School/Study schedule plus family

[OBplease]

Hello! I am a new member to this site, although I have been reading for a while now.

I start pre-reqs next week and I am looking for some help/tips on juggling school, studying, and family. I am doing A&P1 all summer and doing PSYC1 during summer2. I have a husband and five small children, 2nd grade and under. This is my second attempt at college but I am feeling confident this time around that I will succeed. The first time I was on my own trying to juggle all life's expenses plus college expenses, working full time and school, and it just was too much. Fast forward 12 years and I am back on school track. I feel more confident this time around that I can do it. I have a lot of life experience that will help me this time around also.

Both of my classes during summer are online, just going to campus for tests. I have been reviewing/studying texts for the last three months in these two subjects. And have had my A&P book and CD for the last two weeks and have been becoming familiar with it. My goal is to apply to an LVN program Jan 2011 (then go straight to RN school). So, assuming I make great grades in my summer courses I will only have one more PSYC to do in fall before I apply (although I will also complete some suggested co-reqs at that time, that would other wise be done in program). I need some help with scheduling my school/study time. Anyone with any suggestions? My husband is usually home around 6:30 but the evening is a crazy time until the kids are in bed about 8:30. Also, the first three weeks of class all kids will be home, then they will be in a summer program two days a week. I'm not apposed to getting up early, staying up late, etc. I just need some sort of schedule to help me get started. Any ideas? I know this is long. Thanks in advance!

[sully100]

Study for an hour when the kids are in bed and then spend one day on the weekend dedicated to school work. If you are doing online classes, check your calendar to see what is due and try to keep up with the work. I used to do most of the online work on the weekend ahead of time. My kids are older so it isn't as hard as you have it-but just don't fall behind!

[RN-4Ever, DNP]

Consistency is the key. Try to make a study schedule for yourself and stick to it as best as you can. Wright down how a normal day is for you and pencil in study time. This may be before your kids get up or when they go to bed. It all depends when you feel you will be getting good study time. Many times I have had to just wake up earlier the next day to get my studying in.

Also, I would try to get your course work done a little earlier than the due date. You never know when a child is going to get sick. I like to at least have a couple days of lead way. That way you wont be sweating bullets the night before everything is due. If you assignment is due on Friday try to have it by Tuesday. The same goes for scheduling your test times.

Spending time with my children and husband are very important to me. A semi-consistent schedule has been working for me. I hope this helps.

[PurpleScrubs2010]

Keep a planner handy! Take time at the beginning of each week, let's say Sunday night, and write down everything that needs to be done. Then take each item and put it in a time slot. That way you'll have goals set and a specific time to get it done. Check off each item you finish so that you will see your progress. Stay ahead of the game and do your absolute best not to fall behind. It's harder when you're trying to play catch up.

Also, figure out when you absorb information the best. For me, it's in the evenings. So, when I put my boys to sleep, I can focus on school work. Find a peaceful part of the day when you're not tired and you're focused. You'll do fine once you get your own pattern going. Good luck!:)

[cute-1]

I was in the same situation.Here are my tips that helped the most:

1.Do your work EARLY!...things can and Will happen.Trust me on this one.If assignments are due on Friday,try to have everything completed by Tue/Wed.

2.With online classes the instructors usually open the assignments early.If I were you I would try my best to be a week ahead just in case you really need a few days off.

3.Study with your kids! After school I would make sure to get quality time in with my kids by playing,then we all do our homework together.

4.Study at the same time each day,even if its early in the morning.I study best at the library..my kids get off school at 4,so I go to the library by the school at 2pm everyday.

5.Talk to your family about being supportive.Your kids are young but maybe they can help a little more with chores so that mommy has more time to study.

As far as A&P...Those coloring books on amazon are REALLY helpful with the anatomy part.It also helped me to learn all the Latin root words that were in front of the anatomy book..very helpful when I could not remember words during a test.We also survived on casseroles and crock pot meals(saved me a lot of time).Good Luck!

[Lexus02]

I am in the same situation, but doing half classes online, half in classroom. I can do my homework late at night, and I study during the day only before midterm, so far was taking chemistry and biology, politics, history last semester, got all A's, and B in politics, works for me:-))