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Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How to Do Your Homework on Time if You're a Procrastinator

Last Updated: January 31, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Katie Styzek . Katie Styzek is a Professional School Counselor for Chicago Public Schools. Katie earned a BS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as a middle school mathematics, science, and social studies teacher for three years prior to becoming a counselor. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from DePaul University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Katie holds an Illinois School Counselor Endorsement License (Type 73 Service Personnel), an Illinois Principal License (formerly Type 75), and an Illinois Elementary Education Teaching License (Type 03, K – 9). She is also Nationally Board Certified in School Counseling from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 552,465 times.

Procrastinating on your homework assignments can make school more stressful and can hurt your grade if you're always finishing homework at the last minute. Once you learn a few techniques to beat procrastination can make homework much easier for you! By keeping organized, setting specific goals, and asking for help, you can transform yourself into an academic star who still has time to watch TV and catch up with friends on Facebook.

Getting Organized

Establishing a Routine

• Set an alarm on your phone to remind you when to get back to work!

Setting Goals

• Very few people can actually work effectively with music playing. If you like to listen to music while you work but find you aren't getting anything done, try going without it for an hour to see if your concentration improves.

Asking for Help

• This doesn't work for everybody. If you find another person distracting, quit working with them.

How Can I Stop Procrastinating?

Community Q&A

• Good health can improve your study habits and can help you retain what you learn. Exercise, eat well, get plenty of sleep, and skip the alcohol and caffeine. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Ask your parents or a friend to keep your smartphone so you don't get distracted. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Try to set an alarm or a task reminder in your phone. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Even the best students know that they can't work all of the time. Allow some relaxation time for yourself, particularly on the weekends. Good study habits make you work smarter, not harder. Thanks Helpful 120 Not Helpful 9

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Katie Styzek. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 26 March 2021.
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-stop-procrastinating/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://childmind.org/article/strategies-to-make-homework-go-more-smoothly/
• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/take-charge-of-distractions/
• ↑ Ted Coopersmith, MBA. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-teens.html
• ↑ https://blogs.iu.edu/dbauman/2018/12/18/homework-writing-tips-for-college-students/

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A student protester's guide to last-minute essay writing

I f those trips down to the demos in Westminster have left you behind schedule for your end-of-term assignment, you may well be forced to write in the small hours this week. Here's how to pull it off safely and successfully.

12am: Get as far away from your bed as possible

Before you begin, avoid warmth and soft furnishings. Propped up on pillows in the glow of a laptop may feel like savvy ergonomics, but your keyboard will start to look pillow-like by midnight, and 418 pages of the word "gf64444444444444444444" will detract from the force of your argument. You could try the kitchen. Or Krakow. But your industrially lit 24-hour campus library should do the trick.

12:25am: Take a catnap

Thomas Edison used to catnap through the night with a steel ball in his hand. As he relaxed and the ball dropped, he would wake up, usually with fresh ideas. "Caffeine and a short nap make a very effective combination," says Jim Horne, director of the Loughborough Sleep Research Centre. "Have the coffee first. This takes about 20 minutes to work, so take a 15-minute nap. Use an alarm to wake up and avoid deep sleep kicking in. Do this twice throughout the night."

12.56am: Reduce your internet options

Temporarily block Twitter, Spotify, Group Hug, YouTube, 4od and anything else that distracts you. Constantly updating your word count on Facebook may feel like fun, but to everyone else you'll look like you're constantly updating your word count on Facebook.

1-3am: Now write your essay. No, really

You've widened your margins, subtly enlarged your font and filled your bibliography with references of such profound obscurity that no one will notice you're missing 3,000 words. It's time to brainstorm, outline, carve words, followed by more words, into that milk-white oblivion that taunts you. Speed-read articles. Key-word Google Books. Remember texts you love and draw comparisons. Reword. Expound. Invent. Neologise. Get excited. Find a problem you can relish and keep writing. While others flit from point to point, your impassioned and meticulous analysis of a single contention is music to a marker's eyes.

3-5am: Get lost in your analysis, your characters, your world Write like you're trying to convince the most stubborn grammarian about truth, or heartless alien invaders about love. Don't overload with examples – be creative with the ones you have. Detail will save your life, but don't waste time perfecting sentences – get the bulk down first and clean up later. "The progress of any writer," said Ted Hughes, "is marked by those moments when he manages to outwit his own inner police system." Outwit your own inner police system. Expect progress. Ted says so.

5:01am: Don't cheat

It's about now that websites such as easyessay.co.uk will start to look tempting. And you may sleep easier knowing that a dubiously accredited Italian yoga instructor is writing about Joyce instead of you. But the guilt will keep you up between now and results day. And you'll toss and turn the night before graduation, job interviews, promotions, dinner parties, children's birthdays, family funerals . . . you get the idea.

5.17am: Don't die

Sounds obvious, but dying at your computer is definitely trending. And however uncool it may seem to "pass on" during a five-day stint at World of Warcraft, it will be much more embarrassing to die explaining perspectivism to no one in particular. So be careful. Stay hydrated. Blink occasionally. And keep writing.

5.45am: Eat something simple

"There are no foods that are particularly good at promoting alertness," says Horne. "But avoid heavy and fatty meals in the small hours. Avoid very sugary drinks that don't contain caffeine, too. Sugar is not very effective in combating sleepiness." Fun fact: an apple provides you with more energy than a cup of coffee. Now stick the kettle on.

5.46am: Delight in being a piece of living research

If you happen to be "fatigue resistant" you should now be enjoying the enhanced concentration, creative upwelling and euphoric oneness that sleep deprivation can bring. If not, try talking yourself into it. "Conversation keeps you awake," says Horne. "So talk to a friend or even to yourself – no one will hear you."

6am: Console yourself with lists of writers who stuck it out

Robert Frost was acquainted with the night. Dumas, Kafka, Dickens, Coleridge, Sartre, Poe and Breton night-walked and trance-wrote their way to literary distinction. John and Paul wrote A Hard Day's Night in the small hours. Herman the Recluse, atoning for broken monastic vows, is said to have written the Codex Gigas on 320 sheets of calfskin during a single night in 1229. True, he'd sold his soul to the Devil, but you're missing out on a live Twitter feed, so it's swings and roundabouts.

7am: Remember – art is never finished, only abandoned

Once you accept there's no more you can do, print it off and get to the submissions office quick. Horne: "You're not fit to drive if you've had less than five hours sleep, so don't risk it. Grab some exercise." Pop it in with the breeziness that comes from being top of your marker's pile. Back home, unblock Facebook and start buffering The Inbetweeners. And then sleep. Get as near to your bed as you can. Euphoric oneness doesn't come close.

Matt Shoard teaches creative writing at the University of Kent.

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., 8 easy ways to finish your homework faster.

How many times have you found yourself still staring at your textbook around midnight (or later!) even when you started your homework hours earlier? Those lost hours could be explained by Parkinson’s Law, which states, “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if you give yourself all night to memorize those geometry formulas for your quiz tomorrow, you’ll inevitably find that a 30 minute task has somehow filled your entire evening.

We know that you have more homework than ever. But even with lots and lots to do, a few tweaks to your study routine could help you spend less time getting more accomplished. Here are 8 steps to make Parkinson’s Law work to your advantage:

1. Make a list

This should be a list of everything that has to be done that evening. And we mean, everything—from re-reading notes from this morning’s history class to quizzing yourself on Spanish vocabulary.

2. Estimate the time needed for each item on your list

You can be a little ruthless here. However long you think a task will take, try shaving off 5 or 10 minutes. But, be realistic. You won’t magically become a speed reader.

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3. Gather all your gear

Collect EVERYTHING you will need for the homework you are working on (like your laptop for writing assignments and pencils for problem sets). Getting up for supplies takes you off course and makes it that much harder to get back to your homework.

The constant blings and beeps from your devices can make it impossible to focus on what you are working on. Switch off or silence your phones and tablets, or leave them in another room until it’s time to take a tech break.

Read More: How to Calculate Your GPA

5. Time yourself

Noting how much time something actually takes will help you estimate better and plan your next study session.

6. Stay on task

If you’re fact checking online, it can be so easy to surf on over to a completely unrelated site. A better strategy is to note what information you need to find online, and do it all at once at the end of the study session.

7. Take plenty of breaks

Most of us need a break between subjects or to break up long stretches of studying. Active breaks are a great way to keep your energy up. Tech breaks can be an awesome way to combat the fear of missing out that might strike while you are buried in your work, but they also tend to stretch much longer than originally intended. Stick to a break schedule of 10 minutes or so.

8. Reward yourself! 

Finish early? If you had allocated 30 minutes for reading a biology chapter and it only took 20, you can apply those extra 10 minutes to a short break—or just move on to your next task. If you stay on track, you might breeze through your work quickly enough to catch up on some Netflix.

Our best piece of advice? Keep at it. The more you use this system, the easier it will become. You’ll be surprised by how much time you can shave off homework just by focusing and committing to a distraction-free study plan.

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How to Study Last Minute for a Test: How to Cram Smartly

• Post by: Professor Conquer
• Last updated on: October 12, 2023

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You may have intended to study well in advance for a test but ended up slacking or getting  distracted by other commitments. In that case, you might be freaking out about studying at the last minute and don’t know what to do. Fear not, because there are certain steps you can take to ensure that you still obtain a decent grade. Keep reading as we delve into how to study last minute for a test.

Does Last Minute Studying Really Work?

Sometimes, coursework piles up, and the overwhelming feeling of covering all the syllabus at once leads to you falling behind. You can reassure yourself that you’ll spend a few days cramming before the test, and while this practice may allow you to pass, it’s not a long-term solution. Unless the material is thoroughly covered, a student is unlikely to remember it for long.

So, is last-minute studying effective? If there is no other way to save your grade, yes, but it help serve you in the quizzes or exams that come after a few weeks or months. Research shows that spacing out study sessions over some time is in your best interest, as it improves memory. For example, rather than spending ten hours cramming for a subject, you should study the content for two and a half hours each week for four weeks.

