What is a study plan?
A study plan is an organized schedule outlining study times and learning goals. Like with work or school schedules, college students should develop a schedule that sets aside dedicated time each week for studying. This schedule should include dates of quizzes, tests, and exams, as well as deadlines for papers and projects.
Why Do I Need a Study Plan?
Time management is a typical challenge college students face. Whether you’re a traditional student participating in extracurricular activities and campus events or a working adult balancing job and family obligations, finding time to study and complete homework assignments takes conscious effort and planning.
Creating a study plan is an effective way to help you navigate your college education. It ensures you set aside enough time outside of class to complete the work necessary to succeed in your degree or certificate program.
Study plans are particularly important for online students, who often learn more independently than their counterparts in traditional degree programs. A study plan will help hold you accountable for your own learning outcomes and build self-discipline and motivation.
Six Tips For Creating a Study Plan
It’s important to understand that there is no “right” way to make a study plan. Your study plan will be personalized based on your needs, classes, and learning style.
Follow the guidelines below to get started on creating your study plan:
#1: Analyze your current study habits and learning style
Think about what works and what doesn’t work for you. Can you study for long blocks once or twice a week, or is it more effective if you study nightly for thirty minutes? Are you more productive at a certain time of day? Do you retain material better if you study a subject immediately after class, or do you need a break first?
#2: Evaluate your current schedule and time management
Use a digital or paper calendar to block out your standing commitments, including classes, work, and extracurricular activities. This will let you see how much of your time is already committed and your time available for studying.
If your schedule leaves little room for studying, you may need to evaluate what you can cut back on or how you can rearrange your schedule to make more time for studying.
#3: Plan how much time you need to study for each class
For many years, the accepted rule has been that you need to study two hours for every one hour of class time. This means that if you’re taking a typical 15-credit semester, you will spend 30 hours a week outside of class studying. However, there are some questions about the efficacy of this ratio, especially in light of new technology that makes research and writing faster.
At the beginning of each term, your instructors will give you syllabi for the classes you are taking. The syllabi will usually include the dates of any major exams or projects. You can use these as guides for calculating how much time to set aside for each class, as some courses might be more intensive than others. It will also help you schedule your study sessions to ensure you have enough time to complete all your assignments and prepare for exams.
#4: Develop a schedule
Now that you understand how much time you need to study and how much time you have available, you can schedule your study sessions. Add your study sessions to your calendar like any other commitments, and hold your boundaries around this time if conflicts arise.
Consider how much time you’ll need to study and complete assignments for each course based on the syllabus and the subject. For example, writing a term paper for an English class may take longer than completing a set of equations for a math class. It can be helpful to designate specific days for specific courses so you always have dedicated time to study and work on assignments for each class.
If your schedule is busy, you may have to be flexible and creative in finding time to study. For example, if you commute to school via public transportation, you can use that time for reading. If you have a job with a lot of downtime, bring your textbooks or computer to finish homework when it’s not busy.
#5: Assess your weekly calendar
Identifying your learning goals for each class will help determine how much time you need to study. Think about what you want to accomplish in each class at the start of the term. Maybe you want to master a specific skill or improve your grade. These are overarching goals to help motivate you during the term.
Then, at the beginning of each week, determine why you need to study and what you plan to accomplish in each study session. Are you preparing for a big exam? Is there a paper due? Can you read a chapter ahead in preparation for the next few classes? Adjust your study plan to meet your weekly goals and get the most out of each study session.
While it is tempting to skip your study session when there isn’t a test looming, you will reduce your future test preparation time by reading ahead and preparing for lectures.
#6: Stick to your schedule
A study plan works best when it is followed consistently. Try to develop a study plan that you can follow for the length of each term. However, adjust your study plan if it’s not working for you. Although it can be tempting to cancel or reschedule study time if conflicts arise or you don’t have the motivation, sufficient studying is essential to your success in your classes. Treat your study time like a class or work obligation, with consequences if you don’t meet your goals. Conversely, if it helps you stay motivated, plan a treat for yourself after you finish studying, like watching your favorite show or eating your favorite snack.
Strategies For Sticking to Your Study Plan
Remember to take breaks
If your schedule includes long, multi-hour study sessions, take brief breaks every so often to stretch, hydrate, and rest your mind. This will keep your brain fresh and help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Schedule time for other activities
By achieving a balanced schedule, your mind will be more receptive during time devoted to studying. If you schedule several long days in a row of studying, you may get discouraged and be tempted to give up. It’s recommended that you schedule time for nonacademic activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and socializing with other students.
Maintain accountability
Some students find it helpful to study with a partner, as it provides accountability, as well as opportunities for discussion and collaboration. When creating your study plan, check with other classmates to determine if you can coordinate study sessions. However, if you tend to socialize more than study when you are around others, stick to an independent study plan. If you do have a study partner, make sure it’s someone with whom you are likely to stay on task.
Evaluate your study plan and adjust as needed
Your study plan is all about helping you be more efficient and productive. If you find that it’s not working, don’t get discouraged. Making changes is okay as you figure out what works best for you.
Remove distractions
Create or find a study space that is as distraction-free as possible. Put your phone on silent and keep it out of reach while studying. If you’re working on a computer, close all tabs and browser windows except for the one you’re using. Noise-canceling headphones or music can be helpful if you have to work in a public space.
Leverage Tools For Creating a Study Plan
If keeping a paper and pen schedule is not helpful to you, consider other ways to keep your studies on track. Use a calendar app and set reminders when it’s time to start and end your study session. There are also several study planner apps that can help you manage your study schedules.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can also be useful in creating study materials, such as flashcards or quizzes, making studying more efficient. There are also AI tools that can help students generate ideas or proofread written work. Consult with your school’s and instructor’s AI policies before using these tools to aid your work.
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