Being overextended is a primary source of stress for college students. Often, students underestimate how much time it will take to earn the grades they want in college and have overscheduled themselves with work and other commitments, leaving them little to no flexible time to use when they need more time.

Even with the best intentions, some students who use a time-management plan overextend themselves. If you do not have enough time to carry your course load and meet your commitments, drop a course before the drop deadline so that you won’t have a low grade on your permanent record. If you receive financial aid, keep in mind that you must be registered for a minimum number of credit hours to be considered a full-time student and thereby maintain your current level of financial aid.

If dropping a course is not feasible or if other activities are lower on your list of priorities, which is likely for most college students, assess your other time commitments and let go of one or more. Doing so can be very difficult, especially if you think you are letting other people down, but it is far preferable to excuse yourself from an activity in a way that is respectful to others than fail to come through at the last minute because you have committed to more than you can possibly achieve.