?
Feel overwhelmed and not sure where to start? We have some suggestions:
1) Identify your summer "Work-Flow"
Create a time-line for your summer course. Chart out any large deadlines and work backwards to map out your summer. Think about the basics and build a map that will lead to each of your goals.
This way, you'll know when it's crunch-time, and when it's time to have fun.
2) Find an organizational system that works for you.
Maybe you're a traditionalist and like to write things down. Get yourself a fun planner and be vigilant about keeping it up-to-date.
Maybe you're a tech enthusiast. Sync up your computer and i-phone, and you'll stay on top of your deadlines whether you're sunbathing in Vermont or reading in Cambridge.
3) If you need help, ask for it!
Maybe it's time to find a tutor...Even experts sometimes need a little help.
The brightest students know when to slow down and ask for guidance. If you are struggling in a course, or hope to take a course that is outside your academic comfort zone, seek out an academic mentor.
Knowing an academic whiz is there to support you through a course can be a big relief and a big help when it comes to crunch-time. Learn from an insider so the pressure’s off and have more time for fun this summer.
Plan Ahead. Survive crunch-time. Improve your grades. Smile a little.
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