Trying to fit the recommended 10-20 hours of study time into your week and realizing there just aren’t enough hours in the day? Try the tips below to maximize your time.
- Double dip your time. Waiting in line at the store? Do a quick drill with flashcards. Whether it’s a long commute, going for a walk, or doing laundry, there are times in your day when you can feasibly sneak in some extra study time. Listen to your audio lectures, get out your flashcards, or even take a section quiz. All of this time adds up!
- Try calendar blocking. Put study time on your schedule as if it were an event or activity. If it’s on your schedule, you’re more likely to commit to it like you would any other scheduled activity.
- Find smaller pockets of time throughout your day. You don’t have to study in large chunks of time, especially if you don’t have large chunks of time. Break your study plan into smaller, manageable chunks that you can reasonably accomplish with the time you do have.
- Set boundaries with friends and family. Studying for this exam will require setting boundaries with your time. Determine what your “must have” social activities are so you can fill your cup and then politely decline other events that may not be as fulfilling. Sharing your goals with your friends and family can help them protect your time too.
- Study when you’re at your best. If you study when you’re more mentally alert and on your game, you’ll be able to process the information more efficiently -- work smarter, not harder. Quality study time is better than logging hours where you’re struggling to stay awake, reading the same sentence over and over, or finding yourself daydreaming.
Share your time management strategies in the comments below!