Time management in the final year of school

The final year of school/First year uni can be a tough year. If you want to do well and obtain entry into medicine, you have to put in the effort and work. On top of assessments and exams, there is also UCAT preparation. How do you fit it all in? We have tips for you below on how to optimise your time.

UCAT preparation is a subject

A lot of students find it a difficult task to manage all their subjects and do UCAT preparation as well. But the process can be made easier starting with a simple mindset change. Treat UCAT preparation as if it were one of your subjects. By thinking of the UCAT this way, you will be reminded to study for it regularly. This could mean doing UCAT revision every night. If you want to get into medicine or other health fields, you have to remember that your ATAR is not the only factor taken into account. The UCAT also plays a significant part. In fact, a good way to look at it is that the UCAT is a subject that has its exam earlier in the year!

Setting time limits

A good way to include UCAT preparation as a subject is to set a time for doing practice UCAT exams. Have certain weeks where you will do a practice exam – school holidays might be ideal. Spend some time before that week studying for it by attempting some drills and reading the guides at your own pace. Not only does this strategy make you study for the UCAT, it also develops self-directed learning. Learning in universities is independent. Lecturers do not regularly remind you of up-coming assessments or help you stay on top of what you are learning – it is your responsibility.

MedEntry is Online!

It is already difficult trying keep on top of all your subjects at school. So why add another class to go to? MedEntry provides UCAT preparation courses online. It eliminates having to fit in another class during the day, clashing with other activities, and having to get to an inconvenient venue. You can work at your own pace and focus on areas that you are struggling with. If you have questions, just email one of our online tutors, or ask your personal tutor if you have a diamond package. It is much better to make your own study plan than be stuck in a class where you are being taught what you are already good at. Online learning optimises the way you study – you can study when you want, what you want and where you want. There is also a two full days of teaching face to face with an expert at all major cities where you can interact with your peers, ask questions etc.

Splitting your time

It is easy to lose track of time when all you are trying to do is get on top of assessments. This can lead to spending too much time on one subject but not enough on others. Therefore, it is a good idea to set a maximum limit on each subject. By having a maximum limit of about 4 hours per subject per week, you can fit more into one night’s worth of study time.

Play to your strengths

Playing to your strengths means focusing on the subjects required for your course. Some courses require a certain study score in order to be eligible. This means if you are doing a subject which you are not really good at, but it is required for your course, you should spend more time on it so that you can improve. You may be good at another, but it may have a low scaling or is non-compulsory. Therefore, it is a better idea to focus on the more “important” subjects.

A final word:

The final year of school/First year uni passes very quickly, but at times it can feel like a drag. It is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you are just living from assessment to assessment. Whilst it is important you study for your assessments, you need to know what you are studying for.

Goals and Motivation

Set a goal to work towards throughout the year – this may be the course you wish to get into. It serves as motivation for all your studies. Whenever you get tired of studying for a subject or you are stressed, take a breath and remember that all this work you are putting in now goes towards achieving your goal.