As your child enters their senior year of high school, the college application process can quickly become overwhelming and feel like it is taking over everyone in the family's life. However, effective time management practices, including time blocks and accountability tools like spreadsheets, can ensure a smooth and successful college application journey. This blog will cover some of my favorite practices and give you a sneak peek at the spreadsheet I use to keep the students I work with on track.
Organization Tip #1: Time Blocking: A Powerful Strategy
One strategy I use to manage my time is time blocking, and it's an excellent way for your teen to handle their college applications, too! Break down tasks into time blocks: one for starting the application, one for brainstorming the activities list, one for drafting an essay, and so on.
The basic idea is to set aside an hour or more throughout the week for tasks you know need to be done. During that hour, focus solely on that task. Here’s why it works for me:
If something related to that task comes up throughout the day, I know I have it scheduled and can release it from my brain.
The time blocks keep me accountable and ensure I actually work on the task. Encourage your student to treat these time blocks as non-negotiable appointments.
Time blocking reduces multitasking. When you multi-task, things take longer and disrupt deep thinking, which leads to better and more creative ideas.
Organizational Tip #2: What are Your Big Three?
Another essential strategy is to help your student determine their big three for the week or day related to their college applications. Another game changer for me has been using my Full Focus Planner to map out my week's priorities. Setting my "big 3 wins" for the week and breaking down daily goals has been a game-changer! The planner also includes daily motivational quotes about the power of being intentional. The example below is one of my favorites from Dolly Parton, which reminds me of the importance of purposefully approaching the path-finding process after high school.
Organization Tip #3: Paper Planners Aren't Old School
Research has also shown that using a paper planner benefits students in the following ways (quotes below from Virginia Horan, presently the Chair of Communication, Literacy, and World Languages at Suffolk County Community College's Grant campus on Long Island):
Improved Focus. When students use a paper planner, they are typically focused solely on planning and organizing their tasks. Concentrating on only planning (no multi-tasking!) can help improve concentration compared to digital planners, which often include various features that can be distracting. I think we have all picked up our phones to do one thing and gone down a rabbit hole for 15 minutes only to put the phones down, and we never do the things we picked them up to do.
Tactile Impact. Writing down tasks and deadlines with your fingers can enhance memory retention and cognitive processing. Writing helps reinforce information and can contribute to better recall than typing on a keyboard or touchscreen.
Visual Impact. Paper planners often provide a clear visual overview of a student's schedule, deadlines, and tasks. This overview can help students better prioritize and manage their time effectively, as they can see everything laid out in one place.
Time Management Skills. Writing out plans and deadlines helps students develop stronger time management skills and a better sense of accountability. It's a more deliberate process that can reinforce good habits.
Reduced Screen Time. Many students already spend significant amounts of time on screens for studying and leisure activities. Using a paper planner reduces screen time, which can help reduce eye strain and potential distractions from notifications or other apps.
Organizational Tip #4: Accountability with Spreadsheets
Accountability is a critical component of effective time management. As a parent, you can help your student stay on track by using a spreadsheet to monitor their progress. I use a Google Spreadsheet to track my students' deadlines and progress through their applications.
You can create something similar to help them check off tasks as they go. The dashboard on the Common App lists all of the college’s deadlines and what is required for each college your teen is applying to. If you aren’t familiar with the Common App - check out my blog from last week: https://www.edpathcoach.com/post/common-application-resources-for-rising-seniors-and-their-parents, which takes you through all of the parts of that website:
Some tips for creating your own spreadsheet:
Create a Spreadsheet Template: Design a spreadsheet that includes columns for each task, the deadline for completion, the time block allocated, and a status update (e.g., not started, in progress, completed).
Track Progress Regularly: Have your student update the spreadsheet regularly to reflect their progress. The spreadsheet will visually represent their accomplishments and highlight areas that need more attention.
Set Check-In Meetings: Schedule regular check-in meetings with your student to review the spreadsheet together. During these meetings, discuss any challenges they may face and adjust the time blocks as needed.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate milestones and completed tasks. Positive reinforcement can motivate your student to stay committed to their schedule.
Additional Organizational Tips For College Application Success
In addition to time blocking, identifying your big three, paper planners, and using accountability spreadsheets, consider these additional time management tips:
Prioritize Tasks: Encourage your student to prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance. Tackling the most critical tasks first can reduce last-minute stress.
Limit Distractions: Create a dedicated workspace free from distractions where your student can focus on their applications. Encourage them to turn off notifications on their devices during time blocks.
Use Tools and Apps: Explore time management tools and apps that can help your student stay organized. Apps like Trello, Asana, and Google Calendar can be helpful for tracking tasks and deadlines.
Encourage Breaks: Remind your student to take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Short breaks can improve focus and productivity.
Conclusion
The college application process is exciting but can also be stressful in your child’s academic journey. By implementing effective time management practices such as time blocking, paper planners, and accountability tools like spreadsheets, you can help your rising senior stay organized and reduce stress. As a parent, your support and guidance are invaluable in helping your student navigate this complex process. With careful planning and consistent effort, your student can successfully complete their college applications and embark on the next exciting chapter of their educational journey.
As always, I look forward to your conversations with your students, teens, and young adults. Let's make this journey joyful and transformative for them!
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