We’ve officially reached the halfway point of the semester. This means different things for different people. Some students are happy the semester is creeping toward being over. Others share a feeling of dread about what’s still to come.

Regardless of how you feel, it’s important to stay focused and on track to finish the semester.

You can do it. We all can.

Breathe. No matter how stressed out you are, it’s important to take a step back and not let yourself get too overwhelmed. Taking the time to evaluate everything and not freak out can give you a new perspective.

Things aren’t always as bad as they seem. You’ve made it this far, so acknowledge the progress you’ve already made this semester and the work you’ve put in.

If you’re still feeling stressed or like you might drop all of your classes, here are some tips to consider.

Reach out to your professors, especially if you’re struggling. Did you miss a class for a doctor’s appointment? Do you feel like you’re falling behind? Your professor cannot read your mind. Bring it up. Openly communicating with your instructors can greatly increase your odds of succeeding in your classes.

Do your work. Really. Just get it done. Turning in an assignment that may not be your best work is better than not doing any work at all. Don’t take risks by skipping what you think you can get away with not doing. It’s easy to let yourself miss one assignment, but it can also lead to a bad habit.

Organize yourself in a way that works for you. The word “organization” gets thrown around a lot. It’s important but often misunderstood. There is no universal system that works for everyone. That’s why you have to mess around and find something that you can tailor to your needs. Whatever system you create, make sure it fully allows you to keep track of everything that you need to and that you can do it consistently. Consistency is one of the biggest factors when it comes to effectively organizing yourself.

Prioritize. To be blunt, some things are more important than others. Likewise, some things can cause more harm than good. Are you effectively managing your time and dedicating enough to what matters to you? It’s important to take time for yourself, but it’s also important that you consider what has the potential to negatively affect your academic success.

With all of this said and done, it’s up to you to take control of your academic career. You’ve worked so hard to get to this point, so don’t just throw it all away, even if you’re feeling a  mid-semester burnout. Put the work in and continue to do so. You’ll be amazed at how it pays off.