I’m sure you have heard the adage: “Due tomorrow? Do tomorrow.” For some, this is laughed off as there is no possibility that they would let an assignment sit untouched for weeks to months. However, for the vast majority, procrastination is merely the college way. The latter is detrimental to the growth of the student and the total antithesis of the “point” of higher education.
According to the American Psychological Association, 85 to 90 percent of college students will procrastinate their coursework, and a 1997 study found that procrastination was one of the top reasons Ph.D. students would fail to complete their dissertations. I can guarantee that everyone reading this has procrastinated at some point in their lives, maybe even this week. Yet, the dangers of this tactic are as prevalent as the method itself.
Higher education was founded on the prospect of education and preparation for the world beyond and life after twenties. Even Augustana’s own mission statement is as follows, “Augustana continues to do what it has always done — challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in a complex, ever-changing world.” The thesis of secondary education is to provide skills needed for life.
However, Augustana also supports this procrastination in two ways. Firstly, the library is not open 24 hours. A majority of universities will have 24 hour library hours with the exceptions of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Secondly, also unlike Augie, on the weekends, libraries at other colleges like at the University of Iowa are open until 10 P.M. and 12 A.M. on Friday and Saturday respectively. On the flip-side, Augustana closes Tredway at 7 P.M. and 6 P.M. respectively. It is ridiculously early, which puts a damper on proactive students wishing to use the resources located there.
In some cases, a break is necessary. Mental health is a key foundation for college success. Breaks and enjoyable times with colleagues and friends make lasting memories during the four years in college. However, there can be too many breaks and breaks that last too long. Beginning review for an exam a night to two nights prior does not consistently result in graduate school grades and does not accurately depict work after college.
In the workforce, putting off necessary work, results in a shoddy quality of output. In some fields, take medicine or research, weak craftsmanship could result in wholly adverse or even dangerous side effects. In no way does learning the best method for “putting-off-manship” prepare one to complete post-degree-level work. And you can guarantee employers and graduate school faculty see the effects of procrastination on the work you’re completing.
Taking breaks in college is a must. However, taking too many breaks and waiting until the night prior to complete your homework does nothing but reinforce poor behavior and work ethic.
Not only does procrastination more often breed poor results, it often causes unneeded anxiety. Simply doing an hour of work for each subject per day can avoid unnecessary cramming and scribbling and will result in a higher quality of work and lessened anxiety.
Do yourself a favor and start the term project early. You’ll be able to relax plenty and will have less stress. Additionally, you’ll receive the gift of the true college spirit: life skills in work ethic.