Study Tip: Making An Exception In Your Study Schedule

We have written several exam tips about creating a study schedule and the importance of following your schedule, both in terms of studying when you’re supposed to and also knowing that there are times when it is OK not to be studying. No matter how good your plan is and how dedicated you are to your studies, every once in a while there will be a day or event that requires an exception to your study schedule. Here are some examples:

• After months of cold weather, it is finally a beautiful Spring day and your friends are all going to the concert in the park.
• Your new smartphone that you ordered has arrived and you want to get it set up and try all the new features.
• One of your family members just had a baby and everyone in your family is going to visit.
• Your favorite movie series just came out with a new movie.

On days like these, don’t waste your time trying to study when you know studying won’t be effective. Instead, spend a short amount of time doing practice questions or flash cards, find a time in the next couple of days to make up the time, and then go enjoy yourself. You will be much happier and your studies will be a lot more productive.

Of course, every day should not be an exception, but when you’re studying for several months there will be a few times when you adjustments are necessary. Enjoy your special event and then come back to your studies the next day when you can be focused on learning instead of wishing you were somewhere else.

Kevin Hock