How to prioritize coursework when everything is due at once?

[Jack]

I'm in that nightmare period where everything is due at the same time. Two papers, a presentation, three discussion posts, and a group project. I'm working full-time and I don't know how I'll survive.

A time management guide suggests the Eisenhower Matrix :

Urgent and Important (do these first)

• Things with firm deadlines that affect your grade
• For me: the paper due Friday, the presentation due Monday

Important but Not Urgent (schedule these)

• Things that matter but aren't due yet
• For me: the other paper (due next week), studying for the final

Urgent but Not Important (delegate if possible)

• Things that demand attention but don't matter much
• Group project coordination emails (can someone else lead?)

Not Urgent and Not Important (eliminate)

• Optional readings, perfectionism, reorganizing your notes for the 10th time

Another strategy: eat the frog . Do the hardest thing first, when you have the most energy. For me, that's the paper. If I get it done early, everything else feels easier.

A working student friend told me: "You can't do everything perfectly. Pick what matters most and accept that some things will be just 'good enough'" .

I'm trying to accept that. My group presentation doesn't need to be amazing — it needs to be passable. My paper needs to be good. Different standards for different assignments.

For other working students: how do you decide what to prioritize? What's your system? I need to get through this month without collapsing.

 

[Bruce]

The Eisenhower Matrix is great but also try the "ABCDE" method. A = must do (serious consequences if not done). B = should do (mild consequences). C = nice to do (no consequences). D = delegate. E = eliminate. Then do all As first, then Bs, etc. For you, the paper due Friday is A. Discussion posts are maybe B or C depending on grade weight. Works well.