by Shannon Lausch

Created on: June 27, 2009

While you're shopping for notebooks, textbooks, pens and paper for the start of your college term, don't forget to pick up a day planner. You may balk at the thought - especially if you were forced to keep one in high school. A day planner? In college? When you're entering a new independent phase? Psh! But don't scoff at the idea. Day planners can be a grade saver while you juggle your multiple college classes.

Day Planner Benefit 1: It's your up-to-date college syllabus

When you're filling out your day planner, you're most likely copying straight from your course's syllabus. A syllabus is typically given to you by your professor on your first day of class; it outlines class assignments, course expectations, and the grading scale.

So why not skip the planner and use the syllabus itself? A professor may add or drop assignments or change due dates. Of course, you can transcribe these changes to the syllabus itself with simple markings. But the most important benefit of planners is that they help your memory. Writing an assignment down is more memorable than simply passively reading it off your syllabus.

Day Planner Benefit 2: Keeping in touch with the small stuff

Most college professors assign textbook readings or small writing assignments for every class session. The small stuff is easy to miss, but it can snowball into a significant portion of your final grade. By keeping vigilant with these assignments by writing them down, you won't overlook them quite as easily.

What's the worse that can happen if you forget to read a chapter? A pop quiz. Yes, not all professors will break out a surprise quiz. But being dedicated toward readings and other assignments will prepare you for tests. And if class participation is part of your grade, being able to discuss the readings is important.

Day Planner Benefit 3: Seeing the big picture.

Sometimes it will seem as though all your professors have conspired against you; major assignments for multiple classes - tests, research papers and presentations - are often due in the same week. By writing your assignments in a planner ahead of time, you'll see this perfect storm brewing - and hopefully be able to prepare for it.

Day Planner Benefit 4: Less Stress

A day planner can give you some sense of control. You can calmly assess how a week will shape up beforehand and avoid any nasty surprises. By not having an organized outlook, you're adding unnecessary stress to your college experience.

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