And the more time a student takes between their study sessions, the better off they will be within the time restrictions of an academic semester. Don’t hesitate to plan how to cover your coursework beforehand and space it out to relieve considerable stress.

Although researchers aren’t completely sure why spacing works, one possible claim is that people may forget what they’ve learned in their initial study session, but returning to the material jogs their memory. For this reason, they can easily recall what they studied the first time around, helping cement the new knowledge as well.

Research Study About Cramming

Now let’s look at experts’ opinion regarding the question ‘is cramming effective?”. According to cognitive psychology and the Levels of Processing theory , there is a difference between shallow and deep information processing. This research states that ‘shallow processing’ is less likely to result in excellent long-term memory than ‘deep processing’.

While the brain embeds shallow processed information based on just words and not meaning, deeply processed information is stored according to its significance and meaning. When you learn things with concentration and depth, you can easily link concepts together and better understand the demonstrated knowledge. Since there is a more meaningful analysis of the material, your recollection of it will be stronger and more long-lasting. A subject that needs to be crammed in a short time can’t be processed deeply, leading to rapid loss of information.

A 2011 study states that students who cram for exams and tests usually only pass with average scores. Most of the knowledge obtained by cramming gets forgotten not only over a period of time, but also during the test itself. Still, we understand that it can be challenging for most college students to avoid cramming because there is always so much going on.

At times, cramming becomes a necessity and might even transition into second nature with hectic class schedules, various assignments, and side jobs. You may not be able to make enough time to study properly for every test, resulting in condensing months/weeks of coursework into a few late nights of studying. Try to study the notes covered in class every day if possible, as what your professor taught will still be fresh in your mind. If this is not possible for you at times, there are certain last-minute cramming tips you can adopt to maintain your grades.

Advantages and Disadvantages Last Minute Studying

In this section, we’ll consider both the advantages and disadvantages of last minute studying.

Advantages of Cramming

Cramming can be beneficial in specific situations, helping you tackle high-stress educational and personal life matters:

• You can apply cramming to various bits of information, such as formulae, names, timelines, titles, or passwords. This is useful in practical situations where not everything you learn has a deep, underlying meaning. In certain aspects of academics, geographical, historical, and other related concepts don’t serve a deeper purpose; they’re better crammed than understood.
• The practice is quite time-efficient. As you only memorize certain information, it is much more convenient and faster than understanding an entire concept. Essentially, it comes down to figuring out how to cram smartly.
• At times, cramming leads to a better test score compared to studying extensively for the examination. If you are well-versed in lengthy procedures and atypical spellings, you are likely to perform well even if you study at the last minute. Last-minute memorization gives students the ability to rewrite the material word-for-word.

Disadvantages of Cramming

In addition to listing the benefits of cramming, it’s essential to look at its disadvantages as well. This way, you can determine which learning method works best for you and how early you should start studying for your exams.

• Cramming has a negative influence on an individual’s discipline and habits. The act of covering your syllabus overnight creates a false sense of knowledge. Sure, you may be able to retain the information in your short-term memory, but that doesn’t mean it won’t fall short when you have to apply theoretical knowledge practically.
• It reduces a student’s overall potential. Most of them can’t employ their intelligence to the best of their ability, leading to poor results when solving questions with crammed answers.
• You’ll likely experience a considerable loss of information if you try to cram a lot of syllabus in a short time. The risk lies in forgetting everything you have crammed on the exam day when you’re attempting to answer the questions. And this happens a lot, with most students feeling panicked and frustrated.

7 Smart Ways to Last Minute Studying: Cramming Before a Test

If you’re unsure about how to study for exams in one night, here are some last-minute study tips for final exams:

Reduce Distractions

Whether you’re going to study in your living room, bedroom, or even a public library, learning how to focus on your notes completely is crucial for cramming. If you listen to music while studying, listen to focus-boosting soundtracks; otherwise, invest in cheap earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. For the utmost concentration, we recommend turning off your phone altogether.

Explain What You’ve Learned to Others

Don’t hesitate to ask your loved ones whether they’d be willing to listen as you explain your revision flashcards, notes, or mind maps to them. When you explain your answers out loud, you are much more likely to identify gaps in your knowledge and work on your weak points.

You’ll sleep easier knowing that your pencils, pens, and other supplies work properly before the test, allowing you to go to bed with a clear mind. Planning for your exam day and packing your bag the night before is in your best interest for a good performance. You’re bound to wake up feeling confident, refreshed, and like you can tackle whatever is to come.

Manage Time and Prioritize Revision

The best way to get the most out of a last-minute study session is to manage your workflow. Highlight the most important material your teacher has emphasized in class, and do your best to concentrate. Keep telling yourself that this is the one night you can’t procrastinate , as it will make or break your grade.

Focus on Your Weak Points

Let’s be honest; it’s unlikely to revise all your study notes and class material at the last minute, so try focusing on the stuff you don’t know. If you’re unsure where to begin, answer a few sample questions or attempt a practice exam to see where you stand. Mark the areas where you’ve made the most mistakes and get to studying. Trust us when we say brushing up on your weak spots will take you a long way.

Take Breaks

How you perform on the test is directly related to the amount of sleep you get. Individuals who get a good night’s sleep are likelier to outperform their sleep-deprived peers. Pulling an all-nighter has its consequences, and most students end up regretting doing so. It would be best if you aimed to get at least seven hours of sleep the night before your exam.

Stay Healthy

One of the most effective last-minute cramming tips involves staying healthy. Exercise in your breaks, eat nutritious food, and drink plenty of water. You might be tempted to chug a can of Red Bull or have another cup of coffee, but don’t. While these drinks give you a short-term boost, they leave you feeling irritated and tired in the long run. Instead, stay hydrated and stay concentrated!

Wrapping Things Up: How to Study Last Minute for a Test: How to Cram Smartly

If you’re here reading this article, it means that the clock is ticking, and you need a quick fix on how to study at the last minute for a test. From minimizing distractions to planning your time effectively , go through our last-minute study hacks before your exam to ensure you’re prepared enough to give the exam your best shot with confidence.

Professor Conquer

Professor Conquer started Conquer Your Exam in 2018 to help students feel more confident and better prepared for their tough tests. Prof excelled in high school, graduating top of his class and receiving admissions into several Ivy League and top 15 schools. He has helped many students through the years tutoring and mentoring K-12, consulting seniors through the college admissions process, and writing extensive how-to guides for school.

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Student Hacks: How to Avoid Cramming and Last-minute Studying

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College students are notorious for procrastinating and cramming for exams at the last minute. But this habit not only leads to stress and anxiety but also results in poor performance. However, with some simple strategies, you can avoid cramming and become a more organized and successful student. In this article, we will discuss some student hacks that can help you avoid cramming and last-minute studying.

The Importance of Time Management

Effective time management is crucial for success in both academic and professional settings. It can help you avoid the stress of last-minute deadlines and improve your productivity. By managing your time effectively, you can prioritize your tasks, complete them efficiently, and stay on top of your workload.

However, time management is not just about being productive. It is also about finding a balance between work and leisure time. By managing your time effectively, you can avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Creating a Study Schedule

One of the best ways to manage your time effectively is to create a study schedule. This schedule should be tailored to your academic goals and lifestyle. Allocate specific time slots for assignments, readings, and exam preparation. This will help you stay organized and focused, and ensure that you have enough time to complete your assignments before the deadline.

When creating your study schedule, it is important to be realistic. Don't schedule more than you can handle, and remember to factor in breaks and leisure time. This will help you avoid burnout and stay motivated to follow your schedule.

You can use a calendar or planner to keep track of your schedule. This will help you visualize your study plan and stay on track. You can also use apps and online tools to help you manage your time more efficiently.

Prioritizing Tasks and Assignments

Another important aspect of time management is prioritizing your tasks and assignments. This involves identifying which tasks are urgent and important, and completing them first. By prioritizing your tasks, you can manage your workload more effectively and ensure that you meet your deadlines.

When prioritizing your tasks, it is important to be realistic. Don't try to do everything at once, and don't procrastinate on important tasks. Identify which assignments require more time and effort and prioritize them accordingly.

You can also break down large assignments into smaller tasks and complete them one by one. This will make the assignment more manageable and avoid last-minute stress. By breaking down your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, you can stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

The Benefits of Effective Time Management

Effective time management has many benefits, both in the short term and the long term. In the short term, it can help you avoid the stress of last-minute deadlines and improve your productivity. By managing your time effectively, you can complete your tasks more efficiently and stay on top of your workload.

In the long term, effective time management can help you achieve your goals and improve your overall quality of life. By finding a balance between work and leisure time, you can avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can help you stay motivated and focused, and improve your overall well-being.

Overall, effective time management is crucial for success in both academic and professional settings. By prioritizing your tasks, creating a study schedule, and finding a balance between work and leisure time, you can improve your productivity, reduce your stress levels, and achieve your goals.

Effective Study Techniques

Effective study techniques are crucial for academic success. While time management is vital in avoiding cramming and last-minute studying, effective study techniques are equally important. When you study effectively, you retain information better and perform better on exams. Here are some study hacks to enhance your learning:

Active Learning Strategies

Active learning strategies involve engaging with the material actively instead of passively reading or listening. Note-taking is an excellent active learning strategy that promotes retention and comprehension. When you take notes, you process the information and summarize it in your own words, which helps you remember it better. Another active learning strategy is summarizing, where you condense the information into a shorter version. This technique helps you retain the most important information and identify the main ideas. Practicing with flashcards is also an effective active learning strategy. Flashcards help you memorize information and recall it quickly. These strategies promote retention and comprehension and make studying more enjoyable.

