Going into UC San Diego, I never imagined I would be graduating one full year early and going straight into optometry school, but here I am! Of course, this was not an easy feat. Like many of you, I was juggling school, work, clubs, and studying for the OAT. Knowing that I wanted to graduate early, I learned very quickly how to make the most of my time. Whether you are just starting your first year in undergrad or getting ready to submit your application, here are my tips and tricks for balancing everything on your plate.
Determine the most effective study method for you. Studying looks different for everyone and while one approach may work for you, it may not work for your friend. Personally, I found that creating comprehensive study guides was the most useful. I was able to review all the material and pick out the most important information. By determining which strategy worked best for me, I could study less (everyone’s favorite thing to hear), take on a heavier course load, and maintain a high GPA.
Google/Apple Calendar is your best friend. Now, this doesn’t necessarily need to be aesthetically color-coded, but I highly recommend having some sort of planner. In fact, a couple scribbles on a post-it note that outlines your day is enough. By having a general idea of your day/week/month, you can use your time more productively and allot time for extracurriculars without being too overwhelmed. For example, my Wednesdays consisted of work from 8am-1:30pm, classes from 2-5pm, and club meetings from 6:30-8pm. This might look hectic, but you’ll find that you can balance more than you think with some effective time management.
Take advantage of your summer break. For me, summer break lasted about three months and I used that time to get the bulk of my optometric experience. By putting in a couple hours each day, my time at work and volunteering quickly accumulated to the hundreds and I was given more leeway to prioritize classes during the school year. I also used the summer to study and take the OAT, which ultimately reduced my later workload. Regardless, make sure to give yourself a well-deserved break!
These are some tips I learned along the way, but I hope this helps you optimize your time. Balancing school, leadership activities, and optometric experience can be especially challenging, so make sure to give yourself some credit for doing it all!
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