Are you wondering if you will have enough time this winter to make a season ski pass worthwhile? Do you want to avoid spending hopeless hours studying the night before an exam? Follow these six steps and learn how to really control your own life using a (1) Course Requirement Worksheet, (2) Assignment List, (3) Master Schedule, (4) Weekly Schedule, (5) Daily "To Do" List  (6) Semester Calendar.

Step 1.     Complete Course Requirement Work Sheets (see page 5) for each of your classes at the beginning of the semester.

•  Make a copy for each course you are taking.
•  Examine your syllabus for each class (if there is one) for any information provided there.
• Ask instructors for any missing information either in class or after class.

Step 2.     Prepare the Assignment List (see page 6) for all of your courses for the entire semester.

• Make enough copies of the to list all of your course work for the quarter.  Save a blank for future copies.
• Fill in each specific assignment for each course.  Try to keep the assignments in small units which will fit as closely as possible in a 50-minute block of time by breaking long-term assignments (like papers) into sub-parts which are listed separately.  (For example:  1. develop topic;  2. library search;  3. outline;   4. first draft;  5. second draft;  6. type.)  List all readings by number of pages (rather than just by topics or chapters).
• Develop a time estimate for how long you expect each activity to take.  You will probably underestimate, so begin by doubling your first guess.  You can revise your estimate as you learn more about how you actually work.
• Enter the dates when assignments (or sub-parts of assignments) should be completed.

• Enter your course schedule.
• Enter other routine meetings and responsibilities (e.g., work, church, etc.)
• Enter routine mealtimes, travel time, sleep, exercise, etc.
• Enter regular time for recreation (social hobbies, athletics, private time).

Step 4.     Construct a Weekly Schedule.  You are now ready to use copies of your Master Schedule as a base for your weekly schedule.  (Be sure you make enough copies for the whole semester.)

• Plan your activities in a time block of 50 minutes, followed by  a 10 minute break.
• Plug your study times into your schedule using your most alert times of the day for studying.
• For a lecture-type class, use time blocks immediately after class to review notes.
• For recitation-type class (i.e., a foreign language) use time blocks immediately before the class to keep material fresh in your mind.
• Prioritize your most important activities into your schedule first to enable you to get them done on time.  Start early.
• Use your schedule to allow 8 hours of sleep a night and adequate time for eating a well-balanced diet.  Both are vital for efficiency during the day.
• Start by allowing at least 2 hours of study for every hour of class time.  Then adjust accordingly to master your material, not just cover it.
• After trying your schedule, make the necessary adjustments to create the best and most workable schedule for you.  Some students do best with a detailed weekly schedule, or a more simplified list of things to do, or one in between.  Your revision is your key to an effective schedule of living.

Remember, completing your list is not as important as making the best use of your time during the day.

 Step 6.     Make a Semester Calendar.  This is a valuable method of visualizing upcoming events and responsibilities (e.g., exam dates, project dates and meeting dates, etc.).  Keep it in a visible place.   Don't overfill it.