Utilizing Study Groups

Studying alone can be dull and monotonous. Joining a study group is a great way to enhance your learning and avoid procrastination. Study groups provide a platform where you can discuss topics, share notes and resources, and solve problems together. This helps you stay on track with your studies and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. When you study in a group, you can learn from your peers and share your knowledge with them. This collaborative learning approach can be motivating and rewarding.

Incorporating Technology and Apps

Technology can be a powerful tool for learning and studying. There are many apps and software that can help you manage your time, stay organized, and study more efficiently. Evernote is a useful app that helps you take notes, organize them, and access them from any device. Quizlet is another app that helps you create flashcards and study them. It also has a feature that allows you to create quizzes and games to test your knowledge. Forest is a unique app that helps you avoid distractions while studying. It is a productivity app that encourages you to focus on your work by planting virtual trees. The longer you stay focused, the more trees you plant. These apps can help you take notes, create flashcards, and avoid distractions while studying.

By incorporating these study techniques into your routine, you can improve your learning and achieve academic success. Remember to stay consistent, take breaks, and stay motivated. Happy studying!

Maintaining Focus and Motivation

Staying focused and motivated is crucial to avoiding cramming and last-minute studying. When you stay motivated, you are more likely to complete your tasks on time and perform well on exams. Here are some strategies for maintaining focus and motivation:

Setting Realistic Goals

Set realistic goals that are achievable and measurable. This will help you stay motivated and track your progress. When setting goals, it's important to consider your personal strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you struggle with math, it may not be realistic to set a goal of getting an A in calculus. Instead, focus on improving your grade by a letter or two.

Another important aspect of setting goals is breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help prevent overwhelming feelings and make the goal seem more achievable. For example, if your goal is to write a 10-page paper, break it down into smaller tasks like researching, outlining, and writing a certain number of pages each day.

Create a reward system for yourself when you achieve your goals. Rewards can include a night out with friends or buying something you've been wanting. Celebrating your accomplishments can help keep you motivated and focused on your goals.

Finding Your Ideal Study Environment

Find a study environment that works for you. Some students prefer quiet places like libraries, while others prefer more social places like coffee shops. Experiment with different environments and find the one that helps you stay focused and motivated.

It's also important to consider the time of day that you study best. If you're a morning person, try to schedule your study sessions in the morning when you're most alert. If you're a night owl, consider studying in the evening or at night when you're more awake.

Creating a study routine can also help you stay focused and motivated. Set aside a specific time each day for studying and stick to it. This can help create a habit and make studying feel like a natural part of your day.

Rewarding Yourself for Progress

Set rewards for yourself when you make progress towards your academic goals. This will help you stay motivated and avoid burnout. Rewards can include watching your favorite show or treating yourself to something you enjoy.

It's important to remember that progress is not always linear. There may be setbacks and obstacles along the way, but it's important to acknowledge and celebrate the progress you have made. This can help keep you motivated and focused on your goals.

Finally, it's important to take breaks and practice self-care. Taking time to relax and recharge can help prevent burnout and keep you motivated in the long run.

Balancing School, Work, and Personal Life

Finally, it is important to balance school, work, and personal life to avoid procrastination and last-minute studying. When you have a balanced life, you are more likely to have the energy and motivation to complete your tasks on time. Here are some tips for balancing your life:

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can derail your academic progress. Find ways to manage your stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

Making Time for Self-Care

Make time for self-care activities that help you relax and recharge, such as taking a hot bath, reading, or cooking. This will help you stay energized and motivated to complete your tasks on time.

Building a Support System

Finally, build a support system of friends and family who can help you stay on track with your academic goals. They can offer encouragement, accountability, and support when you need it the most.

Avoiding cramming and last-minute studying is not impossible. With some simple hacks and strategies, you can become a more organized, efficient, and successful student. Remember to prioritize your tasks, study effectively, maintain focus and motivation, and balance your life. Good luck!

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We also know time is of the essence but try to go easy on your local Deliveroo or Uber Eats cyclists . Eat healthy and try to exercise during your breaks. But don’t use it as an excuse to procrastinate. Exams are coming, remember?

#6 Plan, plan, plan

Most people sleep easier knowing that their bags are packed for the following day. Make sure your pens, pencils and other supplies are in good working order so you can go to bed with a clear mind. Packing your bag the night before and planning your exam day can have a great effect on your performance . You’ll sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever’s in front of you.

#7 Take a break

Sleep has an important effect on exam performance. Researchers from UGent & KU Leuven actually found a link between getting a good night’s sleep and achieving higher test scores . Students who get a full night’s sleep outperform their sleepier peers . This shows the dangers of pulling an all-nighter before your exams. Instead, focus on getting proper rest and having at least eight hours sleep on the night before your exam.

Best of luck! (But what’s next?)

If you’re wondering how to study last minute, these tips will help you excel. From planning your time effectively to minimizing distractions and getting enough rest, you’ll be well-prepared to give any exam your best shot!

And if you do manage to survive this month. Why not look ahead at your next challenge? Maybe we can help you on that end. Have a look at our website and check out what we might have in store for you . We’re always on the lookout for talented interns and graduates so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

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Exellys is a Tech Talent Incubator. We match ambitious companies with the finest tech talent. Are you ready to drive the innovations of tomorrow? Ready to make an impact and become a future-fit digital leader?

Whether you are a graduate or (young) professional, Exellys will unlock your full potential by guiding you to a challenging work environment that perfectly matches your personality, expectations and ambitions.

On top of that, you are enrolled in one of our very own training and coaching programs (based on your personal and professional ambition and experience). This means that, while working as an Exellys consultant, we are helping you to bridge your ambition to excellence.

Through intensive training and coaching, you’ll gain the essential skills, competencies and knowledge necessary to become the highly effective professional you aim to be. Become an Exellyst and get in touch with us today!

Have you heard of Imposter Syndrome? Even if you’re not familiar with the term, chances are you’re familiar with the symptoms. Recent research shows that 65% of professionals suffer from Imposter Syndrome. Symptoms include doubting your abilities, feeling like a fraud and perceiving yourself as underqualified for your responsibilities.

Money. For some it’s an uncomfortable subject, for others it’s easy to talk about. But we all need it to pay the bills. And whichever way you look at it, salary is an important aspect of job satisfaction. Astrid Roest, Talent Development Manager at Exellys, has some expert tips on how to find out what you’re worth and how to ask for it. Listen to our podcast below, or if you don’t understand Dutch and/or don’t have time to listen to the whole talk, read the blog!

Are you a recent grad about to start your first ‘proper’ job? If so, we understand just how you feel. The anticipation. The nerves. The excitement. The self-doubt. It’s perfectly normal to feel a little uneasy before taking your first steps in the world of work. So, to help calm your nerves, here are eight things you should know before starting your first job.

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15 Ways to Complete an Assignment at the Last Minute

I’m sure that you have had to create or finish an assignment at the last minute. Maybe it wasn’t due until tomorrow, but you also don’t want to fail the class. Or perhaps your teacher gave you three days, but you still can’t seem to get started.

Those who don’t feel confident to complete an assignment within a tight deadline might prefer getting assignment writing service from a reliable platform. 

For those who prefer completing their assignments on their own, here are some last-minute ideas for helping you complete a homework task.

• Use any existing resources first

Rather than starting something new, see if there’s anything already created that might be similar enough for your needs. Sometimes online resources can help supplement what is already within a book, or another student might have written about their topic before and has posted on Google Docs. If all else fails, look up Wikipedia’s topic or topic summary definition.

• Draw a mind map

If you’ve already used a lot of resources and still can’t seem to get started, try creating a mind map or flowchart to organize your thoughts. This will help you stay on track and begin writing when you have nothing else left to do.

• Write about something entirely different for a while

If you’re struggling to think of what to write next, go ahead and stop trying so hard for a few minutes. Instead, write about something completely unrelated (like your favorite superhero) until your creative juices start flowing again naturally without any effort.

• Review the requirements carefully

Sometimes it’s easy to forget what is wanted in an assignment. The best way to avoid this mistake is to repeatedly read the criteria until you’re confident that you’re fulfilling every one of them. 

Always keep requirements in mind, even when writing about something entirely different for a little while.

• Divide everything into sections or paragraphs

If you’ve already found plenty of information but are struggling to organize it all, try dividing it up into sections or short paragraphs. This will help you stay organized while still fulfilling what’s required for your assignment.

• If possible, work with other students on the same topic

Working together might not always be an option, especially if your teacher has specifically told you to do their work. However, if two or more students can work together, this is a great way to get started on an assignment at the last minute.

• Start with your conclusion and work your way back from there

This requires a bit of creativity, but it’s an excellent way to tie all the loose ends together while still following whatever requirements you’re required to do. You can also use this method if you’re struggling to narrow down your topic choice in the first place.

• Turn off all distractions while writing

If you have any sort of distraction available, whether social media opened on a laptop or music, turn them all off before beginning to write so that nothing comes between you and finishing. If possible, close your eyes for five to ten minutes to clear your mind before beginning.

• Have someone else read over your work

This is a great way to make sure that there are no mistakes and that you’re fulfilling all the requirements for the assignment. It’s also helpful to get another perspective on what has been written.

• Start with the easiest part of the assignment

It might be tempting to start with the most challenging part, but this isn’t always the best idea. If you’re struggling to complete a project, beginning with the most straightforward task will at least get you started and give you a sense of accomplishment once it’s finished.

• Take a break if needed

If working on an assignment for an extended period is causing more stress than it’s worth, take a break for a few minutes or even an hour. This will help clear your head and allow you to come back with fresh eyes so that you can continue working productively.

• Proofread your work before turning it in

This is probably one of the most critical steps to take, yet it’s often overlooked. Spending an extra five to ten minutes proofreading work can make all the difference between a good grade and a lower one.

Don’t just proofread your work one time, be brave to go through the entire document a couple of times so that no error remains unfixed.

• Format your work according to the requirements

If the teacher has given specific instructions for formatting, be sure to follow them strictly. Failing to do so might result in a lower grade.

