What am I supposed to do???
My college classes (all online) have been incredibly stressful, and my schedule has basically become a cycle of waking up, doing schoolwork, and going to sleep. As a result, I’ve turned in most of my assignments on the day they’re due since the semester started, often completing them just hours before the deadline.
Now I see an assignment due on February 8th labeled “mini-essay.” I thought that would be manageable—most mini-essays are only about 300-600 words, right? Well, surprise! This “mini-essay” is actually FIVE PAGES long! Excuse me? What am I supposed to do? Last semester, I had a final that was only three pages, and we were informed about it at the beginning of the semester, giving us plenty of time to prepare. Now I’m faced with this last-minute revelation of needing five pages in FOUR DAYS—totally unprepared since I just discovered it while looking ahead in my schedule.
Is this something I should expect for the rest of my college experience? (I’m in my second semester of freshman year.) How am I supposed to cope with this?
It sounds like you’re really overwhelmed right now, and that’s completely understandable given the sudden demand of a 5-page mini-essay on such short notice! College can definitely throw some curveballs, especially when it comes to workload. Here are some suggestions that might help you tackle this assignment and manage the stress:
Break It Down: Instead of thinking about it as one big 5-page essay, break it into smaller sections. Create an outline with key points and ideas you want to cover. This can make the task feel less daunting.
Set a Schedule: Allocate specific blocks of time over the next four days to work on different parts of the essay. For example, dedicate time for research, drafting, and revising. This can help you stay organized and focused.
Prioritize: If this assignment feels urgent, prioritize it over other tasks. It’s okay to adjust your schedule for a few days to ensure you can give it the attention it needs.
Reach Out for Help: If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professor or classmates for clarification or guidance. They may be able to provide insight or help ease your concerns.
Practice Self-Care: Don’t forget to take breaks and take care of yourself during this stressful time. Even short breaks can help recharge your mind.
As for your question about college expectations, yes, assignments can vary widely from semester to semester. Some professors may have different expectations or styles, so it’s important to stay adaptable. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, consider discussing your workload with an academic advisor or counselor who can offer support.
You’ve got this! Take it one step at a time, and remember that it’s perfectly okay to seek help when you need it. Good luck with your essay!