By Saloni Singh
Twelfth graders are feeling the pressure. It’s more important now than ever to get the best marks we can achieve, but there’s so much to think about. Exams are two weeks away. We’ve got summative projects to complete, universities or colleges to apply to, and, arguably the most frustrating of them all, scholarship essays to write!
I’ve heard a lot of frustrated grumbling going on (and I must admit, some of it has come from myself), about the torturous task of applying for scholarships. All of them seem to require essays. When is one to find time to write a 1000 word essay about themselves and their future goals, when they’ve got a test the next day?
Managing school, homework, applications, scholarships, extracurriculars, and friends can be quite a challenge sometimes. However, it’s all about time management! Time management will not only come in handy now, but later on when managing university or college course loads, or in the workforce. There’s a lot to distract you, but trying out these tips will help you stay on track.
1. Go into a Temporary Social Recession
This isn’t exactly the most appealing way to get things done, but I’ve definitely seen it work. A friend of mine made this decision, “I decided to hole myself up in the science clinic every lunch by myself for a week, so I could get my Queen’s scholarship done.” An hour a day for a week. That’s 5 hours to spend working on scholarships, studying for a test, or finishing up a report without cutting into class or homework time.
2. Just Pick One and Get Started!
Sometimes, while surfing sites like StudentAwards.com, there are so many scholarships to pick from, it can be overwhelming. I spent a long time just reading through them all and making a list of ones to apply for, without having even begun any. That’s when I realized the best way to get this done, was to get it started. Once you find a scholarship that looks good to you, just get started on it. The same thing applies to schoolwork, too. Skip the procrastination, and get started on that report, essay, or lab.
3. Set Goals for Yourself
It’s good to make a personal timeline. Plan to send in a scholarship application every two weeks, or to finish up that Sociology report over the weekend. Having a time-line or to-do list helps keep you on track. Do things that are due sooner, or are more important, first. Deadlines seem to be really far away until the week that they are due, so avoid them creeping up on you by getting things done by a certain time.
4. Reward Yourself
Here’s my favourite tip: take the time to relax! Sometimes it’s good to relax and let your brain recharge. Kick back after finishing up a report or essay and read a book or watch TV. Go out with friends on the weekend after a long week of school. I like to take a 15-minute break after an hour of studying. Just remember that that break should stay 15 minutes, and not stretch to the rest of the night!