When a few students from the upcoming Class of 2029—fellow QuestBridge matches like me—reached out to me on Instagram asking for advice on time management at Amherst College, I knew exactly what to share. In high school, I thought I had time management all figured out. Classes were predictable, extracurriculars rarely overlapped, and everything fit into a tidy, fixed schedule. But as a first-year at Amherst, I quickly realized that time management here is a whole new challenge. Between classes, extracurriculars, part-time work, and simply taking care of myself, I needed a system to stay organized—and that’s when Google Calendar became my ultimate life saver.
High School: Structured, Simple, and Predictable
At my rural California high school, where I graduated in a class of just 21 students, the daily schedule was easy to follow. Classes ran from early morning to mid-afternoon, assignments were handed out with straightforward deadlines, and extracurriculars happened in neatly defined blocks of time after school. Everything had its place. I didn’t even need to write much down—I could mentally keep track of what I had to do or a few hours to just relax. Looking back, I realize how simple it was because most of my day was already planned for me.
Amherst: Flexible, Busy, and Overwhelming
Amherst is a whole different story. With classes scattered across the day and week, papers that take days (or weeks) to write, and readings that actually demand time and focus, I quickly realized that managing my time was no longer automatic. Add in extracurriculars like writing for The Amherst Student, my fitness goals, and the events hosted by clubs and resource centers, and my days felt chaotic.
At first, it was overwhelming. I tried to juggle everything by memory like I did in high school, but that only led to me forgetting meetings or scrambling to finish assignments at the last minute. I needed a better system to survive, and that’s when I turned to Google Calendar.
Why Google Calendar Changed the Game
I’m not exaggerating when I say that Google Calendar saved my life this semester. Here’s how:
1. It Gave My Day Structure
At Amherst, flexibility can be a double-edged sword. You can manage your own time, but you also have to hold yourself accountable. I started scheduling everything—classes, club meetings, workouts, study blocks, and even downtime—into Google Calendar. Seeing it all laid out helped me feel more in control.
2. Color-Coding Made Prioritizing Easier
I’m a visual person, so color-coding became my secret weapon. Classes are in purple, writing deadlines in blue, workouts in green, and personal time in yellow. Just glancing at my calendar helps me prioritize what’s most important.
3. I Started Time Blocking for Big Assignments
Amherst’s workload can be intense, especially with classes like Queer Narratives and New Women in America (FYSE). When I had essays (like my textual analysis of Arrogant Beggar and The Awakening), I blocked out specific chunks of time to work on them. Breaking big projects into smaller pieces felt much more manageable.
4. It Helped Me Balance Everything
This semester, I’ve juggled classes, jobs, volunteer work, and my fitness goals (& PNEUMONIA). It’s a lot, but seeing my commitments in Google Calendar has prevented me from overbooking myself. It also helped me prioritize mental health and rest, which was crucial after battling the freshman flu and pneumonia earlier this semester.
Time Management Depends on Your Schedule and Major
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that time management at Amherst looks different for everyone. For me, as a Prospective Psychology major balancing other humanity classes and extracurriculars, I often have long readings, research assignments, or projects to work on. Meanwhile, someone in STEM might have labs and problem sets that take up their evenings.
What works for you depends on the classes you’re taking and your individual goals—but one thing is clear: staying organized is key.
What I’ve Learned About Time Management at Amherst
1. Find a System That Works for You
For me, it’s Google Calendar. I update it weekly and review my days every night. Some people prefer written planners or apps—find what keeps you accountable. I have my to do list of my notes app!
2. Plan for Flexibility
College schedules aren’t as rigid as high school. I’ve learned to adapt when unexpected things come up (like a surprise essay deadline or a fun campus event I don’t want to miss).
3. Make Time for Yourself
Whether it’s hitting the gym for my fitness goals, grabbing dinner with friends, or attending club events, I’ve realized that time for myself isn’t “wasted” time—it’s necessary to avoid burnout.
4. Your Major Will Shape Your Time
If you’re balancing multiple essays, readings, or studying, you need to carve out time for deep-focus work. Majors with labs or group projects may require different strategies, but staying organized helps across the board.
Final Thoughts
High school prepared me for structure and discipline, but Amherst taught me how to adapt and prioritize. Google Calendar turned what felt like chaos into a clear, manageable plan. College life is busy, but with the right tools—and a little trial and error—you can stay on top of it all.
If you’re coming to Amherst or adjusting to college life, remember: time management isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional.