Tips for Achieving Your Academic Goals

A new school year has just begun, and as a junior taking lots of AP classes, my schedule can get pretty rough sometimes. With so many things to do, I realized that it is essential to keep track of what I’d like to accomplish each day in order to get everything done properly.

However, in addition to performing well on schoolwork, our mental health and rest is just as significant. Here are some tips I’ve picked up on time management:

1. Start becoming accustomed to using a planner, agenda, calendar, etc. 

   • Although I sometimes struggle with keeping my planner updated, I find it extremely useful whenever I write in it. Us humans tend to forget things, which is why it’s a good idea to jot our goals inside an agenda that we can open later in the week as a reminder. 
   • Planners are also reliable in a sense that they can be carried anywhere with you. The most convenient method would be putting a planner inside your backpack, allowing you to access it whenever needed. Similarly, whenever you have a calendar, it should be put somewhere around your desk so you’re exposed to it as often as possible. Doing these things can also remind you to check your planner/calendar frequently. 

2. Manage your time well.

   • This tip may already be obvious to many of us, but there’s a difference between knowing and acting. The expectations we set for ourselves can range from short-term to long-term, but none of it matters if we don’t take steps toward achieving them. Furthermore, if we push too many things off to do later, our mental health can be at risk if we don’t get enough sleep. 
   • To stay on task and keep track of my time, I personally use the Pomodoro Technique. This method includes setting timers for around 50 minutes to study before taking a 10 minute break right after. 
   • It’s also an amazing idea to make yourself comfortable while you study. Play some of your favorite music, for example! Lofi beats are a fantastic option for starters.

3. Treat yourself: buy new markers and other study materials! 

   • School is easiest when you treat it as somewhat of an aesthetic. This can be a hard thing to do sometimes, but keeping your desk clean and using cute stationary can help. When I first got my new set of Mildliners, I was so excited to use them, which encouraged me to read my history book and highlight helpful lines.

Jessica Ma

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