Do you really want good grades but are a little (or very) lazy? Do you always say how you will study weeks before that horrible test but you never actually do, so you end up cramming the night before or you even skip class? Well, then you probably need a study schedule! To excel, however, you will need to stick to it.
Part 1 of 2:
Creating a Study Schedule
1Think about your end goals. Ask yourself: Why do I want to create a study schedule? What are my grades like? Would a schedule help me? Those are very important questions that you need to ask yourself. Write them down and answer them. Put them somewhere near so you will always be reminding yourself of those D's and F's and turn them into A's and B's.
2Consider how much time you want to spend on studying. You don't need to spend half of your day with your head in the books. You just need to commit a set amount of time for your studies to have good grades. You can do this by:
- Writing down all of your subjects that you need to study on a daily basis.
- For each subject, write how many times a week you'll study it, and how much time you'll spend on it that day. For example, if you just want to go over some stuff in your History class write 3x a week for 20 minutes. Add up all the time together and divide it by 7 (exam. 14 hours divided by 7 is 2 hours daily) and that's how much time you'll need to study per day.
- Writing down all of your subjects that you need to study on a daily basis.
3Decide if that is a realistic goal. It will probably be really hard to study for 5 or 6 hours daily, so be realistic with the amount of time you choose to commit. If you know you won't do it, it will just stress you out. You may also consider getting help, like joining a small study group or getting a tutor. If you don't have a study group at your school, you can start one.
- Ask a smart kid in your math class to help you with geometry if that's what you struggle with. And if nobody wants to help you, try getting a tutor. In those cases, you will need to stick to them. The study schedule will be helpful so that you can be sure you've studied everything you need to.
4Make the schedule! Try to make it on thick paper so it won't just rip apart. Also, make it very appealing. Decorate it with colorful paper and cut out small shapes. Write days of the week and names of the subjects in sparkly colors and just make it perfect for you. Maybe you like it in black and white, purple and green, gold and orange - it's your choice!
5Look at it. Are you happy with your schedule? There is still time to change the amount of study time and the look of it. Otherwise, you can start the studying!Advertisement
Part 2 of 2:
Sticking to the Schedule
1Start studying. The best way to stick to start studying. If you do so, you will feel very proud, but also it can help you find out your weak points. That way, you will know to focus on them more.
2Avoid procrastinating. If you're studying for an English test, but you know that there is a new episode of The Big Bang Theory on, what will you do? Probably turn on the TV and say that you can study later, or just think to yourself that you can multitask and end up just watching the show. So choose your time wisely!
3Eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone and put it in another room so you don't get tempted to check Ethan's Facebook status or text Stacy and Jenna. Don't study in front of a computer or other device because it's just an unneeded temptation.
- If you need to study on the computer, make a promise to not go on YouTube, Facebook or post a Twitter status saying, "Uggghh studying!!!! :'(".
- Ask your family members to leave you alone for an amount of time, and say that you're busy if anyone calls you.
4Reward yourself! If you spent three hours a day studying for a big test, don't feel bad about making yourself a nice hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows, lying in a comfy couch, wrapped in your favorite cozy blanket watching your favorite movie. If you're a girl and you aced that math exam, give yourself a manicure or have a spa day at your own home. If you're a guy and you just got an A in History and English, invite a buddy over and you two can watch some sports and hang out together. Or you can just eat. It's basically the same if it's delicious, right?
5Don't forget about your social life. Believe it or not, you can have both. After you've done your homework, you can go out shopping with your friends or play a game of soccer. If your assignment is nicely done, resting on your desk, go and have a sleepover with your bestie or go to the cinema. If you don't like those kinds of activities, you can exercise in your free time.
6Enjoy your new, amazing grades and not to mention the happiness of your parents. Just follow all the steps and you are guaranteed to do better in school.Advertisement
QuestionI tend to daydream a lot while studying and then I worry later that I lost valuable time. What can I do to stop this?Community AnswerStay focused and attentive by setting a timer for each question or notes page you are studying. Place a reward in front of you and eye it, keeping it as a goal in mind for when you finish. Whenever you start to daydream, keep a mental alarm in your head and ring it every time you do.
QuestionHow do I concentrate better while I study?Community AnswerPut away any phones, computers, or other distracting items. Set a timer and work for a specific period of time before giving yourself a break. (For example, you could work for 30 minutes and then take a five minute break.) Get a small snack so you won't be distracted by hunger and find a quiet, isolated place to focus on your work.
QuestionI make plans and schedule, but I just can't stick to it. What else can I do?Community AnswerThink of the good and bad things that will happen to you if you don't study. Paste your timetable, goals etc. on your wall so whenever you look up from studying, you will see them. Put them as your phone's, laptop's and computer's wallpaper so you will remember you need to study.
QuestionSchool time takes up most of the time I'd use to study. How do I fix this?Community AnswerAfter school, set a designated time that you would like to study. For example, you can set a timer from 3:30 to 4:00 to study for one of your easier subjects. And if you can't use time after school because of things like extracurricular activities, use times like the ride home from school, or the ride to school.
QuestionWhat should I do after my study schedule is finished on a day when I feel that I want to study more?Community AnswerIf you feel like studying more, you could do a quick review just before bed and another one when you wake up. Doing a review and then going to bed will make the information stick in your mind. If your study schedule isn't working for you, consider changing to times that better fit your schedule.
QuestionI make plans and resolutions but don't stick to them. What should I do?Community AnswerYou should write down what you want to do on a to-do list/journal/planner and keep it near you so that you feel compelled to do it. Also, try to give yourself a time limit (eg. 25 min) to do the task. Even if you don't fully complete the task you're attempting, you would still have done something, starting you on the track to keeping to your schedule/plans.
QuestionHow can I study without getting bored or without getting sleepy?Community AnswerEvery 45 minutes to an hour, take a 10 minute break to eat, use the restroom, splash water on your face, etc. Try to study at whatever time of day you feel the most alert.
QuestionCan I make a study schedule for nighttime?Community AnswerYes,of course! Just figure out the time you want to go to bed and how much you want to study and work around that. For example, if you want to go to bed at 9, then study for your history exam for 30 minutes at 8.
How do I stick to my study schedule if I have a migraine and not enough time?
- Don't worry if you start with C's. Stick to studying and they will get better!
- Go to your teachers and ask them about the things that you don't understand.
- Join study groups or create one.
- Always finish your homework and assignments on the day they are due.
- Eat enough and stay hydrated while working.
- Go to a party now and then so you don't get bored or frustrated.
- Change your working place once in a while. It really helps.
About This Article
- ↑ https://www.developgoodhabits.com/study-schedule/
- ↑ https://www.intelligent.com/create-a-study-plan/
- ↑ https://www.waystostudy.com/2018/05/01/how-to-create-a-study-schedule/
- ↑ https://www.timecenter.com/articles/tips-for-making-and-following-a-study-schedule/
- ↑ https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/uncommon-blog/importance-study-breaks