Though most of us don’t enjoy studying, it’s an unavoidable part of attending school, both in the U.S. and all over the world. From elementary school through the end of your tenure in the higher education system, you’ll be expected to retain and recall information accurately on a regular basis. Many people engage in procrastination when it’s time to hit the books, but there are few things that can be more detrimental to your ability to succeed. If you’re struggling to keep up or are about to start the school year, keep reading for some tips on how to design a study schedule and when to take a break.
How can you design a realistic study schedule?
Many higher education institutions offer students incredibly demanding curricula. For many students, maintaining their grades is essential if they want to keep scholarships, financial aid awards, and other types of financial assistance. Some schools also require a specific GPA to participate in athletics. One of the most difficult parts of studying properly on most campuses is avoiding procrastination. Spreading your studying out over a longer period of time can play a significant part in retaining information more effectively.
There are some fields, like higher education law and the legal arena generally, that will require an intense amount of studying. Future attorneys who hope to handle high-profile litigation will need a thorough education. Bringing lawsuits and providing legal advice requires extensive experience. If you procrastinate, you won’t just be affecting your academic career, you’ll be jeopardizing your ability to provide quality legal representation in the future.
If you’re interested in a legal career, higher education can be an interesting area of focus due to the complicated nature of the legal issues and state laws involved. Civil rights, first amendment law, sexual violence and sexual assault, Title IX discrimination, affirmative action, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity are just some of the other policy issues a lawyer can focus on addressing.
When should you take a break?
COVID-19 has made finding safe and relaxing activities a little more challenging in places like the United States. If you have a condition that qualifies for accommodations under the ADA, it may be a good idea to contact an administrator from your university or community college. They can provide you with a response and more information on education programs or other changes that can be made to help suit your needs. Generally, the best time to take a break is when you feel like you’ve stopped retaining information or are heading toward burnout.
Video games can also be a great way to keep your brain stimulated. Strategy games like League of Legends from Riot Games are particularly engaging. If you have an hour or two to relax, check out the most recent League of Legends patch notes and join up with your friends for an afternoon gaming session. Staying updated is key since many patches bring significant changes.
Believe it or not, there is even research to suggest that some strategy games can help develop critical thinking skills. Thinking about team formation, balance changes, making in-game adjustments, and mastering the late game is challenging and fun. Even deciding what armor to use can make a big difference. If you want to lay waste to your enemies and drain your target’s current health quickly, you’ll need to develop your skills.
Every educational institution comes with its own challenges. As your schooling gets more advanced, you’ll have an ever-increasing amount of information to retain and work to manage. That can be difficult for even the most attentive student. However, if you want to have the best career opportunities after you graduate, excelling in your classes is of the utmost importance. No matter what type of institutions of higher education you attend, being able to study in an effective and efficient way will be essential if you want to achieve academic success.