• Read your work out loud to ensure that it flows

Reading the assignment aloud can help catch errors and mistakes that might not be found by simply reviewing it. It also lets you get a sense of how the completed assignment will sound to the teacher once they’re finished grading it. 

If someone sounds weird, you can change it in a timely manner. Don’t let the awkward sentences stay there for no reason. You should have plenty of other options to make them sound more friendly.

• Get started on homework assignments early

The best way to avoid finishing an assignment at the last minute is by starting early enough so that there’s always plenty of time left before turning it in. 

Doing this will make it easier for you to meet deadlines and prevent any unnecessary stress in the future when similar assignments are done in class or assigned as homework.

Finishing an assignment at the last minute can be a stressful experience, but it’s not impossible to do. 

By following these 15 tips, you’ll be able to complete your work efficiently and without any added stress. And remember, starting early is always the best way to avoid having to rush at the last minute.

Hello, My name is Shari & I am a writer for the ‘Outlook AppIns’ blog. I’m a CSIT graduate & I’ve been working in the IT industry for 3 years.

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How to Write a Last Minute Essay: 6 Tips That Guarantee Results

by  Antony W

February 16, 2023

Are you stuck in a position where you have to write a last minute essay but you have no idea where to start? You've come to the right place.

Writing a great essay isn’t hard if you have enough time on your hands. If done ahead of when it’s due, you can have enough time to revise and proofread the paper for accuracy and readability.

However, life gets in the way sometimes, and you may find yourself not able to write the essay until when it’s almost due.

Fortunately, you can still write your essay and score good grades even in the last minutes. You just need to know what to do and how.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to write a last minute essay that your instructor will love.

We’ll give you effective writing tips you can use to make your essay focused, easy to read, and comprehensive enough for whatever topic your teacher has asked you to cover.

How to Write a Las Minute Essay

There are two easy ways to get the work done without panicking.

The option you choose depends on how much time you have and how much you think you can write within that period.

1. Write the Assignment in One Night

If you already know how to write an essay , and you’re the kind of student who doesn’t panic because of the last minute assignments, you can write the essay in one night.

This approach involves setting aside half or a full day to complete the essay, although it’s best to work on your paper when you’re most productive.

2. Get Professional Writing Help

Even if you know what your topic requires and how to handle the assignment on your own, you may not have enough time to do the work in the last minute.

Should that be the case, you can  order an essay from Help for Assessment to get your last minute paper completed in time.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a budget or you just need the work written fast. Our team of writers and editors can help your work completed on time. 

Use These Tips to Write Your Last Minute Essay

Don’t worry if you can’t pay for an essay online .

You can follow our practical guide below to write a great last minute essay without panicking.

1. Don’t Panic

It’s easy to stress yourself up when you have only a few hours to submit an essay you haven’t even written yet. But being anxious and panicking can only delay the essay further.

Worse, stress can cause you to write mediocre essays that your instructor won’t be interested in reading.

So the first rule to getting that last minute essay written well is to calm down, and then tell yourself that you can get the work done even in such a short time.

Think to yourself that even if you have only 12 hours left to the deadline, you can still develop a positive mindset and write an essay that will not only be interesting to read but also one that earns you full marks.

2. Create a Conducive Writing Environment

Relaxing is a good way to give your mind the space to develop fresh ideas for your last minute essay. However, that’s not enough.

You also have to choose the right environment to write the assignment.

Choose a distraction-free space far away from people, music, television, your phone, and the internet.

If you must write your essay in a space full of people, be it in a library, at home, or in your dormitory, you can use earplugs to reduce or block out ambient noise.

Block sites and social media apps that may take your focus from writing your essay.

Reschedule your plans for the day and if friends try to pull you from your work, make it clear to them that you have to complete your essay first.

3. Make Sure You Have Relevant Materials to Write the Essay

Gather the materials that will help you write your last minute essay and make sure they’re all in one pace. These include research, textbooks, notes, articles, and your laptop.

Get some coffee to help you stay energized, but this isn’t necessary if you can write well in one sitting without drinking something.

If you’ll be pulling an all-nighter, make sure you set your mind early enough as staying up late can leave you exhausted and less focused.

The first rule to pulling an all-nighter well is never to write your last minute essay in bed.

Instead, use a desk in a study room to get the writing started and completed in good time. Save some caffeine for the moment, but don’t drink a lot too early because it can cause you to lose concentration.

If you decide to write your essay at night, try to get enough sleep the following day to recover from lack of sleep.

4. Prewriting

If done right, prewriting can give you a solid foundation to write your first draft.

Start by reading the guidelines in the prompt to understand what your instructor expects to see in the essay. Doing so will help you answer important questions like:

• In what format should my essay be?
• What’s the word limit for the essay?
• Does the prompt allow me to make an essay longer ?
• What type of essay does my instructor want me to work on?

If anything, the key to writing a last minute essay is to first read and understand the prompt.

Now create an outline and use it to write down the main points that you intend to use to make your essay.

5. Work on Your Thesis

Your thesis statement is the last sentence of the introduction to your essay and it communicates the main point in your essay.

Formulate a strong, arguable thesis that convinces your readers to read your essay to understand your argument(s).

6. Write Your First Draft

Use the outline you created in prewriting to write your first draft. Your essay should have an introduction, the body section, and the conclusion paragraphs.

The most important rule to remember is that each paragraph in your essay should address one main idea.

If it helps, recheck the prompt to be sure you didn’t skip anything important.

• The Complete Guide to Write a Synthesis Essay
• How to Write an Opinion Essay

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Last-Minute Assignment Success: Tips to Stay Calm & Deliver Best Work

In academia, last-minute assignments can be a common challenge. However, with the right approach, you can turn this situation into an opportunity to showcase your skills. In this blog post, I will be discussing with you guys a comprehensive set of tips to help you navigate the pressure of completing last-minute assignments, stay focused, and deliver a stellar assignment. By following my personally proven and tested tips, I guarantee that you will not only meet your deadline but also produce work of exceptional quality.

10 PROVEN TIPS TO COMPLETE LAST MINUTE ASSIGNMENT

Find your ideal workspace and gather resources.

Locate a conducive environment for efficient work. Assemble all the necessary resources, such as books, scholarly articles, notes, laptops, notepaper, and writing utensils. Minimize potential distractions, including social media and mobile devices. If necessary, use headphones. Inform others of your time constraints and commence your work. Ensure a tranquil atmosphere and concentrate solely on the task at hand. Bear in mind that initiating promptly will expedite completion.

Conduct Thorough Research

Carefully examine the title of the assignment you have been given. After you have made a decision addressing your problem, you should continue to be devoted to that decision. You should schedule time to engage in reading and study, regardless of whether or not you are putting off doing your assignment. Do you lack clarity regarding the first steps? You have a wonderful library at your disposal. The guidelines that we have provided to enhance your study skills provide a wealth of helpful ideas and tools.

Keep Calm and Boost Productivity

Maintaining a positive mindset can enhance your productivity; hence, it is important to be calm and confident in your abilities. Having a nutritious breakfast and consuming nourishing brain food while working is crucial. Incorporating healthy snacks into your routine will aid in sustaining your focus. Ensure that you are adequately hydrated, since research indicates that even slight dehydration might hinder cognitive abilities.

Develop a Strategic Plan

If you do not make a plan, you are setting yourself up for failure. Consolidating your ideas into an organized framework that highlights your most significant points can be accomplished through the use of spider diagrams, bullet points, diagrams, and brief statements like these. Set aside a certain amount of time for each component, and do all in your power to prevent going over the allotted time.

Safeguard Your Progress

At a crucial moment such as this one, the presence of an information technology problem would be the least ideal scenario. Benefit from the plethora of choices that are currently available to you as a result of technological advancements, such as cloud storage, hard drives, and external drives. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please refer to this advice page for information on concerns relating to information technology as well as circumstances that are extenuating.

Employ Referencing as You Progress

Employ the practice of referencing as you progress; this will result in time and stress reduction upon completion. You will get satisfaction upon completion of the assignment. When proofreading, ensure that you have not overlooked any sources. Mastering this ability early on will greatly enhance your future assessments. It is important to note that proper reference can significantly contribute to your overall grade. To get help in comprehending the right referencing method for your assignment, you can also seek guidance from Assignment Help Dubai .

Maintain Focus and Avoid Distractions

Maintain your concentration, and continuously monitor your outline or framework to ensure that you stay focused on the main subject. Consider the ‘what’, ‘why’, and ‘how’ aspects of your subject matter. Verify if you are adhering to the designated schedule. Experiencing a sense of being inundated and lacking in productivity? Perhaps it is time for a brief interval to enhance your mental acuity.

Power in Rest

It is important to give your eyes and brain a rest every fifty to ninety minutes by taking regular rests. Take advantage of these breaks to go for a walk outside, if at all possible. Resting for a while can provide you with a source of inspiration, improve your ability to concentrate, and possibly reduce the amount of stress you are experiencing throughout the day. It is recommended that you refrain from using social media and taking an excessive amount of caffeine to achieve a state of disengagement from your work.

Thoroughly Check Your Work

You should set aside a significant amount of time for proofreading. First, you should perform a quick review that focuses on correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and then you should move on to a more in-depth analysis. When working on your assignment, you should be careful not to accidentally use colloquial abbreviations because you will not receive any marks for doing so. Utilize the spell checker that is available on the internet, and do a thorough examination of your work before submitting it. Students also frequently use assignment help online services to get their assignments proofread by professionals.

Submit On Time and Reward Yourself

Ensure that your work is submitted on time, if at all feasible, and that it adheres to the timetable that has been provided.  Create a reward for yourself once you have finished the assignment. This can be any kind of incentive that will motivate you to complete the assignment. This will help you become more motivated throughout the process. You will, after all, have worked hard to get it!

