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Attending College Prep School? How to Know It’s Time to Reach Out for Academic Assistance

One of the most defining features of our college prep school is that we prioritize offering students the opportunity to challenge themselves academically, develop leadership skills, and prepare for the rigors of college. 

However, the increased academic demands can sometimes lead to stress and difficulty keeping up with coursework. Recognizing when to seek academic assistance is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance and ensuring success. Here’s how to know when to reach out for help.

Persistent Struggles With Coursework at Our College Prep School

One of the first signs that it may be time to seek academic assistance is when you consistently struggle with coursework. This could manifest as needing help understanding concepts, falling behind on assignments, or receiving lower grades despite considerable effort. If you’ve noticed that these challenges persist over several weeks, it’s clear that extra support could be beneficial.

Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) offers several resources to help you overcome these hurdles. The Learning Support Program provides a personalized approach to academic assistance. Registering for this program gives you direct access to learning specialists who work with you to meet your individual learning needs and help you achieve your academic goals. This environment aims to make you an independent learner, developing essential skills that boost your self-confidence.

A female cadet receiving a certificate from an instructor at our private school
The Learning Support Program at our private school helps you become an independent learner.

Feeling Overwhelmed or Stressed

The rigorous environment of college prep school can sometimes lead to feelings of overwhelm or stress, especially when balancing multiple demanding courses. If you feel anxious about schoolwork, losing sleep, or constantly worrying about your academic performance, it’s time to seek help.

R-MA’s supportive community is designed to help students manage their academic responsibilities while maintaining their well-being. Reaching out to your college-assigned mentor, Residential Life counselor, teacher, or advisor can provide you with strategies to manage stress, prioritize tasks, and create a study schedule that works for you.

Decline in Grades or Academic Performance

A noticeable decline in grades is often one of the most prominent indicators that you might need academic assistance. If your grades have dropped despite your best efforts, or if you’re finding it difficult to meet the expectations set by your teachers, it’s essential to address the issue sooner rather than later.

Attending extra tutorial sessions with your teachers is an effective way to start doing this. Take full advantage of Flexible Learning Time at our private school to get your questions answered, dive deeper into a topic, or receive additional support on homework and assessment preparation. 

If you struggle in multiple classes, you might be assigned to the Learning Lab on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5 PM. This extra study hall is supervised by a classroom teacher who is there to provide the additional support you need. The Learning Lab offers a focused environment where you can get help with your coursework and stay on track academically for as long as needed.

Two female students presenting at senior college decision day at our private school
Students at our private school are encouraged to engage in a variety of extracurricular activities.

Difficulty Balancing Academic and Extracurricular Activities

R-MA encourages students to engage in various extracurricular activities, from sports to student-run clubs and charity organizations, essential for personal growth and college applications. However, it may be time to seek assistance if balancing these activities with your academic responsibilities is challenging.

Finding time for homework, studying, and extracurricular commitments can lead to burnout. Reaching out for help, whether from your mentor, coach, or academic advisor, can help you create a balanced schedule that allows you to excel both in and out of the classroom.

Are you looking for a day and boarding school in Virginia?

Contact R-MA for more information.

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