How To Have The Ultimate Academic Comeback (And Why It's Not Too Late)

Exam season can feel like an overwhelming tidal wave of stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. If your past semester didn't go as planned, it's easy to start feeling like you'll never get back on track.

What is an academic comeback?

It’s when your grades so far haven’t been the best, but you apply yourself with the right mindset and approach and turn things around. It’s not too late to work hard and make the grades you need for a comeback that impresses your professors!

Here's your step-by-step guide to making an epic academic comeback this semester, packed full of practice advice.

Step 1: Ditch the Negative Self-Talk

The first hurdle to overcome is that little voice in your head telling you you're not smart enough, not hardworking enough, or simply not cut out for academic success. Negative self-talk like this is not only inaccurate, but it's actively hurting your ability to bounce back. Remember: it’s never too late to improve your grades. Shut down those discouraging thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations about your capabilities.

Practical advice:

Try looking in the mirror and repeating these affirmations:

• "I am capable and intelligent. I have the ability to learn and grow."
• "Mistakes and setbacks are opportunities to learn and improve. I will not let them define me."
• "I am worthy of success. I deserve to do well in my studies."

Step 2: Get Organized

Are your notes on random scraps of paper scrunched up at the bottom of your backpack? If so, you might be an academic clutterbug. One of the biggest favors you can do for your future self is to get organized asap.

Practical advice:

First, organize your space.

It can be very difficult to concentrate in a disorderly environment, or if you can’t find your notes or study materials. Spend some time tidying your room, or give it a full reorganization overhaul.

Then, organize your time.

Buy a planner or use a digital organizational tool, such as a spreadsheet, to map out:

• Assignment deadlines
• Exam dates
• Classes

Once you’ve got those important dates in, you can map out when you need to have your study sessions in the days and weeks before the deadline.

Having a clear view of what's coming up will help you avoid last-minute cram sessions. You can also tie this planning in with the room organization and collect all your relevant textbooks and class notes for a specific subject together in the order you plan to study them.

Step 3: Reach Out for Help

Here's a reality check: even straight-A students need help sometimes. There's no shame in admitting you're struggling with a particular concept or class. Your professors and campus academic resources like tutors, writing centers, and peer study groups are there to support you - take advantage of them!

Practical advice:

Email your teacher or tutor to ask them for help or with a 1:1. If you’re stuck as to what to say, use the template below.

Subject Line: Requesting Additional Support for [Course Name]

Dear [Tutor/Teacher's Name],


I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request additional support in [Course Name] as I have been struggling with some of the concepts and assignments.


Specifically, I have been having difficulties with [list the specific topics, concepts, or assignments you need help with]. Despite putting in effort and trying to understand the material, I feel like I am falling behind and could benefit from extra guidance.


Would it be possible for me to schedule a one-on-one meeting or tutoring session with you? I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to go over the areas I am struggling with and receive your valuable feedback and explanations. I am committed to improving my understanding and performance in this course, and your help would be invaluable.


I am available [provide your availability, such as specific days and times or a range of hours] for a meeting or tutoring session. Please let me know what works best for your schedule.


Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and appreciate any assistance you can provide.


Best regards,


[Your Name]

Step 4: Practice Self-Care

Pulling all-nighters, subsisting on energy drinks and fast food, and neglecting your overall wellbeing is a recipe for burnout, not success. Make time for self-care by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and taking breaks to clear your mind. You'll be able to focus and retain information better.

Practical advice:

There are a huge number of resources online to help your wellbeing. Here are some of our suggestions to keep you in tip top shape ready for studying:

• Waterllama: This app will send you notifications to remind you to stay hydrated
• Calm: This app can help with anxiety and developing a wind down routine with music and stories designed to help deep sleep, as well as tracks to help you focus when studying.
• Budget Bytes: This website and accompanying app is full of budget friendly meals that are costed by portion. Batch cook at the start of the week to ensure that you have plenty of nutritious brain powering meals ready to reheat around your study sessions.
• PE with Joe Wicks: A favorite from the pandemic, Joe Wick’s workouts on YouTube can be done with only minimal space and equipment, so you don’t need a pricey gym membership to keep active.

Step 5: Don't lose momentum

As your hard work starts paying off, it's crucial to maintain that momentum. After each exam or assignment, take time to review what went well, what didn't, and how you can apply those lessons to keep improving. Consistent effort, not cramming in sporadic bursts, is what leads to lasting academic success.

Practical advice:

Use Quizgecko to track your knowledge of a subject. Knowing your quiz score will help you to prioritize your studies and make sure you don’t get bogged down revising subjects that you already know really well. Using Quizgecko’s quizzes and flashcards can also introduce more variety to your studies, keeping you engaged with your learning for longer.

Making an academic comeback won't be easy, but it's absolutely attainable if you're diligent and purposeful in your approach. Believe in yourself, use the resources around you, and apply these steps to finish the semester stronger than ever before. You've got this!