September is over and the easy part of uni is done. This means crazy amounts of tests will be scheduled and staying organized is essential to academic success. I almost have one degree under my belt at this point, but getting here has required a lot, and I mean A LOT of test writing — so I guess you could say I’m pretty seasoned in this area. However, I accredit my success to having a plan in place. Now do not get me wrong, I haven’t always developed a study plan. I went from having no study plan my first semester of university to having an OK study plan, to having a good study plan, to now having a comprehensive study plan that has helped my boost my grades in all classes. I want to share exactly what I do create an effective study plan so you can succeed in your academic endeavours! So, here’s how I make a study plan!
MONTHLY CALENDAR
The absolute first thing I do when creating a study plan is write all my test dates on a monthly calendar. Not only does this allow me to see my month at a glance but it gives me a guide as to how far apart or close together my test dates are. This can be done in an agenda, google calendar, or printed off from online. Regardless of what type of calendar you choose, applying all of the following tips will help you create a strong study plan.
The key here is to have all of your test dates written down.
DAILY SCHEDULE
So now that you have a monthly overview you can move onto how your weeks and days will look. I describe this schedule as a “daily schedule” simply because it is easiest to complete it day-by-day. Here’s how to create a daily schedule!
Step 1: Write down class times
Schedule in all of your class, labs, tutorials.
Step 2: Write down other commitments you have.
This includes writing down when you go to gym, when you have study hall, if you have a tutoring session scheduled, and when you work.
Step 3: Write down any additional commitments or time off.
So if you have a set night of the week that you go out with friends write that down, or if you take every Thursday night off to order pizza and binge watch Netflix then schedule that in.
At this point the spaces with no ink will be the time you have free. It might seem like you do not have that much time, do not get scared. If you utilize the time you have efficiently you will be able to get everything done that you need to get done.
Step 4: Schedule in when you are studying
If you have a test coming up soon then utilizing all or at least more of this time will be beneficial. So write down what class you are studying for in the appropriate spot.
If there does not seem to be enough time to get all of your studying done then have a look at what you scheduled in step 3. Choose which activities are priorities and get rid of the ones that are not. This will open up your study schedule and give you more time to work on classes that require it.
Step 5: Repeat for each day of the week
Repeat steps 1 to 4 for each day of the week for a comprehensive study schedule.
STUDY SESSION
Okay, so at this point you will have an in-depth and well-thought-out study schedule for the month, week, and day. You can stop here if you want, but I always find it helpful to have a structured study session. It is easy to schedule in when you are going to study, but when it comes to sitting down and actually getting the job done it is very easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of material you have to learn. That is why having a structured study session is crucial to your sanity, vital to ensuring you get as much as you possibly can done in the allotted time, and for an awesome mark on your test!
Here’s how to structure a study session.
Step 1: Look at your daily schedule
Take this step one day at a time, start with Monday and progress throughout the week. Start with the earliest scheduled study session. Determine how much time you have and what you can accomplish in this time.
Step 2: 10 minute Review Chapter by chapter
This is your chance to review your material for each chapter. I suggest doing this on a chapter by chapter basis because it will help you mentally organize the material. Read over key terms and definitions, examples, and take a peek at diagrams and images. Only spend about 10 minutes doing this because this is just to remind yourself of what the chapter is about.
Step 3: Initial quiz
What the heck! Quiz yourself before studying? Are you serious, Jaide? Yes, yes I am very serious! Look at the headings, key words, and main concepts, try covering up the answers and ask yourself what you know. Do not worry about knowing definitions and concepts word-for-word, that is not important right now. Your understanding of the material is important. Again, only spend 10-15 minutes doing this, there will be lots you do not know so put a star beside those topics.
Step 4: Do the stuff you do not know first
So there are only a few things you know, that IS OKAY! You know them so do not spend time going over them. Your time is valuable; too often we spend time focusing on the material we do know because it is easier than learning new concepts. Start page by page and go over everything you put a star beside in step 3. Read it, say it out loud, write it, make connections, teach it to someone else. I have an Exam Checklist, by doing everything on this list you will be better prepared for your next exam.
Step 5: Go over EVERYTHING!
Read it, say it, write it, make connections, teach it to someone else. Do this for everything you previously did not know.. AND in addition, do this for everything you knew when you initially quizzed yourself.
Step 6: Quiz yourself
This is the most important step! Quizzing yourself will actually prepare you for the testing situation!
Happy planning! 