How do I battle procrastination?

I’m an A level Biology student who started year 12 this year. I achieved a grade 8 in my GCSE through a crazy amount of cramming as i’m a chronic procrastinator. Now that i’m doing A level, it’s overwhelming me so much. We have tests almost every week and I haven’t achieved a grade above C . I know it’s only the start of the year, but everyone else in my class seems to be doing so good as they’re all achieving grade As and Bs. I don’t feel like I belong there and I feel like it was a huge mistake to have chosen to take Biology as an A level. I don’t know how to battle my procrastination as it’s seriously affecting my Biology grade a lot. What can I do?

Hi,
I hope you are well! 😊
While I don't study Biology at university, nor studied it at A-level, I know how much harder A-levels feel than GCSE's! So thought I'd hop on, try to help, and start the conversation off for you!🙂
A-levels are such a big step up from GCSE's, and I remember feeling overwhelmed when I started my A-levels. While it can be overwhelming, it is new to you, and its important to recognise that A-levels are a step up, and require lots of independent study and independent planning for exams/coursework etc. I remember it taking me time to get into the new way of learning, so its okay to feel this way too- I'm sure others feel this way, I certainly did! 🙂 I'm sure you'll get into the swing of things soon!😊
Have you spoken to any teachers or tutors about how you feel? I know it can sometimes feel that you're the one behind and everyone else is achieving more than you. Throughout my studies I've put quite a lot of pressure on myself to perform high all the time, and sometimes when others got a higher grade, I felt similar to you, but its important to remember that not everyone would have got those A's and B's, some may have got lower than you.
Have you asked any friends, teachers, or peers about good revision strategies, or ways they have revised? I found talking to teachers, and seeing what methods friends were using to revise, because there are tons of different ways to revise, and different methods work for different people, so it might be worth having a go at a few different methods e.g. flashcards etc, to see which works best for you.
Have you tried using a calendar or revision/study schedule? You've said about being a bit of procrastinator, and I know lots of people like this! For some, leaving things till the last minute works because they like to work under pressure, however, some prefer to start things early. I know everyone goes on about planning a schedule etc, but it can help to keep you on track with what's coming up e.g. exams etc. The schedule doesn't have to be super structured e.g. biology study 9-11, Physics study 11-1, it can be more of a to-do list, where you can spend as much time as needed on each task, but still give yourself the day/week to finish them. You could always start with a very small schedule e.g. read X,Y,Z, or go through an exam question on a past paper, or look at X-page in my revision book, and then gradually build it up. There's lots of ways to do schedules, so you can tailor it to your needs etc.
You could always speak to teachers/tutors for advice about making a schedule, or if you are worried that your procrastination is affecting your work. My teachers were quite good in that they were happy to check in with us if we asked them to. My friend was a bit similar to you, and left starting revision etc a bit late, so asked our teacher to check in with her each week to see if she had completed the tasks/revision/readings/homework/coursework she planned on completing. Something like this might be beneficial, as it might stop you from putting things off. I liked giving myself a reward after I completed revision/coursework/my to-do list, so this could also be a way you could encourage yourself to get started on things.
Like I said before, A-levels are tough! But you have only just started! Give yourself some time adjust to the new way of learning/difficult of the learning, and know that you can do it! 😊Your GCSE grade shows that!- Mine certainly wasn't that high for Biology🤭 I hope some of these suggestions might help, but its good to reach out to staff at your school if you feel your studies are being affected. Teachers, and exam boards (on their websites where you find the specifications) sometimes have some already made revision resources up their sleeves, so check these out as these can be a good place to start!😊
I hope this helps! Sorry for the very long response.
Best wishes with your studies!😊
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️

Thank you for your kind words and advice! I will definitely take these tips into account and get through A Level Biology