Students need to find time in their busy schedules to study

“A new quarter has begun and I have found that I have no time for studying. I have such a

busy schedule between my kids, school, and work that my grades last quarter were below

average. I don’t want this to happen again this quarter. What can I do?”

-Maxed Out Student

Dear Maxed out Student,

A busy schedule can make for bad studying habits, especially if you are not used to managing a schedule.

Having a maxed out schedule, however, does not necessarily mean that you have to stay up until one in the morning cracking down on the books. There is always time to study, you just have to prioritize and be a little flexible.

The Board of Education states that for every hour of class there should be two hours of study time. One way to assure that you can do this is to keep an eye on your course load.

As cool as it may be to take maximum credits to assure that you graduate at a faster pace, this can be unrealistic. Look at what you have time to take.

If you are juggling a job, school and kids it may be wiser to take part time credits instead of full time credits.

Six credits is equal to part time which is usually only two classes.

According to Financial Aid here at Pierce College if a student is reliant on FAFSA money they can still receive their money with part time credits, the amount that they would normally receive will just be cut in accordance with how many credits they are taking.

This can help free up the time you normally would have been in class, creating study time.

Space out your classes. Most of my own classes are at least an hour apart from each other or on separate days from each other. This way I can study between classes or on a day when I have no scheduled classes.

Make a study space. A good thing to always have is a space that is just meant for you to study; a place where everyone knows that when you are there it’s a time to just leave you alone.

Don’t make this place somewhere where you spend lots of time. For example, not a living room.

There are too many distractions for you there, such as television, radio and children.

Another place to avoid studying is in your bedroom.

According to the Psychology Department studying in your bedroom can interrupt your sleeping pattern because your mind will be continually focused on studying.

The best place for studying would be somewhere like an office, this is the most ideal place, but if you do not have an office a small corner of the dining room table is a good place as well.

If you have a hard time concentrating on studying in the house, try the library either at the school or at a public one (these usually have a place for kids to play as well).

Create a schedule. Keeping a schedule is very important when you have a busy day.

It allows you to maximize your time and get the most out of your day. Time everything down to the minute; when you get up, what you have to do in the morning to get you and your children ready, and everything else you have to get done that day.

You might have to create more than one schedule. You can make it a week in advance like I do, or each night before you go to bed.

The important thing is that you have something to look at that will help you manage everything you have going on.

There are a variety of time schedules that will fit your person. I use date books, but you can use so many other things such as your phone, 3×5 cards or even a notebook.

How to create a schedule. First, start by putting down all your necessities; work, classes, meals, kids, etc.

Now block in your time to study. Schedule it for a time when you are energized.

Also, it is best to review your class notes soon after class. Make sure to schedule in study breaks, about 10 minutes each hour.

Organize this schedule to fit each individual day. One day you might have tons of time to study while on other days you are more busy.

The most important thing you need to remember is to actually sit down and study.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our day that we forget and then it is too late.

Remember that school is important for furthering your career.

It should be a priority and not something to put on hold.

Good luck.