Thus, as we come to the conclusion of this blog post, we have found out that strategic planning, focus, and efficient time management are all necessary for finishing a last-minute assignment successfully. And how implementing these tips into your assignment completion process can help you meet deadlines and produce work that showcases your abilities and commitment. So, don’t forget to turn the challenge of last-minute assignments into an opportunity for academic and personal growth. Submit your work on time and treat yourself to a well-done job.

As a DIGITALTECHSIDE author, the majority of our articles have been focused on technology, blogging, business, lifestyle, social media, web design and development, e-commerce, money, health, education, entertainment, SEO, travel, and sports.

Contact us at [email protected] if you have questions of anything.

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DIGITALTECHSIDE (Author)

As a DIGITALTECHSIDE author, the majority of our articles have been focused on technology, blogging, business, lifestyle, social media, web design and development, e-commerce, money, health, education, entertainment, SEO, travel, and sports. Contact us at [email protected] if you have questions of anything.

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How to manage the 11:59 PM Deadline Comfortably

If you have ever had trouble submitting an assignment or received a penalty for minutes late submission, you understand how strict some professors can be. From losing an entire grade to losing a specific percentage of the grade or re-sitting a paper submitting an assignment (essay, discussion post, online quiz, homework, or research paper) can affect you as a student.

Late assignment submissions, albeit controversial, aim to make students learn the aspect of time management. Unfortunately, the immutable deadlines are sometimes biting lazy students, pushing them to begin working early and avoid even 1-minute late submissions.

Even though some educators might offer a grace period for a minimal time, some will apply a sliding scale late policy where they deduct a percentage of the score for each hour or day you are late with your assignments.

From the perspective of the professors, such policies ensure fairness for students who submitted their assignments earlier. We have tips and tricks to help you understand and manage minute late submissions to avoid being on the wrong side of the zero-tolerance late policy of your university.

What causes students to submit assignments late?

Different reasons can cause you to submit assignments late. We are addressing them here so that you are in the know and so that you can devise various strategies to avoid the associated late submission penalties.

Here are the top nine reasons students submit assignments late (you can use some when requesting a late submission from your professor or instructor):

1. Procrastination

Students sometimes find themselves missing submission due dates due to procrastination. Sometimes, procrastination can occur with the rigorous nature of studies and the fact that some students work and study. Furthermore, life outside of class, such as parties, festivals, movies, and meeting with friends, leaves one with little time to complete assignments on time. Having commitments and deciding to complete an assignment later can cause you actually to miss the deadline. Common ground is if you later learn that the assignment is demanding or complex or do not know what to write or hate writing essays.

2. Waiting for a response from a professor

Another reason students find themselves unable to meet submission deadlines is due to the late response from a professor. In most cases, especially when assignments are complicated, you can seek clarifications from your lecturer or professor. However, if your professor responds to your email late, the chances are that you will also submit the assignment late. We will see shortly how to manage such situations and avoid submitting your assignments late.

3. Lack of proper planning and time management

This happens mostly for working students. They often find themselves having too much on their schedule that they probably forget to complete and submit a school assignment early. For instance, if you are an undergraduate or MBA student working and studying, having assignments that require time at work can hamper your completion date for the assignments from school.

4. Writer's Block

Sometimes it is not about did I get the question right? or inadequate time management. Even with the right skills, time, and resources, you might still feel lazy to complete an assignment. With the fast-paced world around us, we get fatigued faster. Suppose you are one of those that like completing assignments last-minute; writers' block has probably messed you up before. We have tips to address this, as we shall see shortly.

5. Lack of knowledge about the assignment

Finally, lacking the knowledge to complete an assignment can make you submit it late. Sometimes, you will end up submitting a late assignment that is incomplete : two wrongs at a go. In addition, many classmates might not be willing to assist you with understanding the assignment.

6. Using shitty assignment help websites

Today, almost seven out of ten students use an assignment writing service. However, without choosing a reliable and legit service, you might run into problems with your submission deadlines. Mainly, this occurs due to the late submission of assignments by writers. Rogue writers are everywhere online, from Twitter to Reddit and now Facebook; they will approach you with sweet deals, and once you assign them to your homework and pay them to do it, they disappear on the internet. Putting too much trust in another person without a legit website to write your essay or assignment can mess you. We had a case where a client wanted to use our write my late assignment ASAP service because a previous writer from Twitter had held their paper ransom and requested more payment or expose them to their school and professor. Well, you can manage this by working with our custom assignment help website.

7. You just hate writing assignments

The assignment writing process is tedious and rigorous. For instance, when writing an essay, you begin by researching, then drafting an outline, and going all the way to proofreading and editing. As a result, if you hate writing homework, you might be slow and find yourself submitting an assignment late.

8. Unforeseeable Circumstances

Deadline violation often occurs when you face nasty circumstances that you cannot foresee as a human being. These circumstances include disasters, sickness, death, accidents, or injuries. Professors have a soft spot for accepting minutes late submissions if you face these issues, so you need not worry as long as you have proof. Sometimes it is your laptop that got either rained on, attacked by a virus, or stolen. Whatever happens to your computer or laptop, you probably do not have time to complete the assignment or begin doing it over and beat the deadline unless you are very fast.

9. Poor Internet

We have cases when you travel for the weekend, visit with others (friends or family), which can cause you to either forget submitting or, because you are in a hurry, to save the assignment on your laptop or phone and submit it later.

If you run into slow internet issues or poor coverage, you might find yourself turning in an assignment later than the 11:59 PM deadline or the deadline set by your professor.

Tips and Tricks to use to avoid minute-late submissions

To avoid submitting assignments after the deadline, missing full marks due to lateness, or earning a bad reputation, it is necessary to take precautions. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to avoid turning in assignments later than the due date and time.

Do your assignment early enough

Even with one-minute lateness, submitting an assignment later incurs some loss as a student. Expressly, professors and lecturers set the dates on Canvas and Turnitin and set an automatic deduction once your work is late.

If you know that your deadline for a ten or 5-page paper is 11:59 Sunday or Wednesday, and you have been assigned the paper 3-5 days before the deadline, the best thing is to begin earlier.

Students who draft a research paper or essay plan often find it easier to complete assignments within the deadlines than those who do not. As soon as you are assigned a paper, make it a point to clarify with the professor anything unclear. This leaves you plenty of time to research, decide on a topic, write the first draft, edit, and submit the paper on time.

Write the fast draft early enough, then edit later as the deadline nears. Sometimes submitting an assignment too early might be judged by the professor as you rushed the paper. Therefore, before you hit the submit button, ensure that everything is addressed per the instructions and the rubric.

Set your deadline early before the actual submission deadline

Apart from just beginning the paper early, another excellent strategy is to set your personal deadline for completing the paper early than the actual deadline. If an assignment is due in 5 days, set your deadline to 3 or 4 days. You can use the rest of the deadline to do other stuff or equally edit the paper thoroughly.

There is some deep joy and peace that comes with completing a paper. However, you can only experience the moment when you complete the paper.

Do not procrastinate editing and submitting the final draft.

Sometimes students write the papers early enough and procrastinate editing and proofreading. Nevertheless, doing so might land you in trouble because you might experience unforeseeable circumstances. For instance, your laptop might crash, or you can fall too ill to complete the paper. Although if you have an unrefined paper, you can hire a proofreader or editor to paraphrase, edit, and polish your essay. It is, however, a great practice to completely do away with a paper before committing your time elsewhere. Instead, plan your time, have adequate rest, and allocate the time you have the highest concentration to completing your paper.

Have an accountability partner, group, or study buddy

Another great way to ensure that you complete assignments before deadlines entails having an accountability partner, study group, or a study buddy.

An accountability partner is an effective strategy that helps you set and achieve goals. It also helps you maintain the zeal to complete assignments, read course materials, and hone your writing/reading/research skills.

With a study group, you will have members who share like interests. They will likely remind you about your unsubmitted assignments and keep you in check. They can also be helpful with research and sharing insights on how to approach an assignment.

Finally, a study buddy (a friend, classmate, or roommate) can help you maintain the morale of reading, studying, and completing assignments.

Having either of the three can help you begin working on your assignments early enough to avoid the last-minute rush.

Email your professor for a deadline extension

If you are very sure you have done your best to complete a paper, but due to unavoidable circumstances, you cannot complete the paper on time, you can request your professor to accept a late submission. Note that with such a request, you must have proof. For instance, if your excuse is being sick or a family member died or fell ill, you should produce credible hospital evidence. In most cases, if the email is not answered soon enough, proceed to call your professor.

If you have already submitted an assignment later than the set deadline, email your professor to convince them not to hit you with the 10-25% deadline violation penalty. You should apologize and then explain the reasons for submitting the assignment late. Also, suggest how being rated poorly might affect your GPA and convince your professor that you will never submit a paper late again.

Play around with Turnitin Settings

If you want to make your professor not penalize you for late submission, you can tweak some settings on the Turnitin website. First, you can modify the assignment link from the control panel. First, select the Course Tools, then pick the assignment whose link you wish to edit. Next, select the link to the assignment and then select Edit Assignment. You can then comfortably change the deadline so that your submission deadline is within the deadline.

Another common trick you can use is submitting a corrupted Word or PDF file of the assignment. In this case, since your professor cannot open the file, they will write to you requesting the original uncorrupted file. You can use the time in between to complete your paper and wait for their call or email request.

Finally, you can also find a way to edit the submitted assignment by editing the content folder. In the case of Turnitin, you will find the link to the assignment and click on the Action Link tab to make the change.

Since these are not guaranteed tips to work because of ongoing updates, you should contact your professor because they are a person who has emotions. Alternatively, complete your papers early enough.

Work with a last-minute assignment service.

The ultimate trick to avoid minutes-late submission is hiring a fast essay writing service to write your last-minute paper. Gradecrest has experts who can write your last-minute essay faster. Our writers are experienced enough to write two pages within an hour or ten pages in 6-8 hours. Therefore, if you realize that the deadline is very close and you cannot complete your assignment, you can use our affordable academic writing services.

