Tips for Keeping Up With Schoolwork

You can combine many of these tips to help you manage your time.

• Create a Schedule: Use a calendar or planner to organize your tasks, classes, and extracurricular activities. Allocate time for studying, assignments, and relaxation.

• Set Clear Goals: Define your academic and personal goals. Knowing what you want to achieve will help you prioritize your time effectively.

• Prioritize Tasks: Use the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) to focus on the most important tasks. Identify the 20% of activities that yield 80% of the results.  I recommend that students start with homework in the most difficult area first, then move to easier tasks as they become more tired.

• Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet place to study, turn off notifications, and avoid distractions like social media or TV.

• Avoid Multitasking: Concentrate on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce productivity and increase stress.

• Learn to Say No: Don’t overcommit. It’s okay to decline additional responsibilities if they interfere with your priorities.

• Study in Short Intervals: Break your study sessions into shorter chunks (e.g., 25 minutes) with short breaks in between. This technique, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can improve focus.

• Get Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep affects concentration and memory. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

• Maintain a To-Do List: Write down tasks and deadlines. Check off completed items to stay organized.

• Create a Weekly Schedule: Plan your week ahead, including study sessions, extracurriculars, and personal time.

• Utilize “Dead Time”: Use short gaps (e.g., waiting for the bus) to review notes or read.  It is also a good idea to utilize our school's "After School  Tutoring" on Tuesdays and Thursdays to get homework done and answer questions by our tutors.

• Change Your Study Environment: Sometimes a change of scenery can boost productivity. Try studying in different locations.

• Stop Procrastination: Break tasks into smaller steps and start with the easiest one. Momentum will help you tackle bigger tasks.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Take breaks, exercise, and eat well. A healthy mind needs a healthy body.

• Stay Organized: Keep your backpack, study area, and digital files organized to save time and reduce stress.
  
  Remember, finding a routine that works for you is essential. Experiment with these tips and adapt them to fit your unique needs.