4 Weeks to Go: How to Help Your Teen Finish the School Year Strong
It’s hard to believe, but the final stretch of the school year is here. With just four weeks to go, many high school students are feeling the weight of finals, AP exams, end-of-semester projects, and general burnout. And for parents, it can be challenging to know how to help without adding pressure.
At Tutors & Friends, we’ve seen firsthand how much can change in these last few weeks. Whether your student is aiming to turn things around or just wants to maintain momentum, there are some simple strategies you can use to help them finish strong.
1. Create a Countdown Plan
Help your teen visualize what’s ahead by creating a week-by-week plan. Sit down together and look at upcoming deadlines: final exams, AP test dates, and major assignments. Plot these on a calendar so they have a clear picture of what needs to get done and when. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks helps reduce stress and keeps things from piling up.
2. Shift from Cramming to Reviewing
Instead of cramming the night before, encourage your student to review consistently in short, focused bursts. This technique, called spaced repetition, is far more effective for long-term retention. One easy way to reinforce learning is to ask your student to explain what they’re studying in their own words. If they can teach it back to you, they probably understand it!
3. Prioritize AP Exam Prep
If your student is taking AP exams in May, now is the time to practice under test-like conditions. Encourage them to do timed FRQs (free response questions) and multiple-choice sections using official College Board materials. Our tutors can help students identify patterns in their mistakes, build better strategies, and approach the test with confidence.
4. Identify Weak Spots Early
These last few weeks are the perfect time to review past quizzes, tests, and assignments. Are there any lingering weak spots that might affect their final grade? Whether it’s math, writing, or a specific science unit, targeted support can make a big difference. Even a few tutoring sessions can boost both performance and confidence before finals.
5. Watch for Signs of Burnout
It’s not unusual for students to hit a wall in May. Between academic pressure, sports, extracurriculars, and looming summer plans, many teens start to mentally check out. Keep communication open and check in regularly. Sometimes just knowing that support is available can be a huge relief.
6. Start Planning for Summer
Summer may feel far off, but it’s actually the perfect time to help students catch up, get ahead, or explore new interests. We’ll be offering customized summer tutoring packages for students who want to:
Reinforce skills from the school year
Preview next year’s curriculum
Prepare for college entrance exams
Build executive functioning and study habits
The Takeaway
These final four weeks are more than just a countdown to vacation. They’re an opportunity to show up strong, build momentum, and set the stage for summer and beyond. At Tutors & Friends, we’re here to help every step of the way.
If your student could use support before finals or you're curious about summer tutoring options, reach out today. We’re just a message away.
Let’s finish strong, together.