When someone is working on your paper, keep them on your toes, ask for progress, and involve yourself so that the final paper has much of your input and matches your writing style. Also, work with credible writing websites to avoid having papers that are traceable through Turnitin.

Understanding the 11:59 PM assignment submission deadline

11:59 PM, mainly on Sunday nights, is a dreaded time by many students. It is when all the discussion posts, assignments, essays, and most homework are due.

For Canvas, SafeAssign, and Turnitin, it is common to see the submission deadline set at 11:59 PM- a minute to midnight. If you do not take the precautions, we have highlighted above, the chances are that your 1-minute lateness might cost you a grade.

Submitting assignments at 11:59 means, you can submit your assignment at 11:59:59 PM. After the deadline, Turnitin, SafeAssign, or Canva automatically marks the submission as late.

Such lateness could be why you miss an A or B and get a poor grade for an otherwise easy paper. Therefore, complete your assignments on time, use writing services, plan your time, and consult with your instructor early enough to avoid late submission penalties.

You might incur risks when you submit an assignment later than 11:59 PM. First, you will face the consequences of being late. One of the consequences includes being undermarked. You can as well be requested to take a re-sit of the paper or lose the marks altogether. Either way, your final grade will be impacted by otherwise avoidable circumstances.

Note that 12-, 24-, or 1-hour late submissions are treated the same as 1-minute late submissions in terms of consequences.

Another risk of submitting an assignment late is facing technical hitches with the system. For example, your internet might act up, and also, because everyone is rushing to submit at the last minute, the chances are that the system gets overloaded and slow.

Before you close this Tab, ...

We have looked at some of the best strategies to avoid submitting your assignments late. However, if you are a frequent late assignment submitter, these tips and tricks can work well in your favor.

Related Reading: 

• What is the acceptable Turnitin similarity percentage for essays and assignments?

Above all, you can always spare some cash to hire an assignment writer to assist if you have little time on your hands. However, if you have adequate time, avoid procrastination and writer's block by planning early, setting your own deadlines, and consulting with your instructor early enough.

We have experts if you have an online exam and want someone who can write your short answers in real time. They can save you from violating the exam deadlines.

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Don't Panic: Last Minute Assignment Tips to Tackle Any Trouble in Submission!

Table Of Contents

What should we do in such a crisis, preeminent reasons preventing you to submit assignments on-time, last minute tips to acknowledge for untroubled assignment handing-over, still, assignments are a strain get expert opinions.

Assignments are an integral part of a student’s journey. It plays a significant role in determining their performance. Though many pupils attempt to take their academic tasks seriously, there are times when situations are not in their favour, and they fail to finish assignments on time.

Pupils have no choice but to complete their papers by hook or crook.

No matter if they have a day or two left, they should put in extra effort to submit.

But last-minute assignment tips in the upcoming section of the blog will make work easy to a greater extent. Before taking an overview of the tricks and hints, it is essential to understand what stops or prevents students from timely submission and what key pointers to observe before submitting the final copy to the professor. Such pointers indicate the reason and motivate a student to work on it the next time.

There are various reasons preventing you from submitting the last-minute assignment to your professor. Here is a list of them.

Procastination

Procrastination is the root cause of being late or missing the deadline. You have an idea of the due date but start late because of your casual attitude. You set a duration and fix the timetable before starting. The time and days that you use to create your calendar have a mix of success and failure. Many of you have a keen knowledge of the subject and can ace the document in a limited time. On the other hand, some students need time for the ideating and writing processes. In such a scenario, it is essential to start working on your assignments as soon as they are assigned or seek last-minute assignment help .

Lack of Time

A student’s journey is never easy. It is the stage in life where they must work extremely hard to achieve success. From preparing for their examinations to pursuing their hobbies or giving time to their close ones, they get little time to work on assignments.

It is due to a shortage of time; they do not work enough daily, and consequently, it breaks the flow and consistency of writing.

Unforeseen Circumstances

The future is unpredictable and unforeseen. You cannot imagine what is going to happen tomorrow or the day after that. Incidences—happy or sad—stop you from giving your best. For example, the due date for your assignment is next week, but all of a sudden you have to go on a family trip or attend someone’s wedding. In such a case, despite your full dedication, you cannot complete the work.

Poor Communication

Communication with your professor is the key to getting work done quickly. If you are impotent in expressing your ideas and opinions to the instructors, there are high chances of slow progress. Displaying your viewpoint is crucial if you want your educator to be your right hand. It is best to ask your tutor about last-minute assignment tips or questions as soon as the task has been approved.

No Idea of Timeline

Deadlines are an essential factor to consider. There is no point in submitting your work after missing the deadline. So, before you begin working on an assignment, make sure you understand the time frame to avoid any inconvenience or difficulty in submission. Also, remember to stay updated with the target date if there are any modifications or alterations to the old dates.

Lack of Understanding

There will be no curiosity or passion for a particular subject if you are not clear about the fundamentals or concepts. Assignments mean conducting extensive research and understanding every minor aspect in detail. If you lag in studying or in-depth examination of the concept, it can keep you from writing a flawless paper.

It is crucial to consider the above-mentioned pointers or know about last-minute assignment tips next time you start working on assignments. But for the time being, if you are stuck in a situation in which you have to submit the work on priority or are left with no time, follow the tips discussed in the upcoming section.

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An hour or a day left before the final submission, and you are leaving an assignment to the last minute?

Do not worry; here are some tips you can follow for on-time delivery. Also, if all of your work is completed, what are the critical factors you should consider to avoid grade reductions?

Start Early

As you are already close to the deadline, there is no solution other than starting early. Wake up early in the morning and start working on your assignment after making a pre-defined plan. Set the duration and divide the time slot for the introduction, body, and conclusion sections. Do not waste any time, and stick to the task at hand.

Take Small Breaks

As enough time is not there, you cannot waste a second, but working on something continuously exhausts your mind and leaves you in a situation of how to complete an assignment at the last minute. Therefore, stay focused and set an alarm or reminder clock at fixed intervals. Taking a break does not mean endless scrolling on social media. Ideally, the rest you take will not be too long, and the recommendation would be to take a deep breath, relax your mind, or chit-chat with your close ones. It will help to enlighten your mood and enable you to focus more.

Stay Hydrated

The human body consists of 70% water; therefore, it is imperative to stay hydrated for freshness. Drink enough water for focus and attention. The consumption of it makes you active, which helps in clearing the task before or on time. Water transfers oxygen to the brain, which allows you to do any activity productively and creatively.

Meditate in Between

If a constant fear of submitting the assignment triggers or overpowers your brain, the best remedy is to meditate or seek assignment help UK . Leave the work you are doing, take a break, and meditate. It helps overcome the fear and anxiety hidden inside. You will feel a change in yourself while working without consciousness or hope. Despite the alarming situation, you can fixate on your goals and ambitions with meditation.

Proofread Properly

If you are ready with your assignment, all you have to do is submit it to the respective authority.

Hold on for dear life. Spend some time proofreading your paper for minor errors such as punctuation, typing, spelling, and grammatical issues. Such mistakes seem negligible but create an embarrassing or negative impression. Re-revise your paper multiple times or seek college assignment help so that there is no scope for errors and the professor does not get a chance to deduct your scores.

Clear Sentences

Clear sentences are easy to read and understand. Furthermore, they create a positive attitude among educators towards you as grabbing information becomes easy for them. They tend to get engaged and find the written information factual and worthy if there are no language barriers. So while overlooking the document, if a particular paragraph does not justify what you are trying to say, make some alterations for proper understanding or take an academic writing service .

Focus on Quantitative Data

Quantitative data forms the heart of your assignment. It forms a crucial part of your argument or counterclaim. A professor will probably read the entire content and focus more on the analytics and figures because that will justify what you have written. It is crucial to analyse tables, diagrams, and data from scratch so that your instructor does not have the motive to deduct marks.

Don’t Neglect the Importance of Page Numbers

Even in the assignments, chronology is essential. When you bind pages together, it is vital to mark the correct number to avoid last-minute assignment stress. Sometimes, because of misunderstanding, pages can be misplaced, so it is imperative to jot down the page number on each page, to avoid the problem of connectivity and relevancy.

Stick to Guidelines

Do you know the most vital aspect of writing your academic project?

It is sticking to university guidelines and norms. Your assignment can be exceptionally outstanding and contain solid facts and data, but it is of no use until and unless there is adherence to rules and norms. Therefore, if you have finished your paper, once again check the regulations of the educational institution so that you are sure of your part.

So these are some last-minute assignment tips you should take care of before handing the paper to personnel. If you still get goosebumps and do not know how to handle or tackle the state of urgency or trouble, it is better to seek advice from assignment experts. Learn how Assignment Desk experts avoid the last-minute trap and provide you with a valuable paper.

Need to Consult Directly With Our Experts?

If you do not desire or want to see yourself in a situation of worry and tension, it is better to seek last-minute assignment tips knowledgeable person. Placing an order with us in advance will guarantee quality. It does mean last-minute orders will not provide you with significant results. We believe in quality, and whether you remind us at the end of the day or a few days before, there will never be anything issued in writing. Time is only a factor to be determined, but for those who have had professionals or experts for years, this does not seem like a burdensome task. Practice and experience over the years have made our writers pros, and even in a time crunch, they curate exemplary papers that meet university and educator expectations.

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University assignment help: dealing with deadline pressure.

June 08, 2022

Have you submitted your assignments?

This is probably a phrase you hear quite often once you start to attend university. Regardless of what type of student you are - well-prepared or last-minute - assignment deadlines are daunting. 

Image source: Andrea Piacquadio , Pexels

Trust us, we were once students too!

These deadlines can add pressure to your studies and academic performance. Stress from all the workload that is not managed well can even disrupt your workflow and daily life.

