[EricH]

I don't sign on for more than I can handle. For example, my freshman and sophomore years of college, I participated in 3 activities plus school and Fantasy FIRST:
--Soccer
--Aero Design
--InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

As I began taking on more responsibilities in Aero and IVCF, I decided to drop soccer. I like playing it, but traveling to two away games per weekend (and it's an all-day drive) doesn't leave a whole lot of time for homework, not to mention practice schedule conflicts.

If you're really crunched, drop one activity for a little while. Just tell them that you need to focus on homework/projects for a week or so, and most people will be fine with your missing a meeting or two. Stay in touch, and show up after you've got the pile somewhat cleared. (i.e., you have breathing room)

If I were you, I'd talk to the robotics mentors and tell them that you need to miss the meeting tomorrow to work on a project. They should understand. Gives you three more hours to work on the project.