When you look at your class syllabus, you see a tiny, but the most annoying section about grade categories. In that category, you would see that 5~10% is counted as on-time, which is not much. But please do not ignore that little grade; some nasty teachers give you zeroes when your work is not handed in on the due date.
If you are having a hard time keeping track of your project, just remember these two things: planning and working. How? Firstly, before even picking up your empty sheet of paper, know the due date. If the teacher does not tell you, do not plan ahead because an unknown due date usually means the project is due somewhat ten years later. If you know the due date, then start dividing your work equally. I would not recommend this kind of planning: Day 1, 2, 3, 4: rest Day 5: work. Divide your work equally for each day, and by this way, you can sort out work that needs to be finished.
After you are done with your planning, use your plans. The whole point is to use the plan you have scheduled (or else, you can do nothing with it except using it for scratch paper). Try not to leave off a day’s work for another day because you would have twice as much as work to do for the day you got off. Moreover, working on the same amount of work each day will provide you more sleeping time than those who work like ants at the night before the due date.
Please do not go and play until you have checked your work. Do you have everything required for this work? Do you have enough information? Would the teacher accept it (This question is essential because you do not want to have an argument with the teacher when he/she does not accept your work, especially your Speech or Writing teachers. It usually saves yours and the teacher’s time)? Then, check if you have everything required, such as your citation for the project. Do not forget to take your work with you on the due date, because teachers do not believe in those “I forgot to bring it” statements.
Lastly, gather all the materials that have to be handed in, put them in an order your teacher wants (most writing teachers do this, so do not staple until you have put the papers in order) and give it to your teacher with all the stress you got from the work you have done. As soon as the paper touches the teacher’s hands, you are free (well, temporarily).
After you hand in your work on time, you are done for the day, or if you are lucky, for the week. Handing in projects on time is much simpler than a lot of people think. Before you yell out, “Oh my goodness! I have to stay up all night!” you should plan out your work first and then think if you should scream in misery or not. After handing in your project, enjoy your freedom until the monstrous stack of papers come back to you, which is when you will start anticipating about the grades you obtained.