However, as long as you know how to handle multiple assignments correctly, you can steer away from stress and enjoy the wonderful university experience.

How do you handle assignment deadline pressure?

1. don’t panic.

Image source: Karolina Grabowska , Pexels

Easier said than done, right? 

When assignments come in relentlessly, your thoughts will be all over the place and you might even miss out some really close deadlines.

When this happens, staying calm is the best way to deal with deadline pressure. Even Forbes says to relax and stay calm !

Take a step back and visualise how you want to approach every task in your hands. Some may need more research, while others can be completed within a day. 

Once you are able to sort out your tasks based on priority, you will see things with a clearer view and hence, approach each assignment with a calm mind.

2. Set your own timeline.

Image source: Startup Stock Photos , Pexels

Make sure to complete your assignments 1 to 2 days before the actual due date so you can proofread and make amendments.

For example: If the due date is on 30 June, start researching and drafting your assignment at least two weeks prior. You should be able to finish the first draft, review, edit and submit your work before the deadline! 

3. Create a checklist.

Image source: Suzy Hazelwood , Pexels

A checklist does wonders to time management and organisation. Plus, the satisfaction of crossing off each completed task feels like an awesome accomplishment!

The key is to break down each task into small, chronological steps. Here’s a template that you can use:

Step 1 - Research and gather materials from credible sources Step 2 - Read and understand the information you have Step 3 - Work on your first draft Step 4 - Review and amend the draft Step 5 - Upload the draft to an online plagiarism checker Step 6 - Proofread again (extra effort wouldn’t hurt!) Step 7 - Submit your assignment

With an organised checklist, you will feel more confident and can keep deadline pressure away!

4. Do your own research.

Image source: Christina Morillo , Pexels

Besides practicing your research skills, self-learning helps you gain a better understanding of a particular topic especially if what you learn on your own goes beyond what is taught in class. 

This adds value to your assignment because it will look unique, wholesome, and well-researched. 

5. Seek help from others.

Image source: Helena Lopes , Pexels

Your friends or group mates are the best people to go to because they can relate to you the most.

Being open with the stress you’re dealing with due to assignment deadlines can also help you bond with other students who feel the same. You can then help each other complete the assignment by sharing knowledge. After all, sharing is caring!

You can also speak to a trusted family member or counselor to share about your stress. Chances are, you will receive useful advice from those who have been through the same, or your counselor will share tips to help better manage your stress.

6. Seek guidance from your lecturer. 

Sometimes, assignment topics can be quite tricky.

To avoid going off topic and starting over from scratch, it is best to seek clarification from your lecturer before you begin your assignment.

But don’t expect everything to be handed to you immediately! Put effort into the discussion by explaining what you understand first before seeking advice.

You can even gain more insight and tips from your lecturer. This will give you a strong head start!

7. Avoid last-minute work. 

Image source: Pixabay , Pexels

A rushed assignment almost never looks good.

So many things can go south when you submit a last-minute work:

• Poorly-done research
• Grammatical errors
• Lack of understanding of a particular topic
• Your essay is below/exceeds the word limit
• Lack of originality

Cramping assignments can result in a lower grade. Hence, it’s best to avoid last-minute work! Tips #2 and #3 can help you balance out your workload.

8. Request for a deadline extension

Image source: George Pak , Pexels

If all else fails and you couldn’t submit your assignment on-time, you should immediately inform your lecturer and request for an extension.

Keep in mind that this must not turn into a habit. You should only do this if you have acceptable reasons behind the delay. Remember to apologise too!

Once your lecturer accepts your request, be sure to be punctual with the new deadline.

There you have it! Follow these 8 steps and we’re sure you’ll ace your assignments, stress-free!

We have more articles about university life that you should totally check out!

5 Lessons You Learn as a University Student 9 Things You’ll Regret Not Doing in University Campus Life: How to Survive University

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Easily Tackle Your Last-Minute Assignment Worries with These 7 Tips From Experts

November 06, 2019

The Ultimate Essay, and Interesting Topics yours with Examples

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So, let's read the tips without wasting time because Charles Darwin has said: "A man who dares to waste one hour has not discovered the value of life".

Make An Action Plan 

A draft is just a rough sketch or roadmap for your writing. Sometimes, the first draft also becomes the final one for your assignment. Therefore, students are required to prepare a wonderful outline by taking a closer view of the topic and assignment and try to answer what to write, how to write which will help you to stick with the requirement of the assignment. If you’re short of time, then you should call up an expert who can provide you with last-minute assignment help .

Bring Your Plan To Action

Being a university scholar, you will already be familiar with the importance of the action plan. Isn't it? However, creating and implementing those plan in your writing is crucial. It will provide you with a roadmap for your work you are working on. We also have heard that "A goal without a plan is just like a wish". 

Encompass your notes directly

The quickest method to produce an academic paper is by consolidating all your notes directly in the document form. The paper a university scholar writes can start by composing their notes straightly to the document. Students are just required to include information as per the created draft by supporting with a piece of solid evidence and organise them sensibly. 

Drop Out The Conclusion and Introduction For Last

Both the section (introduction & conclusion) are the most difficult part to write for any paper. Hence, the subject matter experts suggest to skip writing these two sections and leave them for last. Once you are done with the body part of the assignment, you must start writing the introduction and conclusion. It will also become extremely easy to write because you will be well-known with the facts, argument and shreds of evidence used in the paper.

Proofread As You Write

Proofreading and Editing are huge with regards to snappy composing of an academic paper. Before presenting your paper to university, it is important to check for the mistakes such as punctuation, spelling, typos or grammatical. Proofreading not only helps you in submitting a flawless paper but also enhance your proofreading skills. 

Use Google Scholar Instead of Google

Google Scholar is a search engine just like Google used to find information for your topic. We understand that Google cannot be a substitute for a professor or instructor. However, Google Scholar can be beneficial when it comes to quick definitions or getting grips you are struggling with. 

Hydrate and Nourish Yourself At Regular Interval

Make sure you hydrate and sustain yourself while writing your assignment as it will help you to maintain your vitality levels just as composing the assignment writing process endurable.

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Break Your Comfort Zone:

If someone wants to complete the assignment overnight, he or she must have an ability to break the comfort zone. Lying on the bed and having a deep sleep will isn’t complete your task in last minute.

Try to avoid any kind of distraction as it can hinder your work progress. Avoid using phone and surfing social media sites so as to maintain focus in working. Multi-tasking must also be avoided and focus on one task at a time.

Google Scholar:

The students can get instant and clear idea by surfing Google scholar. When you want to gather last minute information, it is best authoritative tool.

AssignmentHelpExperts.com helps for students studying in  Australia ,  UK ,  USA ,  UAE ,  Singapore ,  Canada ,  Malaysia ,  New Zealand  for Any topic assignments.

If you are doing more research overnight, try to write less and include only that part which is most important. As your quality of information speak a lot. Personal essays require less research, the word count must be increased by the student accordingly.

Focus on quality:

Quantity is important but if you include unnecessary information, it will be pointless. The student must maintain the quality of an assignment by researching best information.

Take a Nap:

If your concentration begins to break because of tiredness, the student can take a short nap to regain energy. This does not mean to have a deep sleep; alarm can be set for maximum 15 minutes of duration.

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You still have time – Last-minute tips to help you file before the deadline!

April 10, 2024

Ottawa, Ontario

Canada Revenue Agency

Life is full of responsibilities, from school and work to family and everything in between. We understand that taxes can easily slip to the bottom of your to-do list.

Don’t worry if you haven’t filed your 2023 income tax and benefit return yet – you still have time. Use the information below to help you complete and submit your tax return before the deadline.

Filing and payment deadlines

• April 30, 2024 – This is the deadline for most Canadians to file a tax return. If you owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this is also the payment deadline. You’ll avoid late-filing penalties and interest by filing and paying on time.
• June 15, 2024 – If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, this is the deadline to file your tax returns. As this date falls on a Saturday, your return will be considered filed on time if the CRA receives it or it is postmarked on or before June 17, 2024 . If you owe money to the CRA, you'll still need to pay by April 30, 2024 , to avoid interest.

Even if you can’t pay your entire tax debt right away, filing by the deadline is important to prevent any disruptions to your benefits and credits and to avoid penalties. We're here to assist you in creating a payment plan that fits your budget, allowing you to settle your debt gradually.

Save time by filing online and using our digital services

To save time, you can file your tax return online :

• using NETFILE-certified software
• through an EFILE service provider

If you choose to file online using NETFILE , a variety of software products exist to meet your needs, including options that are free.

If you’re using NETFILE-certified software and you’re registered for My Account , you can use:

• Auto-fill my return to automatically fill in parts of your income tax and benefit return with the information that the CRA has on file at the time of the request.
• Express NOA to view your notice of assessment (NOA) or notice of reassessment (NOR) in your certified-tax software or in My Account, right after the CRA receives and processes your return.

If you combine online filing with direct deposit , you could get your refund in as little as eight business days. Paper returns aren’t as fast, and it can typically take up to eight weeks to process. With the tax deadline just around the corner, filing online is the fastest option to ensure timely processing.

Make sure to report all your income

When you file your tax return, make sure to report all of your income including tips and gratuities, income from the platform economy , and more. To find out what you need to report as income, go to All types of income .

If you are self-employed and your taxable sales exceed the $30,000 small supplier threshold, you are required to register for, collect and remit the GST/HST. For more information go to GST/HST for businesses .

Claim all your benefits, credits, and deductions

When you file your tax return, we use the information provided to determine your eligibility for benefit and credit payments . Depending on your eligibility, these payments could include the Canada child benefit , the GST/HST credit , the Canada Carbon Rebate , provincial or territorial payments , and more.

You may also be eligible to claim deductions, credits, and expenses on your tax return. These claims can help reduce the amount of tax you may owe.

You can change your tax return after filing

It’s important that you file your tax return by the deadline. If you made a mistake on your tax return or forgot to include important information, don’t worry. Once you receive your NOA, you can request a change to your tax return .

