SPARK: Student Papers and Academic Research Kit: Assignment Preparation

Review your weekly schedule and identify the available times for working on your major assignments and essays. If no time is remaining for these, you will need to consider whether you are overcommitted and should limit the time associated with some of your activities, or possibly withdraw from one or two altogether.

While some students can work at a steady pace throughout the term, most students find that they work to deadlines. They increase the amount of time spent on essays as the submission deadlines approach. If you work in this manner, you must ensure that you have a sufficient amount of flexible time in your schedule. Identify which part of your schedule can be realistically adjusted during times of high demand.

1. Block off a bit of time each week for working on your essays, no matter when they are due. Identify times during the week when you know you can add more hours if needed, as you approach the deadline.
2. Review the sample schedule below.

Notice in the sample schedule the addition of major assignment preparation time and additional preparation time.

• Classes
• Commuting time
• Part-time job
• Swimming
• Class preparation by course name/number
• Assignment preparation time
• Additional assignment time if needed