How To Work on a College Group Project

Group projects in college can be great experiences or nightmares. From other people not carrying their weight to waiting to the last minute, group projects can quickly turn into an unnecessarily large and ugly problem. By following the basic tips below, however, you can work to ensure that your group project leads to a great grade instead of a massive headache.

Set Roles and Goals Early

It may seem silly and basic, but setting roles and goals early will help out immensely as the project progresses. Specify who is doing what, with as much detail as possible and with dates and deadlines when appropriate. After all, knowing that one of your group members is going to complete part of the paper's research won't do any good if he completes it after the project due date.

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Allow a Time Cushion at the End of Your Schedule

Let's say the project is due on the 10th of the month. Aim to have everything done by the 5th or the 7th, just to be safe. After all, life happens: people get sick, files get lost, group members flake. Allowing for a little cushion will help prevent major stress (and a possible catastrophe) on the actual due date.

Arrange for Periodic Check-ins and Updates

You may be working your you-know-what off to finish your part of the project, but not everyone may be as diligent. Arrange to meet as a group every other week to update each other, discuss how the project is going, or even just work on things together. This way, everyone will know the group, as a whole, is on track before it becomes too late to fix the problem.

Allow Time for Someone to Check the Final Project

With so many people working on a project, things can often seem disconnected or confusing. Check-in with a campus writing center, another group, your professor, or anyone else who may be helpful to review your final project before you turn it in. An extra set of eyes can be invaluable for a big project that will have an impact on so many people's grades.

Talk to Your Professor if Someone isn't Pitching In

One negative aspect of doing group projects is the possibility that one member is not pitching in to help the rest of the group. Although you may feel awkward about doing so, know that it's OK to check in with your professor about what's happening (or not happening). You can do this midway through the project or at the end. Most professors will want to know and, if you check in midway through the project, they might be able to give you some advice about how to move forward.