Too Late??

nowhere001

*sorry for length*

Right. So basically, I screwed up Michaelmas Term. Big Time.

I'm a TSM fresher, and between working (part-time, but seemingly all the time), socialising and that 'post leaving-cert fatigue', I had real trouble getting the head down. Generally missed at least one day a week.. when I did attend, I never listened. Just sort of gave it all the most half-hearted attempt.

Don't get me wrong, I have had all major assignments in on time etc - and I have had a general idea of whats going on, its really just my lack of attendance which is making me antsy, and the belief that I have fallen behind.

Now, the other day, after a momentary epiphany, I really decided to commit. Even quit the job!! I absolutely love the subjects I am doing, and have started really working. Have planned some marathon revision sessions over the Xmas break!! I know that next term, I will be completely on top of everything - I should have no trouble catching up, as I am pretty good at my subjects once I make the effort.

But what is really bugging me is the idea that this **** term has completely poisoned whatever efforts I make from here on in. I just wanted to know from students with experience, is it too late to redeem myself?? Can my lack of attendance exempt me from exams or whatever, even if I have a perfect record over the next two terms?? Essentially, am I too far gone?!

Any input appreciated

Stargal

Firstly, it's great that you've realised that things weren't going well now, and tried to fix things, rather than waiting til the end of the year when it would be a lot more difficult.

More importantly, you haven't screwed things up. You can (and probably will, if you put a bit of work in) do really well in the end of year exams. The fact that you've got all your major assignments in is great.

Do your two schools/departments take attendance at tutorials and lectures? If they do, you might want to send a mail to the lecturers and let them know that you've missed a couple of weeks but you're going to catch up on the work and it's not going to happen again. Get notes on stuff that you missed from people in your class. Mail your class rep if you don't know anyone else.

If they don't take attendance, well, that's great. Still, get the stuff that you've missed from classmates though!

I've never heard of anyone being excluded from exams in an arts subject for not attending enough classes. If you want to reassure yourself though, check out your faculty handbook, which you probably got when you registered.

So basically, you'll more than likely be grand, but it's a good idea to start putting in a bit of work now. Best of luck! And stay posting here, now that you've started! We can give out to you if you don't get the head down by the end of Hillary term:)

Just out of interest, what subjects are you doing?

Hey. Speaking as someone who changed course after Christmas and therefore missed three full months of the new course, no missing michaelmas term is not too late. You seem like you have a real love for what you do, which is good!

How many lectures have you actually been missing? You're TSM - it is tough doing two subjects at the same time, but by no mean impossible. You might think that because you miss something that you're behind in a subject - what you don't know is how many other people missed that lecture!

If you're really stressing, it might be worthwhile going up to your lecturers to chat to them about your lack of motivation at the start of this term. But as for whether you are finished, then by no means. Exams aren't until May/June, which is the guts of half a year - an age!

Best of luck!

Moorsy

Don't worry friend it’s normal. You did just finish your leaving cert, a lot of people get lazy when they come to college, true some more than others but socialising is part of the College 'experience', you need both. The important thing is a balance.

I'm a sure believer that if you set your goals correctly you would have no problem achieving what-ever you want o achieve by the end of the year, whether it be grades, friends, job or whatever. So focus is essential here.

I'm not sure what subjects your doing but a lot of 1st year exams are not very difficult and only a tiny percentage fail, if that’s what you’re worried about.
Enjoy College just put an hour or two aside every day either between lectures of after dinner it doesn't matter, just sort out your time management and you'll be grand!

Pet

Disclaimer: the following should not be taken as any sort of advice, and you should NEVER EVER EVER do what I did, because I am a STUPID IRRESPONSIBLE GOB****E.

That said..

I missed soooo much in first year (for a certain number of reasons which I won't go into here), and I was doing science, which has a lot more lectures and is probably harder. But I spent a fair portion of the time I missed getting to know people, hanging out and making friends. And you know what? They were the same people who helped me out at the end, giving me notes that they'd taken, advice, helping me get assignments in on time, etc.

So, don't worry too much about it. Just get your **** together in Hilary term, do your catch up over Christmas and follow the rest of the advice here. Bottom line, it's not too late. Yet.

When I was in first and 2nd year I hardly showed up to anything all year
Finally did a bit of study at exam time and I was grand
I'm not saying you should do that, but once you make the most of next semester you'll be grand, don't worry

Tricity Bendix

I missed or didn't pay attention to the whole of MT last year and went on to get exemptions in the Schols. It did require 12 hour days in the library, but it is possible.

JackKelly

Like a few others here, I changed course after Christmas missing the entire 3 months of first year. As long as you get to work in the new year you will be fine.