Completing a fast-paced bootcamp program can be challenging, but with effective time management skills, you’ll be able to stay on top of your work and achieve success!
Time Commitment Overview
- Live Sessions: You’ll spend approximately 9 hours each week in live sessions, where you’ll learn new concepts and practice during Thursday workshops.
- Self-Paced Work: Depending on your program type, expect to dedicate 15-20 hours per week outside of live sessions to work on assignments, projects, and asynchronous curriculum materials.
- Study Hall & Support: You can attend study hall sessions during the week for extra help and use your cohort-specific Discord channel to ask questions and connect with peers or instructional staff.
Time Management Best Practices
To keep up with the fast-paced nature of the bootcamp and avoid falling behind, here are some time management tips to help you stay organized and focused:
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Create a Weekly Schedule:
- Block out specific times each day to work on your bootcamp assignments, review course materials, and complete projects. Treat it like a work schedule to help maintain consistency.
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Prioritize Tasks:
- Focus on the most important tasks first. Begin with projects and assignments that have upcoming deadlines, then work on reviewing additional material or revisiting tough topics from class.
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Break Work into Manageable Chunks:
- Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break down your assignments or projects into smaller tasks, and spread them out over the week to avoid cramming the night before.
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Attend Weekly Office Hours:
- Take advantage of your weekly office hours to clarify any confusing concepts or get help with assignments. These sessions are valuable opportunities to stay ahead and work directly with your teaching assistant.
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Avoid Procrastination:
- It’s easy to fall behind if you put off work until the last minute. Set deadlines for yourself, even if they’re earlier than the actual due date, to keep on track.
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Engage with Your Cohort:
- Your cohort’s Discord channel is a great resource for collaboration, support, and accountability. Stay connected with your peers to help each other stay motivated and on schedule.
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Take Breaks:
- Don’t forget to take short breaks to recharge, especially during long study sessions. Time management also means recognizing when to step away for a mental refresh.
Stay on Track and Succeed
Bootcamp programs move quickly, and a lot of information is covered in a short amount of time. Managing your time effectively is key to keeping up with the material and staying on track for success. By creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks, and utilizing available resources, you’ll set yourself up for a rewarding learning experience.
If you’re struggling to keep up, don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructional team or visit office hours for extra support!