Welcome to VirtualSC: 4 Things to Know Before You Begin

A publication of the VirtualSC Student Advisory Board

At VirtualSC, we create a supportive virtual learning environment that allows students to grow, thrive, and prepare for life beyond high school. While learning online offers flexibility and independence, it also requires good habits and time management. To help you start strong, here are four of the most common mistakes new VirtualSC students make and how to avoid them

1. Procrastinating on Assignments

It’s tempting to put off work when you don’t have a teacher standing in front of you every day. But waiting until the last minute can quickly lead to stress, missed deadlines, and lower-quality work.

How to avoid it: Set a weekly schedule that fits your routine and workload. Break larger assignments into smaller tasks and set mini-deadlines to keep yourself accountable. Planning ahead gives you time to ask for help if you need it and helps you avoid late-night cramming sessions.

2. Ignoring Teacher Emails and Feedback 

Virtual learning doesn’t mean learning alone. Your teachers are there to support you, answer your questions, and guide your progress. Ignoring their emails or feedback can lead to confusion, missed opportunities, and repeated mistakes.

How to avoid it: Check your messages regularly, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re confused about a lesson or grade. Read through your teacher’s comments on assignments. They’re there to help you improve and succeed in the course.

3. Skipping Over the Lessons

It’s easy to want to jump straight into quizzes, tests, and projects. But skipping the instructional lessons can hurt your understanding and performance. The lessons provide the foundation for everything else in the course.

How to avoid it: Make time to go through each lesson carefully. Take notes, complete practice activities, and engage with the material. You’ll be better prepared for assessments and more confident in your knowledge.

4. Treating Your Course Like It’s Less Important

Just because your course is online doesn’t mean it’s optional or less meaningful. It’s easy to put it on the back burner, especially when you’re balancing other in-person classes or activities.

How to avoid it: Treat your VirtualSC course like any other class. Set aside dedicated time to work on it during the week.