9 answers
Melvin
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
4
Questions
Updated
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How should I manage my time ?
How should I manage my time being in ninth grade? (Only when being in finals because it's a lot of work. Homewourk and studying for test.)
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9 answers
Ram Chandra
Consulting
2
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Ram’s Answer
It's great that you see how important time management is. Many people find it challenging, but you can definitely get better at it. There are always more tasks than time, but here are two methods that have really worked for me over the years:
1. Urgency-Importance Matrix: This tool, inspired by the Eisenhower Matrix, helps you figure out what to tackle first by sorting tasks into four categories. It's a simple way to prioritize.
2. Time Blocking: Break your day into 4 or 5 blocks based on your waking hours. I like to work in focused sessions of 60 to 90 minutes, followed by a short break of 15–20 minutes doing something different. This keeps things fresh and productive. I also schedule time for easier tasks that don't need much brainpower. The goal is to finish each task within its time block. For more insights, check out Cal Newport's book, How to Become a Straight-A Student, and his other works on this topic.
Remember, the key is to use the urgency-importance matrix to figure out what matters most, then fit each task into the right time block. You can do this!
1. Urgency-Importance Matrix: This tool, inspired by the Eisenhower Matrix, helps you figure out what to tackle first by sorting tasks into four categories. It's a simple way to prioritize.
2. Time Blocking: Break your day into 4 or 5 blocks based on your waking hours. I like to work in focused sessions of 60 to 90 minutes, followed by a short break of 15–20 minutes doing something different. This keeps things fresh and productive. I also schedule time for easier tasks that don't need much brainpower. The goal is to finish each task within its time block. For more insights, check out Cal Newport's book, How to Become a Straight-A Student, and his other works on this topic.
Remember, the key is to use the urgency-importance matrix to figure out what matters most, then fit each task into the right time block. You can do this!
Suman Niroula
5
Answers
Updated
Suman’s Answer
Melvin, this is a great question, and honestly the fact that you're asking it now puts you ahead of a lot of students. Finals season can feel like a lot all at once, so let's break it down.
I actually used to work as an academic coach, and time management was one of the biggest things students came to me for. Here's what I saw work again and again.
First, write everything down. A lot of students I worked with felt overwhelmed simply because everything was floating around in their head. Once we listed out every test and assignment with its due date, things felt way more manageable. Seeing it on paper makes it real and less scary.
Second, study in shorter chunks. I had students who tried to study for three hours straight and just burned out. Instead, we'd do something like 30 to 40 minutes of focused work, then a short break. They'd get way more done that way and actually remember the material.
Third, start with the hardest or most important subject first, while your brain is fresh. One student of mine always saved math for last when she was tired, and it never went well. Once she flipped her order, her grades and her stress both improved.
And don't forget sleep. I know it's tempting to stay up late cramming, but every student I saw do better during finals was the one getting real rest. Your brain locks in what you learned while you sleep.
You've got this, Melvin. The fact that you're planning ahead already tells me you're going to do just fine.
Make a simple list of all your finals and assignments with their due dates so you can see everything in one place.
Try studying in short focused blocks with breaks in between, and see what timing works best for you.
Tackle your hardest subject first while your energy is highest.
I actually used to work as an academic coach, and time management was one of the biggest things students came to me for. Here's what I saw work again and again.
First, write everything down. A lot of students I worked with felt overwhelmed simply because everything was floating around in their head. Once we listed out every test and assignment with its due date, things felt way more manageable. Seeing it on paper makes it real and less scary.
Second, study in shorter chunks. I had students who tried to study for three hours straight and just burned out. Instead, we'd do something like 30 to 40 minutes of focused work, then a short break. They'd get way more done that way and actually remember the material.
Third, start with the hardest or most important subject first, while your brain is fresh. One student of mine always saved math for last when she was tired, and it never went well. Once she flipped her order, her grades and her stress both improved.
And don't forget sleep. I know it's tempting to stay up late cramming, but every student I saw do better during finals was the one getting real rest. Your brain locks in what you learned while you sleep.
You've got this, Melvin. The fact that you're planning ahead already tells me you're going to do just fine.
Suman recommends the following next steps:
Varsha Prasad
Senior Applications Developer
10
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Varsha’s Answer
Try making a daily to-do list and tackle your most important tasks first. Set up a simple schedule that includes schoolwork, activities, breaks, and fun time. Make sure to finish your homework and studying before diving into entertainment or social media. Break big assignments into smaller tasks and work on them regularly. Stay organized, avoid distractions, and get enough sleep to keep yourself productive and balanced. I've used these tips for over twenty years, not just in school but also at work and in life, to manage my time well.
Daniel Azrak
Cyber Security
11
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Be realistic with your time is my advice. When you have a lot to do, its overwhelming. It becomes worse when you realize you have limited time to accomplish what you want to do. You can achieve a lot but you need to be mindful of what you take on and plan accordingly. If I have 6 tasks that will take 30 minutes to do each and its 8pm at night. I will put a time for myself to get a good night rest. Therefore, I will realistically look at my list and say okay, these 3 things are most important I will do them tonight and these other 3 items will need to be done tomorrow. It is important to respect yourself first and foremost before everything else. Be patient and most importantly be realistic with your tasks and time management. Keep taking one step at a time and you will get to your goal in the end there is no need to always sprint there :) Best of luck!
