The House Blog

Boost grades now! Don't leave it all to finals.

Written by Carrie Gibori | Nov 22, 2024 3:00:00 PM

 

Boost grades now! Don't leave it all to finals.

With finals just a few weeks away, your student is likely feeling the pressure. But here’s the good news: Thanksgiving break provides an important opportunity to strengthen grades now—before the stress of finals kicks in. Whether your child is aiming to raise their grade or simply maintain them, making progress now can help reduce the pressure when finals arrive.

A few extra completed tasks, some partial credit, or a better understanding of tough concepts can tip the scales in your student’s favor. Every assignment counts, and Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to make  those last improvements before finals.

How Your Student Can Get Ahead Before Finals

Rather than waiting until the last minute to cram, your student can take meaningful action during Thanksgiving break to make a difference in their final grades. Here’s how:

1. Last Exams, Papers, and Projects: Maximize Final Assignments

The final exams, papers, and projects before finals are often the final opportunities to make an impact on grades. Every assignment counts, and now is the time for your student to:

  • Focus on doing well: These final assignments are key to maximizing current grades and making a real difference before finals.
  • Double-check work: A final review before submitting can ensure mistakes are caught, increasing the chance for a stronger final grade.

2. Completing Overdue Work: Partial Credit is Better Than None

If your student has missed any assignments, now is the time to complete them. Partial credit is better than no credit, and turning in overdue work can significantly impact overall grades. Here's why it matters:

  • Every point counts: Completing overdue assignments—even if it's just for partial credit—can make all the difference when it comes to final grades.
  • Don’t leave points on the table: Even small improvements in overdue work can add up and help improve your student’s overall performance. 

3. Building in Review Time: Start Small, Finish Strong


Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to get ahead on reviewing material. Even dedicating just 20 minutes a day can yield significant benefits. Some strategies to consider:

  • Gradual preparation adds up: A little daily review now reduces stress and makes later study sessions more effective.
  • Strengthening weak areas: Focus on topics that need improvement, so you're ready for exams or projects.

4. Reach Out to Teachers: Clarify Feedback and Expectations

Teachers determine final grades, so it’s essential that your student fully understands what’s expected. Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to:

  • Reach out to teachers: Make sure your student gets clear on any feedback they’ve received throughout the semester and what’s needed to achieve their desired grade.
  • Act on feedback: Understanding and acting on teacher feedback can tip the scales in your student’s favor by addressing areas that need improvement before finals.

Finals are Around the Corner – Don’t Cram, Plan

 

Thanksgiving break provides a unique window of time for your student to get ahead. Here's why it's a critical time for finals preparation:

  • Catch up and get organized: Your student has the time to catch up on missing assignments and get organized before finals.
  • Build in review time: Thanksgiving break is the ideal opportunity to gradually review material—even just 20 minutes a day can help improve retention and understanding.
  • Avoid cramming: By starting now, your student can avoid last-minute cramming and feel more prepared when finals arrive.

How We Can Help: Expert Tutoring and Study Support During Thanksgiving Week

At this crucial point in the semester, we’re here to help your student get on track and finish the semester strong. We’re open all Thanksgiving week (except Thursday) and offering expert tutoring and study planning to ensure your student is well-prepared for finals.

Here’s how we can assist:

  • Get organized and stay on track with overdue assignments and final projects.
  • Review difficult material and build a clear study plan for finals.
  • Develop study routines that help your student retain information and prepare for tests.

Whether your student needs help with specific assignments or a comprehensive study plan for finals, we’re here to support them every step of the way.

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