How to Create a Study Schedule

Life will constantly present you with tasks that require rapid research and memorization. Whether it is for school or for work, studying does not end in the classroom. If you take the time to learn how to study effectively, you will save time and energy in the long run. Here are some ways to develop a productive study schedule that will lead you on the track to success.

Things You'll Need

• Pens and/or pencils
• Paper

Instructions

1. Target your goals. Each week before you create a study schedule, state clear goals you would like to acheive in each subject, or the checkpoints you would like to reach. Then, prioritize these goals from most important to least important. Write this out and put it somewhere you can see it. The visual reminder will keep you on track.

2. Use the 2-1 rule. For every hour of class time or work time, you should allocate two hours of study time. Add the total amount of study time for the week, and distribute throughout your schedule. Starting with the highest priority item, pick a time slot when you know you are the most alert and focused (e.g., after lunch time). Do this for each item on the list, placing the highest priority items during the hours of greater alertness and working your way down to the lowest priority items until you have found an appropriate time slot for each task.

3. Use the 50/60 rule. Studying is most effective when you take a 10-minute break for every 50 minutes of studying. Make sure to not do anything that will distract you too much. Step outside to take a breath of fresh air, stretch or grab a light snack to refuel your mind. Be sure to set a timer and stick to the schedule when your break is over.

4. Repetition and consistency count. Arrange your study schedule so you can revisit the same subject or task at least every other day. Too much time in between study sessions can make it hard for to pick up where you left off.

5. Completion and reward. Once you have completed your goals for the week, take a night off to reward your hard work by doing something that you enjoy. Rest, relax and prepare yourself for the next set of goals. Knowing that you have one night off a week will give you an incentive to keep working hard.

References

• USMLEhelp
• adprima
• findlay