My first year at UC Davis, I learned a piece of advice that helped me all throughout college. I became a tour guide in winter quarter of that year and met a group of seniors who told me the best way to set yourself up for success is to manage your time wisely.

Active time management is key to my productivity as I enter my fourth year of college. I create task lists and use tools that fit my life. A successful week for me involves crossing off every task on my list. This gives me a sense of accomplishment and drives me to aim higher.

Honing my time management skills helps me feel optimistic and excited as I explore new activities instead of overwhelmed and nervous. I apply that advice every day, as I take more classes, master new skills and participate in hands-on internships. 

This application season, pass along this same advice to prospective college students. 

Start with the application basics

Create an application account and begin to fill out your contact information. Get this out of the way and then take a look around the website to determine other information that the university requires. By taking this first step, you gain awareness of all the documentation you need to submit, especially the pieces – unofficial transcripts, test scores, etc. – that take longer to retrieve.

Track tasks and personal interests  

Utilize spreadsheets to organize the colleges you apply to, majors you are interested in and personal information, like extracurricular activities. When I applied to college, it was helpful to see all my interests in one place. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with so much information needed for each application. Tackle the easiest tasks first.

Then, make a checklist of application items you need time to gather. Use a notes app or write things down on a piece of paper —  just make sure you don’t lose your list! Personally, I like to use an online calendar to keep track of my tasks.

Universities want to make sure you are a well-rounded student and therefore ask for a lot of materials. Examples of items for your checklist include:

• Unofficial transcripts

• Personal statements or other writing supplements

• List of extracurriculars

• Letters of recommendation

Apply early and ask for help

Ask friends, family, teachers and advisors as early as possible if you need recommendation letters or someone to review your written supplements. Give them enough time to write and yourself enough time to collect all your materials before the deadline. A tip I found useful is to attach your resume for your teachers and advisors to reference. Your teachers know you in class but your resume reveals strengths they might not see.

For me, the written supplements were the hardest part of the college application process, e. Most questions or essay prompts are open ended, so there are many ways to talk about yourself. In addition to this, students must adhere to traditionally strict word limits. Begin to brainstorm ideas and start to write early so there is time for someone to review your answers and for you to revise.

Benefits of time management 

I experience incredible opportunities now because I employed active time management during my application process and beyond. I served as a counselor for a non-profit organization called Cal Aggie Camp, expanded my communications skills through the UC Davis Tour Guide Program and completed a study abroad internship where I taught English at an elementary school in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It’s a simple skill but sets the stage for a lot of things. Set yourself up for success now and enjoy the benefits over your time at college.