March Madness. Basketball? Spring break?

What is your definition of March Madness. For many students on Planet College it is not basketball nor is it Spring Break. It's mid-terms.

Are you ready? Are you prepared? Do you even know?

Your courses this term probably involve some type of mid-term project. Often this is a test. This test is a good opportunity to find out exactly how you are doing.

If you got to class some morning late as usual and found the rest of the class poring over a sheet with questions and you reaction was, " Test? Nobody told me there would be a test." you are probably somewhat out of touch.

If however you at least knew there was a test you are on track to pass that class. If you were prepared, i.e. had studied, then your chances of passing the class are above average.

Wherever you are and whatever you have been doing, mid-term and the tests that usually go along with them is a good opportunity for you to assess your progress so far.

If you are not sure how you are doing. If this is all not that clear it might be wise to talk with your instructors. A brief visit with them, especially if you are iffy about their particular class, can help clear up your status as a student this term.

Mid-Term Grade Review Part One

At most colleges and universities mid-term grades have been posted by now. You should know pretty much where you stand grade-wise this term. If you attend a school which does not post mid-terms then you need to find out what your grades are so far. There is a simple way to do this. Ask. Ask the TA, ask the professor, ask the instructor, ask whomever is responsible for recording and entering your grade. For some large classes it may take some doing to track down the actual grader. But it will be worth.

If you've been around Planet College for a few semesters you know how easy it is to get out of touch. Skip a few class session, miss a couple of assignments, what the heck, it's Spring. Then comes finals, final grades and (maybe) once again probation or worse.

This term find out where you are now. Some times this can be accomplished simply by talking to the instructor after a class session. If this isn't possible get the office number, cell phone number, or e-mail of who ever is doing the grading. Ask for some time. Say, "I'd like to take a few minutes to go over my grades so far." Then go to the arranged meeting and find out how you are doing. Are you up to date. Are all of your assignments so far turned in and graded. Are you test scores acceptable so far. Do you have a reasonable chance at this point to pass this class? This is what you want to know right now.

Bear in mind that a grade of C is an acceptable grade for passing most college courses. If you had designs on a higher grade well, what are you doing to earn it?

If you have a full schedule you don't necessarily need to do this check-up for every course. But there is probably at least one course that you are a little iffy about. That is the one to check on.