Deepti S
Strategy and Transformation
11
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Deepti’s Answer
A good way to handle ninth grade during finals is to keep your plan simple. Start by listing every assignment, test, and deadline, then rank them by urgency and difficulty so you know what to tackle first. This is how break and prioritize my day EVERYDAY. Break studying into short chunks, like 25–45 minutes at a time, and take short breaks so you don’t burn out. If possible, start with the hardest subject when your energy is highest, and leave easier review for later.
It also helps to avoid trying to do everything at once. Focus on the classes that need the most attention, and don’t be afraid to ask teachers for clarification if something is unclear. Sleep matters too, pulling an all-nighter usually hurts more than it helps. The goal is staying organized enough to get through finals without feeling overwhelmed.
It also helps to avoid trying to do everything at once. Focus on the classes that need the most attention, and don’t be afraid to ask teachers for clarification if something is unclear. Sleep matters too, pulling an all-nighter usually hurts more than it helps. The goal is staying organized enough to get through finals without feeling overwhelmed.
Slesha Katkade
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Geneva, Illinois
Updated
Slesha’s Answer
I totally get it. Having lots to do with a deadline can feel really overwhelming. Here's a tip that might help: try making a weekly schedule from Monday to Friday. Set aside certain times for important tasks and also for activities that help you relax and feel good. This way, you can recharge and be ready for the next task, like homework or assignments. Creating a timetable worked well for me in high school, and it might work for you too!
Abhijit Reddy Thumma
Assistant Manager
6
Answers
Tontitown, AR
Updated
Abhijit Reddy’s Answer
Hi Melvin, try breaking your tasks into smaller, manageable goals and focus on finishing them one at a time. Even if you have 100 tasks and only complete 10 in a day, those small victories add up over time. Some days might be busy, but having a plan really helps. If you have 5 hours a day, divide your time wisely between coursework and exam prep. Remember, staying consistent is very important. You've got this!
Hovendra Parasram
Tax Consultant
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Hovendra’s Answer
Here's a helpful way to manage your time during 9th grade finals when homework and test prep are overwhelming.
Create a daily 3-part list:
1. Must do today: Finish homework due soon and study for tomorrow's test.
2. Should do today: Start preparing for finals coming up.
3. Could do later: Do lighter review or extra practice.
Plan your afternoon and night:
Use short, focused sessions like 25 minutes of studying followed by a 5-minute break. After three sessions, take a longer break. This keeps you fresh and prevents burnout.
Study by subject, not everything at once:
Try 25 minutes on math, 25 minutes on science, and 25 minutes on vocabulary or reading. This makes studying feel more manageable.
Tackle the hardest subject first:
If one class stresses you out, do it when you have the most energy. Save easier tasks for later.
Use homework as a study tool:
If homework helps with a test, treat it as a review to get more out of it.
Don’t aim for perfection:
Focus on being prepared, not perfect. A solid plan is better than a long one you can’t finish.
Prioritize sleep:
Staying up too late can hurt your memory. Sleep is an important part of studying.
Remember: Do the most urgent task first, then study for the next test. This way, you stay on track and prepare well for finals.
Create a daily 3-part list:
1. Must do today: Finish homework due soon and study for tomorrow's test.
2. Should do today: Start preparing for finals coming up.
3. Could do later: Do lighter review or extra practice.
Plan your afternoon and night:
Use short, focused sessions like 25 minutes of studying followed by a 5-minute break. After three sessions, take a longer break. This keeps you fresh and prevents burnout.
Study by subject, not everything at once:
Try 25 minutes on math, 25 minutes on science, and 25 minutes on vocabulary or reading. This makes studying feel more manageable.
Tackle the hardest subject first:
If one class stresses you out, do it when you have the most energy. Save easier tasks for later.
Use homework as a study tool:
If homework helps with a test, treat it as a review to get more out of it.
Don’t aim for perfection:
Focus on being prepared, not perfect. A solid plan is better than a long one you can’t finish.
Prioritize sleep:
Staying up too late can hurt your memory. Sleep is an important part of studying.
Remember: Do the most urgent task first, then study for the next test. This way, you stay on track and prepare well for finals.
Julie Harrison
Principal Sales Development Consultant
4
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Hello! I recommend coming up with a detailed study schedule. Each subject requiring study/attention can have a dedicated portion of your daily or weekly schedule. You can also use AI to help generate a schedule that works for you. Be sure to schedule in down time and wellness checks to make sure you are taking good care of yourself, so you can perform your best on any exams/projects/papers...While this may feel like drudgery for a while, remember these are investments into your future and finals will be over soon. You'll feel much better knowing you set a schedule and tried your best than you will with anything less.