It’s a familiar feeling that somehow, this project that you thought you’d have at least a week to complete is due in just 48 hours. Even though you’ve been told about it months ago and diligently inserted the due date on your calendar, with all the best intentions, you haven’t even got going on it, and the situation has become dire.
Fear not, my young friend! There have been many times, and you’ll be able to finish that project within the deadline.
1. If possible, consider extending your stay
It is best to only extend your deadline only if you have a very compelling reason for needing one, and you can demonstrate the reason (read that procrastination or being excessively busy will not cut it). For instance, if your family member or you are sick or have lost your laptop, you may consider contacting the teacher to see whether you can gain some extra time to submit your work. Be cautious, however, and ask only for an additional few days. Also, make sure that you send your work in before the extended deadline. Also, you should thank all those involved in giving the extension.
2. Prioritize your time
If you’re successful in obtaining an extension, make sure you put all other things that aren’t urgent to the side. You can cancel all other plans, ask another person to fill in your shifts and when you’re in a hurry to complete your studies, consider what classes you might be unable to attend and make up for later. If it is still not possible, I usually pay someone to do my assignment. However, if you want to do it yourself, up until the deadline, there is nothing left for you other than that assignment.
3. Find out precisely the amount of time you’ll need to complete what
Determine precisely the number of weeks (or the hours!) you’ll need until the homework is due. Then, divide the amount of time you’re given by the tasks you have to complete in order in order to finish your task. Set very strict time limits for yourself. For instance, if you have three days, set aside one whole day (and not more) to research, a full day (and at a minimum) for writing, and the last day to edit and reference. Referencing is a must, but don’t underestimate how long it could take. Make sure you allow enough time for it.
4. Make sure you have the appropriate textbooks
One of the most popular mistakes is to search in a blind manner through legal databases hoping you’ll find something of interest. This is not a good strategy, as it takes up time and effort, but you cannot discover any information, and you’ll have no way to determine whether what you’ve found is outdated. Instead, locate a new textbook that covers the area of law you’re working on, and then look up the sources cited in the chapter relevant to your assignment. The authors of these textbooks have done the work for you. Read through a research essay example before writing your own paper. If you’re not sure where to look for a suitable textbook, then for the love of god, don’t wander around the library in circles. Consult a librarian or go through the recommended readings included in the outline of your unit.
5. Arguments you don’t require
Concentrate on the most important content you should include in your essay for the purpose of answering the question. Don’t spend time on unneeded or irrelevant arguments or more complicated arguments that require considerable time to study. Write your draft in the shortest time possible, and if you’ve got more time, you can always work it out by adding additional arguments.
6. Don’t panic
Take a deep breath, be calm, and don’t get anxious. The rush of adrenaline that comes with the approaching deadline is great, and if you’re overwhelmed by anxiety, it can only cause more stress. Make sure you are confident that you will complete the task in time. Remember that when you’re a lawyer in real life, getting things accomplished under pressure will be an everyday thing. Take the current situation as an opportunity to practice!
