Monthly Planning

Using each of your syllabi, list all of your important due dates for the entire semester for all papers, quizzes, tests, mid-terms, finals and special assignments on the Important Date Sheet. Not sure how to use the form -- see the sample. On the left side of the important date sheet, establish a grade goal for each course.

Neatly transfer each of the due dates to the Academic Planning Calendar. Review each of the important due dates from each syllabi and determine the grade value weight of each item in the overall final grade for the course and color code the due dates as:

• RED --------------- Very Important
• BLUE ------------- Important
• YELLOW--------- Somewhat Important

Post the calendar in the most visibly convenient place in your room. This will increase your conscientiousness of your work for each week of the term and avoid being caught in the proverbial CRUNCH.

Weekly Planning

Plan the estimated time needed to complete the work for each course separately. Using the Weekly Study Time Estimator, list the assignments to be completed for a week, along with a day, and estimate the time needed. Not sure how to use the form -- see the sample.

Daily Planning

Using the Daily Study Schedule, insert your classes in the appropriate time slots first. Not sure how to use the form - see the sample. Next, transfer the estimated study time from each line of the Weekly Study Time Estimator to the best time slots in your daily study schedule. Next, block out the time needed to fit your work study schedule.

Next, block out the time needed to meet your obligation to any student organization or sports team. Finally, be sure to schedule some time for meals, rest and recreation.

The total combined hours for study and class time should average between 35 and 40 hours.