4 answers
Alexander
Student
Millville, New Jersey
1
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What is one piece of advice do you have for a 1st year college student to help stay on top of your schedule with assignments and exam study/prep ? #fall25
What is one piece of advice do you have for a 1st year college student to help stay on top of your schedule with assignments and exam study/prep?
#fall25
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1061
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I strongly advise against cramming, because it as an ineffective and physically draining approach to learning. You might try using the following analogies and principles:
The Marathon Analogy: Long study sessions and cramming is like "running a full marathon the day before an actual marathon competition". Basically, if a student is physically and mentally exhausted from last-minute overexertion, their actual exam performance will suffer significantly.
Mental Fatigue Limits: The brain, is much like the body, and it has a specific endurance limit. It can only process new information effectively for about 20 minutes before fatigue sets in. So, study for 20 minute intervals, and then take a small break to refresh the mind.
Declining Returns: When students try to cram for long, uninterrupted stretches (such as an hour), they typically only remember the first third of what they read. Once the brain is fatigued, it stops processing new information entirely, making the remaining time spent "studying" wasted effort. If you want to test this concept, try reading a book for an hour. You will find that you only remembered the first one third of what you read. The rest was not processed because your brain got fatigued and stopped processing the information you read.
Light Review Alternative: Instead of cramming, I recommend performing only light reviews the day before an exam to alleviate fatigue and ensure that the student is at "peak performance" on the day of the test.
Success through Preparation: I can also cite the John Wooden maxim that "failing to prepare is preparing to fail," which means that that organized, interval-based schedules are the only reliable way to achieve high results.
The Marathon Analogy: Long study sessions and cramming is like "running a full marathon the day before an actual marathon competition". Basically, if a student is physically and mentally exhausted from last-minute overexertion, their actual exam performance will suffer significantly.
Mental Fatigue Limits: The brain, is much like the body, and it has a specific endurance limit. It can only process new information effectively for about 20 minutes before fatigue sets in. So, study for 20 minute intervals, and then take a small break to refresh the mind.
Declining Returns: When students try to cram for long, uninterrupted stretches (such as an hour), they typically only remember the first third of what they read. Once the brain is fatigued, it stops processing new information entirely, making the remaining time spent "studying" wasted effort. If you want to test this concept, try reading a book for an hour. You will find that you only remembered the first one third of what you read. The rest was not processed because your brain got fatigued and stopped processing the information you read.
Light Review Alternative: Instead of cramming, I recommend performing only light reviews the day before an exam to alleviate fatigue and ensure that the student is at "peak performance" on the day of the test.
Success through Preparation: I can also cite the John Wooden maxim that "failing to prepare is preparing to fail," which means that that organized, interval-based schedules are the only reliable way to achieve high results.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Alexander. My advice is: stay organized and plan your time well. At the start of the semester, you can write down all your deadlines, exam dates, and important events in a planner or digital calendar. Seeing everything in one place helps you know what's coming and makes it easier to plan ahead.
You can also break big tasks into smaller steps. For example, if you have a research paper due in three weeks, you could do research in week one, write the first draft in week two, and edit in week three. This prevents stress and makes tasks feel manageable. The same applies to exam preparation, you can study a little each day instead of cramming the night before.
Additionally, you should set aside specific times to study, review notes, and work on assignments. You can also use the resources around you, for example, join study groups, attend review sessions, and ask your professors or teaching assistants for help when you need it. Staying proactive ensures you keep up with your work instead of falling behind. All the best.
You can also break big tasks into smaller steps. For example, if you have a research paper due in three weeks, you could do research in week one, write the first draft in week two, and edit in week three. This prevents stress and makes tasks feel manageable. The same applies to exam preparation, you can study a little each day instead of cramming the night before.
Additionally, you should set aside specific times to study, review notes, and work on assignments. You can also use the resources around you, for example, join study groups, attend review sessions, and ask your professors or teaching assistants for help when you need it. Staying proactive ensures you keep up with your work instead of falling behind. All the best.
Katie Ross, NREMT
EMS
4
Answers
East Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi! As a fellow first year college student, here's what's been working for me! I always have a to-do list. I write something down and it's deadline the second I hear about it so I don't forget. I also check my courses syllabus frequently for any updates. At the beginning of the semester I made an assignment tracker from each syllabus so I don't forget about deadlines. For exams, after each class, review the notes/activity from that day. This keeps the information fresh in your head. At the end of the week, review all material from that week. Then, a week before the exam, start studying. Figure out what learning style works best for you. For me it is doing practice questions and teaching other people the topic. To keep yourself accountable, I recommend a study group and going to office/help hours. Good luck, you got this!
Evelyn Nguyen
3
Answers
Anaheim, California
Updated
Evelyn’s Answer
Hello! Personally, I find it very helpful to have a planner or some organized system to stay on top of tasks weekly. At the start of the year, establish a routine by setting time for assignments, studying, extracurricular activities, and friends and family. Additionally, to stay motivated, remember to take breaks and reward yourself once in a while. It can also be helpful to join study groups to help with any questions you have.