Follow These 4 Quick Steps to Ensure You Prioritize the Most Important Class Requirements.
When you get your class syllabus don't just put it in your file folder. There are some key steps to take which will ensure you get organized and focus on the class requirements with the greatest impact on your grades.
Step 1. Review the syllabus to find out what the key categories are for grading.
This part of the syllabus breaks down exactly how much each class activity will be weighted in your overall grade. You now have a better idea of what class requirements demand the most time and devotion from you. Use a highlighter to mark these items.
Step 2. Look for critical due dates for assignments, projects, exams, etc.
Highlight these items as well.
Step 3. Use the Syllabus Tracker (Free PDF) to enter in all of the grading categories and important due dates for each class.
Do this right after you get your syllabus, so you can get organized right away and begin prioritizing the most important and impactful to do's for class.
Complete this process for every class as you receive each syllabus.
Step 4. Enter in all of the grading categories and percentage amounts from the Syllabus Tracker onto the Class Grading Snapshot (Free PDFs).
Now you can easily see at a glance how you will be evaluated by your professor and what activities you need to prioritize to have a successful semester.
If you have a bulletin or white board, use push pins or magnets to post the tracking sheets for quick and easy reference. The sheets can also be saved in a folder on your desk or scanned and saved electronically. They can be easily added to digital planners as well.
Your Syllabus is Just the Starting Point
Using your syllabus as a launching point to get organized for the semester is a wise choice.
A little bit of administrative time spent upfront will help you focus on the activities which most heavily impact your grade, which will help you be more productive and efficient with your limited time.