Time Management: The Most Valuable Investment You Can Make in High School

In a university application, many key skills and qualities contribute to a student’s acceptance. One of the most important—yet often overlooked—is time management. This skill is crucial not only for academic success but also for shaping a strong and well-prepared application.

The Continuous Pattern

Many students set goals for themselves before entering high school, such as “I will study 5-6 days before an exam” or “I will start my projects as soon as they are assigned,” but often struggle to follow through when the time comes. The constant pattern of procrastination and lack of care in managing these goals are incredibly common especially when students misjudge how long reading, studying, or writing actually takes.

All of these patterns followed by 78% of students can lead to cramming, low-quality work, and poor grades. As a result, many fail to realize that effective time management directly supports academic performance.

Why Time Management Matters

A college study, Misra and McKean (2000), found that college students with poor time-management skills tend to experience higher levels of academic stress and achieve lower grades. Their study showed that students who allocate their time effectively to study tasks not only improve their academic performance but also reduce anxiety.

Contrasting another college study, Britton and Tesser (1991), which found that college students who practiced effective time-management strategies—such as planning study schedules, setting priorities, and avoiding procrastination—achieved higher GPAs than those who did not, leading to an increase in academic performance. Based on these two different studies, the importance of time management significantly affects student performance. Additionally, managing time gives students a sense of control and reduces the last-minute rush.

Mastering Time Management in High School

There are many effective methods college students use to manage their time. The first method is using a planner or digital calendar. Writing down all deadlines, exams, and events helps you see your workload clearly and plan ahead. Apps like Calendar, Notion, or MyStudyLife can remind you of upcoming tasks and help you block out time for studying, extracurricular activities, and rest. Another method is minimizing distractions for effective time management. Try putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” using focus apps like Forest, or finding a quiet, clutter-free space to work. Reducing interruptions improves concentration and makes study time more productive.

Another effective—yet often overlooked—time management strategy is to avoid overcommitting to clubs, activities, or social events especially if it means sacrificing your priorities or well-being. While some high-achieving students believe that doing everything is the key to earning scholarships, taking on too much can actually shift your focus away from more important responsibilities and lead to burnout.

Sources:

- Misra and McKean (2000)

- Britton and Tesser (1991)