Group projects can be the most frustrating thing about being a high school student. Even more frustrating than the actual project, is trying to get along with students who either may not be pulling their weight in the project or who take on everything and refuse to let you play a part.

To help prevent conflicts among you and your group members and produce a stellar group project, find a fine-tuned balance between procrastinators and paranoid early birds by establishing some ground rules.

Warn your group members of your working habits.

This should be one of the first things you do after you’re assigned your project members. You don’t need to go into remarkable personal detail about how you work, just inform them if you tend to start on things early or if you wait a while.

It may also be helpful to estimate how long it may take you work on something.  We all work at different paces and that’s fine, but just expresses it to your group members.

You may also want to explain if you have a sport or club you are committed to and can’t be working every single day.

Communication is key.

I’m sure you have heard almost all of your teachers say this to you before starting a group project. Luckily for us, staying connected to people couldn’t be easier. There are endless platforms you can use for communication from texting, to Google docs, to even social media.

You can’t rely on only talking to your group members in class. You need to know what everyone is doing and make sure you’re all on the same track. It won’t do you or your group members any good if you are all doing separate projects.

If there is something you do not understand regarding the topic, don’t be afraid to ask your group members for help. If a group member sends you a message, just take a second to respond, and definitely don’t ignore them.

Keep your word.

This is perhaps the most important aspect of a group project, but also the most difficult to uphold. If you say that you are going to do something, it is critical that you do it and do it well. Failing to do your project makes things frustrating for your group members and doesn’t help your grade in the slightest.

If you’re struggling to get something done, there’s nothing wrong in asking your group members for help or suggestions, but not doing your is not an option. Remember it’s not just your grade you’re impacting, it’s a group effort and everyone needs to play their part. It’s not fair for your group members to get a poor grade because you didn’t do your part.

Make sure everyone’s pulling their weight

You shouldn’t do a project on your own. If you have a group member who you feel isn’t doing their part, don’t be afraid to approach them.

Remind them that the project is a group effort or ask if there’s something they’re having a difficult time accomplishing. No matter how frustrated you may be, try to remain diplomatic and understanding. It is highly important that you talk to your group member before reporting them to a teacher; remember you don’t know what’s going on in their life. You can’t expect their behavior to change if you don’t at least express them how you feel.

If all else fails, approach your teacher.

This is a last resort, and only a last resort. If you have tried to work out problems with your group-mates time and time again and nothing is working, then it’s time to talk to your teacher. Your teacher wants to see you and your group members work together and solve problems together.

Alas people are people and sometimes it just doesn’t work out. You don’t deserve to get a bad grade if other people are refusing to work, and your teacher will likely understand if you have demonstrated that you have really done your best.