Studying for the EPPP can be like having a part-time job. To find time to study, it’s best to know how much time you actually have and get it all on a calendar, so you can start looking for availability. Study time doesn’t have to be a large chunk of time, so even if you have pockets of time each day, this is do-able.
- List all your work, family, self-care, and non-exam related demands on your time. Make sure to include things like commute time, meals, time for getting ready etc., so you don’t give yourself a false sense of “extra time.”
- Prioritize these events and determine which ones are deal breakers or mandatory and which ones can be eliminated (for now), postponed, or delegated to someone else.
- List all the mandatory events on your calendar and include an estimate of how much time each one will require. Better yet, schedule them as if they were any other meeting or event.
- Look at the remaining time. Is this an adequate amount of time to study? Typically, we recommend studying 10-20 hours per week depending on when your exam is scheduled and how quickly you’re picking up the information. IF your schedule doesn’t allow for extra time to study, consider re-visiting your priority list and determining if anything else can be removed, postponed, or delegated. Also, look for opportunities to double dip your time (e.g., can you listen to an audio lecture on your commute? Review flashcards while waiting for an appointment?).
- Add the times you will study to your calendar. Make this a different, noticeable color so it catches your attention. Protect this time as if it were any other appointment or event.