Page 18 - Mt. San Antonio College Planner & Student Handbook 2024-2025

Time Management
BEING A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT: IT’S ALL A MATTER OF TIME
A key method to balancing your first semester is to understand class expectations in college. One expectation will be that you will spend more time studying outside of class than time spent in class. For every hour you attend class, it is recommended that you study 2-3 hours outside of class.
For example, a full-time college student could attend classes on T/Th from 9a.m. to 3p.m. – a total of 12 hours in class. To be successful, this student should study 24-30 hours a week outside of class.
Once you get a feel for the time it takes you to complete your work and thoroughly learn the material, you’ll be able to balance your time better to incorporate other kinds of activities. Don’t overwhelm yourself during your first semester. As you become accustomed to college life, managing your time will become easier. Use the grid below as a general guideline:
If you work:
40 hours per week 30 hours per week 20 hours per week 5-15 hours per week 3-Unit Class =
Full-time load = 12 units or
Take no more than:
6 units
9 units
12 units
14-16 units
3 hours of classroom time
+6 hours of homework/outside assignments 9 hours total time
36 total hours
How to Succeed in College
Here’s a quick checklist of our recommendations: • Go to Class. If online, check CANVAS.
This may seem obvious, but your attendance is key so you can stay on top of what you need to do. • Study your syllabus.
Note key dates, make sure you have recommended literature. • Schedule everything.
This includes study time, sleep, time to cook/eat, grocery shop and more. • Meet a counselor. (909) 274-4380 | www.mtsac.edu/counseling
Consider scheduling an appointment in Oct/Nov for Winter & Spring. Then again in April/May for Summer & Fall.
Attend a MAP Workshop.
• Make an education plan.
Schedule an appointment with a counselor to plan out what courses you need to graduate/transfer/earn a certificate. • Get to know someone in class.
The conversations you have may lead to better understanding of the material. • Talk or email with your professors.
They all have office hours and are accessible via Canvas. • If you need help, find a tutor.
See Academic Support section in this planner. See page 29. • Get Social.
Include downtime and schedule in self-care.
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