For faster service, submit your request online using Change my Return in My Account or ReFILE . Our goal is to process online requests within two weeks . On the other hand, it can typically take up to eight weeks to process a paper change request.

Free tax help is available

If you need assistance with your taxes, help may be available. If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, volunteers at a free tax clinic may be able to do your taxes. You can visit a free tax clinic in your area, or you can make a virtual appointment. To find out if you’re eligible, and to find a tax clinic, go to our Free tax clinics page.

If you have self-employment income, the CRA provides free tax help for small business owners and self-employed individuals. The Liaison Officer service is available to help you understand your tax obligations. A visit with a liaison officer is 100% confidential. The information you choose to discuss with a liaison officer will not be shared with other areas of the CRA, or anyone else.

Register for My Account if you haven’t already

With My Account , you can easily update or check your personal information, such as your address or marital status.

You’ll also be able to view:

• what you owe to the CRA
• your tax-free savings account and registered retirement savings plan limits
• your benefit and credit information
• the status of your income tax and benefit return
• your NOA or NOR

Where to find helpful information

Not sure where to start? Visit our Get ready to do your taxes page. We have eight steps that will help you file your tax return. Here are other resources that can help you:

• For answers to frequently asked questions about filing a tax return, go to Questions and answers about filing your taxes .
• Our tax tips can help you get answers to your tax-related questions, and the Learn about your taxes tool can help you file your tax return on your own.
• Charlie, the CRA’s friendly chatbot, is also available on the CRA homepage and many of our other webpages on Canada.ca.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse here's what to know.

Geoff Brumfiel

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred. AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred.

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality .

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on April 8. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

Have some destinations in mind, and check the weather and cloud cover forecasts in advance

It's a good idea to scout out one or more locations within driving distance, so that you have some flexibility if traffic or weather is threatening your plans, says Jonathan Upchurch, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at Arizona State University who has studied travel around solar eclipses.

There are several interactive tools that show the path of totality, including Eclipse2024.org and the National Solar Observatory . You can use them to figure out what sites might work best for you.

In terms of weather, check not just the weather forecast, but also the cloud cover forecast. Some websites, such as Windy.com will predict cloud cover ahead of time, giving you a sense of whether you'll actually be able to see the eclipse in all its glory.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

During the total solar eclipse in 2017, Upchurch says he chose to go to Idaho "because there were some great chances of having sunny skies, and I had the opportunity to be nimble and relocate if I wanted to."

Before driving into the path of totality, make sure your gas tank is full and that you've got everything you need

During the last total solar eclipse in 2017, it's estimated some 5 million people took to the roads, and those numbers will potentially be much higher this year.

Given all that, Upchurch says it's important to make sure you're taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up, and that you have plenty of snacks and water with you in case you get stranded for a while, especially when trying to leave.

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Also don't forget to bring eclipse glasses, which must be worn anytime you're looking at the sun, except for the few minutes when it is completely blocked by the moon.

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone! Erika Goldring/FilmMagic hide caption

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone!

Arrive early and stay late

Once you figure out where you're going to watch the eclipse, and you've got your supplies, try to get there early. Although traffic is likely to be heavier than normal on the morning of eclipse day, it still should be possible to reach many destinations without too much hassle, says Upchurch.

"Leaving is definitely going to be more of a problem," he says. As the eclipse concludes, people will take to the roads all at once to try and get home as fast as they can. In 2017, that led to traffic jams that lasted many hours in some areas. If possible, Upchurch says, people should stay put for a while to try and avoid the worst of the post-eclipse rush, which in 2017 stretched even into the following day in some parts of the country.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

And one more thing: If you do find yourself on the move near the time of the eclipse, state officials stress that you should not simply pull over to the side of the road or highway you're driving on. It's important to be parked legally and safely at the moment of totality.

If you're already in the path of totality: Relax and enjoy!

Several major metropolitan areas including Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo are already inside the path of totality, so there's no need to seek a better view, Upchurch says. You'll probably have the most fun simply staying where you are.

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If you're on the edge of the path of totality, however, you might consider making a short trip to get closer to the center of the eclipse's path.

"If you're within about 40 miles of the center line, you'll have two-and-a-half minutes or more" of complete totality, Upchurch says. It's up to you to decide whether it's worth making the trip to a more central location.

Despite studying the potential hassles of traveling extensively, Upchurch says he's still looking forward to seeing the 2024 eclipse, which he plans to watch from Texas.

"Totality is absolutely spectacular," he says. "If you have a chance to witness it, I would do it."

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Your last-minute guide to enjoying the solar eclipse — in L.A. and beyond

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It’s finally here: the great eclipse of 2024.

The last total solar eclipse that crossed the contiguous United States was in August 2017, according to NASA. Another one won’t cross again for 20 years .

Throngs of people are traveling to the Midwest and east, where the eclipse action will be the most dramatic.

And although California won’t experience the phenomenon of totality, there is still plenty to see.

Here is a quick guide:

What is a total solar eclipse?

• Total eclipse : Midday darkness will be cast on a sliver of states, including Texas, Illinois, Ohio and New York — but there won’t be any “totality” in Los Angeles.
• Partial eclipse : In Los Angeles, about half of the sun will be visibly covered by the moon, and in San Francisco, one-third will be. The northernmost parts of the state will see the smallest amount of the eclipse, while cities to the south will experience more.

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What time is the eclipse?

In Los Angeles, a substantial blocking of the sun will be obvious by 10:39 a.m. and will peak at 11:12 a.m. By 12:22 p.m., it will be over, according to the Griffith Observatory.

There will be a lot of events locally.

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How to see the eclipse

• Looking up: The first rule of a solar eclipse is, don’t look at the sun without specialized eclipse glasses or a solar viewer. It’s not safe. If you look up at the eclipse without protection, it will cause severe eye injury, according to NASA .
• Using the right glasses: Here are some safety and glasses tips. When you do get a pair of glasses or viewers, make sure they’re in good condition. If the viewers are torn, scratched or punctured, discard them. If the filters are coming loose from their cardboard or plastic frames, discard them.
• Taking pictures: Even taking photos on your phone can pose risks to your eyes. Casually including the sun in a photo for a quick snapshot isn’t really a safety issue for the camera. But experts have tips.

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Looking for a place to watch the solar eclipse on April 8? Events are happening around Los Angeles County. Here where to catch a glimpse, how to watch safety and where to get free solar eclipse glasses.

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Here are some tips for taking photos of Monday’s upcoming solar eclipse without ruining your smartphone.

And finally ...

Enjoy the day! Rare moments can bring people together. At least some scientists think so.

Of course they can also spark end-times conspiracies (please, ignore those!).

At least it will be clear in Southern California. Elsewhere, cloudy skies risk spoiling the view for eclipse chasers. There are only expected to be a few small clouds in the Los Angeles area near the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, but even hikers on those peaks will still be able to catch the eclipse, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Kristan Lund.

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Rong-Gong Lin II is a Metro reporter based in San Francisco who specializes in covering statewide earthquake safety issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bay Area native is a graduate of UC Berkeley and started at the Los Angeles Times in 2004.

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Summer Lin is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before coming to The Times, she covered breaking news for the Mercury News and national politics and California courts for McClatchy’s publications, including the Sacramento Bee. An East Coast native, Lin moved to California after graduating from Boston College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. In her free time, she enjoys hikes, skiing and a good Brooklyn bagel.

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Local News | Last minute tips for watching the eclipse in…

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Local news | higher gas and rents keep us inflation elevated, likely delaying fed rate cuts, local news | last minute tips for watching the eclipse in new england.

Plans to see the eclipse throughout New England are now coming down to the wire. Here are some tips to help.

The eclipse send a long arc of the U.S. plunging into darkness on Monday, spanning from Texas to Maine. The path of “totality,” where the sun will be completely blocked, is 115 miles wide, according to NASA.

In the Northeast, this path includes swaths of New York, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Areas in states including Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island will also see a partial eclipse.

New England eclipse watchers seem to have lucked out, weather-wise. The Northeast region along the path of the eclipse reportedly has the best chance of clear skies, with a long string of cloudy, unclear weather along the path from Texas to Missouri and more uncertainty in areas like Northern Arkansas to central Indiana.

Around New England, highs for the day reach into the 50s and 60s. Some of the more southern areas around the Berkshires in New York and southern Vermont may experience some clouds, forecasters say, and the safest bet for total visibility may be more northern areas around Maine.

In Massachusetts, viewing conditions are “really favorable,” NWS forecasters said , and the Boston area is looking at a mostly sunny forecast.

Anyone without glasses approved for the solar eclipse at this point may be in for a hard time finding any, as thousands scramble to purchase a last minute pair. Many retailers, like Home Depot and Target, sell eclipse glasses but are likely to sell out.

But other entities, including science museums and libraries, are known to give out eclipse glasses around the date. In Massachusetts, the Department of Conservation and Recreation will be offering free glasses and programming around the eclipse at eight state parks .

“This partial solar eclipse is a unique opportunity for people of all ages to connect with the world around them and witness the wonders of the universe,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We’re excited to offer educational opportunities for the public to learn about the science behind eclipses and witness this awe-inspiring event firsthand.”

Those parks include: Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, Blue Hills Reservation in Milton; Borderland State Park in  North Easton; Nickerson State Park in Brewster; Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in East Falmouth; Halibut Point State Park in Rockport; Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, and Mt. Greylock State Reservation, in Lanesborough.

Traffic is expected to be intense around the path of the eclipse throughout New England. State authorities are urging residents to plan to arrive at their destinations in plenty of time and consider using public transportation, like buses and trains.

States and New England 511 also offer real time traffic updates and alternate routes for those traveling.

Many outlets will stream the eclipse throughout the path for people who may miss out for any reason. Around 1 p.m., NASA will begin to stream telescope views of the eclipse.

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