Days tick by. Then months. Deadlines race toward us with a vengeance. The college application process often feels like a battle against the clock. And often, we feel like we’re losing. While juggling an onslaught of never-ending tasks, from standardized tests, school examinations, capstone projects, research papers, and much more, it’s almost like you’re constantly running out of time. The question that’s always looming is, how can I make the most of my twenty-four hours? In this blog, you’ll learn exactly how to conqeur the clock and make the most of what you have most efficiently. Try out these three techniques to help you conquer this demon. With these tools in your kit, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master organizer! The Classic “To-Do” List…with a Twist! One of the simplest yet most reliable time management tools is making a list! As we jot things down on a document, spreadsheet, or paper, we declutter our minds, positively affecting productivity. The benefit of making a list is that it can be customized to your comfort, determining whether you wish to create a daily or weekly list. To master the clock, we suggest making not one, but TWO checklists: a “to-do” list and a “not-to-do” list. A to-do list will alert you to complete the tasks at hand immediately. At the same time, a not-to-do list saves you from wasting time on items that are not a priority. The “Matrix” If a simple list doesn’t quite suffice in your time management woes, then the Eisenhower Matrix can come to your rescue. We understand that there’s a lot on your plate at any given time. Yet not all tasks are equally important or urgent; therefore, it’s easier to compartmentalize everything to achieve the highest productivity levels. Start with making a list of all the things that you have to complete, and divide them into four sections, as follows: Urgent + Important [priority #1: do right away] Urgent + Less Important [priority #2: delegate for later] Less Urgent + Important [priority #3: decide when to do] Less Urgent + Less Important [priority #4: only to be done in free time] 3. The “Before it’s Done” Method If after making lists and matrixes you’re still struggling to manage your time, then we might have to pull out the big guns. Often, it gets tough to steer away from distractions, and that’s where the Parkinson’s Law method comes into the picture. The time management tool is all about setting deadlines successfully. Before allotting work to yourself, determine a way to calculate time—till a candle burns out, until your laptop’s battery is drained, or until the end of 5 songs. Deciding a time limit ahead of time decreases the chances of procrastination and also gives you something to look forward to. As you juggle the never-ending tasks of preparing for admission abroad, we sincerely hope that these tricks and tips will help you manage your time like a pro!