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Wind Your Clock This Way

by Sarah Smith 'UC 05

When one thinks of college life, time management certainly isn't the first thing that comes to our minds.  We think friends, parties, homecoming, but certainly not how we should plan out every moment in our higher education.  However, where we place our time in our academic world is essential to accomplish the many tasks we have, with ease and triumph.

First, we all know what our strengths are.  I can tell you how to write a news story, but when it comes to explaining cells in biology, stick a fork in me because I'm done.  We all have to struggle through classes that we're not that good at, and figuring out how to succeed in them is the most important.  Your time in your college world should put these classes in front of everything else.  Any class that you take that is required and that you're not doing so well in should be at the top of your list.

This class that is causing you grief can be dealt with in a number of ways, we all learn and study different.  There's times when you think you studied your heart out, but when you get the test back, the number on top in red is lower than your shoe size.  It's happened to everyone, but there is hope.

"Thoroughly go over the syllabus and read the ins and outs," suggests Sharon Gormley, the project coordinator for the ACCESS Project at Hamilton College, a program that assists low-income parents go back to school to overcome poverty.  Gormley helps all students, most of them with very little time due to having children and jobs besides school, with academic support.  "Look at how much each section of the class is worth and you can assess from there what you need to work on.  For instance, if attendance is 15% of your grade, make sure to show up for every class.  If homework is 25% of your grade, make sure to hand it in.  If you keep adding up the percentages, you'll see the strong assets that you possess to bring to the table, and then be able to plan your time on what you need to focus on most, such as tests or quizzes."

There are always the options of using a tutor, starting a study group, or analyzing the book and past tests with a fine toothcomb so you fully comprehend everything that the class is offering.  The bottom line here, this class or classes should be where the majority of your time is spent.

Secondly, a portion of your other time should be spent on things you're good at.  Take that knowledge and special skills that you have and apply them to your class so you can achieve your full potential.  These classes are usually ones that are directly related to your major and your grade will reflect your love and interest for the field.  It could be that this class doesn't appear to be a major related course, like a management major taking a psychology course, but it can increase your experience and expertise in the end.  You've marketed yourself as a great package when schools or employers see that you not only excel in the classes related to your field, but in other pertinent areas as well.

Thirdly, that little smidgen of time that you have left, should be utilized for elective classes that really can't make or break you in the end.  For example, if you're a physical therapy major taking a theatre course, it will be a lot of fun, but don't use all your time memorizing all your lines in the play instead of all the bones in the body.  Make your priorities known while you're attending college.

One doesn't have to be staring at a clock while at school, but how you use your time in your studies will reflect your character and the impact that education has had on you in the end.