Eight Questions to Ask Yourself
at the End of This Semester
Your last projects are turned in, your finals are graded, and the semester has officially come to a close. Hallelujah! Hopefully you’ve finished the semester on a high note, and can spend your holidays getting some well-deserved R&R. Before you completely check out, however, it’s crucial to do a little end-of-semester reflection. Not only will these reflection questions help you pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement to carry into the next semester, they may also provide some insight in your future academic and professional goals.
/
♦ What would you consider your biggest academic accomplishment this semester? Why?
/
♦ What was your hardest class? Why was it your hardest?
/
♦ What was your favorite class? Why was it your favorite?
/
♦ What grade do you feel like you deserved in each of your classes? Do these differ from the grades you received?
/
♦ What was the most interesting thing you learned this semester?
/
♦ What was the most boring/unpleasant class or unit you took this semester? Why didn’t you enjoy it?
/
♦ What area did you see the most improvement in this semester? This could be academic growth, improved study habits, better balancing of school and play, etc.
/
♦ What did you learn about yourself this semester?
/
I know it might seem pointless to reminisce on a semester that’s already done and dusted, but a quick end-of-semester reflection can help you consider things you wouldn’t have otherwise. Consciously assess what worked for you and what didn’t in terms of studying and time management. Figure out the projects and assignments that got you excited, and the ones that you’d rather not do again. Consider the subjects that you’re naturally good at, the ones that take more effort, and the ones that intrigue you the most. By taking the time to think about these things, you can not only create a plan of attack for next semester, but also start considering possible career paths to explore further in the future!
