What does a good study schedule look like?

Question

What should my study schedule look like for the upcoming semester?

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for posting your question. I think the general rule of thumb is 2-3 hours of study time per unit. (So if you were taking 12 units, you would ideally study 24-36 hours a week.)

For those with busy schedules, it might be more realistic to start off with a consistent schedule of 1-2 hours of study time each day. As you get into a structured routine, you can try to increase study time.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Hello,

No matter how you choose to arrange your own study schedule for the school year(s) ahead, always make sure to make studying your priority. It is best to not over schedule yourself in terms of partaking in a multitude of extracurricular activities. One extracurricular activity (two at the maximum) per semester is plenty. This way, you will not be beyond exhausted mentally at the end of every day and will still have enough mental energy to fulfill your academic requirements.

Secondly: stay in close contact with your teachers online. Maintain your awareness of assignment deadlines. Ask your teachers questions (in person and through email) about your coursework and the material that you are learning as often as necessary as far as your own scholastic needs are concerned. Remember: teachers (especially college professors) are not mind readers. If you are experiencing any difficulties or confusion with what you are learning in school, always reach out to your teachers for assistance (albeit they will not do your work for you or be obligated to change your grades in their classes at any time; that is a must for all students to understand up front). And of course, on top of giving your best effort, always turn your work in on time and to completion to maintain consistency.

As long as you develop and maintain an organized routine, your overall learning experience in school will commence much more smoothly than it would otherwise. Even forming study groups with your friends can be valuable when it comes to attaining peer-related insight into your own work. But at the end of the day, you yourself are responsible for your own obligations as a student. Staying on top of your priorities like those above will make your overall learning and work experience in school all the more fulfilling.

Good luck with everything going forward and feel free to reach out if you seek additional professional tutoring in this and other academic areas.

Answer 3

Hi students: Wow, big question! You are thinking, I have had some problems before with some classes and I am not feeling so good about all that. What can I do differently this term to get that turned around?

a) Get a planner and write in the days and times of your upcoming classes.

b) When will you study?????? On the average, most students can do two hours per day. On the planner (yes!) make a date with yourself and schedule that study time.

c) How many days? Very few students want to study seven days a week. How about four or five days? Figure out which days of the week those will be for you and write that in your planner.

d) Have a 'study place' that is free from distractions (TV, computer, cell phone, cat, dog, brothers, sisters, etc.) and make this your place to study. Also, it should not be your bed (that's for sleeping!)

e) Lastly, you already know which classes will be difficult. Now is the time to reach out and find a tutor. Find someone who is good in that specific field. Determine if you are comfortable with that tutor; if not, change and find someone new. Schedule a regular 'check in time' each week for 30 to 60 mins. You think, wow, that is so much money! Consider this, how much money will you spend if you have to retake the class? Also, how will your GPA be affected if you get a low grade in this class? Think of it as an investment in your education and yourself.

Final word; set a goal for yourself. How about a B this time, maybe even an A? Don't feel badly if you need some help to accomplish this goal; remember, not everyone is good at everything. We all need some help along the way. Hey, my students help me with computer functions all the time. Later!

Courtney W., MA