How to Organize Your Semester as an International Student to Get that 4.0 GPA
Getting used to the American college rhythm can be tough, especially at the beginning for international students. University in the US is not always harder than in your home country, but the tempo can be more intense. Indeed, you often have multiple tests a week, on top of homework and group projects. As you have different classes, it is easy to forget a deadline or a test.
The intense tempo is why you need to get organized the moment you get your course syllabus.
What will your semester look like in college?
If you have a standard 12-credit semester, you will probably have 4 to 5 classes based on the level of your classes. You will probably have these classes once to twice a week. If each of the classes gives you 1 homework per week and a test every two weeks, with a mid-term exam and a final exam, you can expect the following:
4 to 5 homework assignments a week
2/3 tests a week
Note reviews for all of you classes
4 to 5 mid-terms
4 to 5 finals
2/3 group projects minimum
2/3 extra assignments for bonus points
Which planner should you get?
There are so many planners out there to help you; the key is to find one you like.
If you like a paper planner:
For a simple one: https://tr.ee/VN1Hk9
For the traditional one: https://tr.ee/teH9zb or https://tr.ee/lrGoNA
For the DIY-er: https://tr.ee/2c3gQv
For a visual one: https://tr.ee/T8oogF
If you want a more digital planner:
I would recommend using our FREE downloadable Notion calendar: https://www.yourexperienceabroad.com/our-shop/p/-free-notion-semester-dashboard-for-international-students
How should you plan your semester in college?
Well, now that you know what to expect and which planner to get, it is time to plan your semester step-by-step:
Download all of your syllabi
Make sure your syllabi have all of the deadlines and the assignments
Add all of the deadlines in your planner.
For more clarity, use different pens and colors by subject if you are using a paper planner.
If you are using a digital planner, add in a table all of your assignments and categorize them by subjects. Make sure to add if its a test, assignment, or an exam, and its deadlines
Prioritize the different tasks by importance and deadlines right away
Why do you need to get organized right away?
If you let a few weeks get by, it will be harder for you to get organized, and you will have a higher risk of missing an assignment or a test. Getting organized as soon as you get your syllabi allows you more flexibility and gives you time to find your marks with your planner.
To Conclude:
Organization is how you get to that 4.0 GPA in college, and it starts from the moment you get access to your syllabi. We hope that this article will help you plan your semester!
