This story originally appeared in The Peak, Mustang Media Group’s arts and student culture magazine. Check out more from “The Peak: Sh*t we weren’t told, the Adulting Issue.”
‘Learn by Doing’ is Cal Poly’s motto, but ’25-35′ is how students are supposed to get it done. Academic advisors recommend that students study at least two hours per week for every unit in their schedule. If you have 16 units, you have 32 hours of studying outside the classroom. This may be a rule of thumb, but ’25-35′ looks different for everyone.
From an Economics Major
By Samantha Orradre
The first time I heard I would be spending 25 to 35 hours simply studying and completing homework, I was gobsmacked. My high school was rigorous, and I was not unfamiliar with a challenge. But this seemed excessive. Once my economics classes kicked up and slowly became upper-division courses, I started to face the harsh reality of ’25-35.’
As an economics major, my days are filled with graphs and calculus. You can often find me hunched over my notebook at the UU hightop tables before classes. I spend my nights reading case law or drafting papers for my law and society minor. I typically spend four hours a day, Monday through Thursday, completing work.
On Friday and Saturday, I allow myself a reprieve and spend around two hours or less studying. Sunday may be the day of rest for some, but it is the day to grind for me. This means I have a six- to eight-hour date with the Nautical Bean and my laptop.
To anyone who didn’t whip out their calculator, I clock about 28 hours a week studying and doing work outside the classroom. There are multiple things to keep in mind when imagining this number. Although I am taking upper-division courses, not all are created equal and some quarters are more rigorous than others.
And if that isn’t enough, the quarter system delivers a special treat for students: you could have midterms as early as week two and as late as week eight. If I am prepping for one or multiple midterms, the 35-hour study mark is easily hit or exceeded. Other times, I could be coasting at 20 hours or less.
From a Journalism Major
By Seth Pintar
Majoring in journalism in Cal Poly is thoroughly a ‘Learn by Doing’ experience. Whether you’re on the news, media innovation or public relations track, your out-of-class experiences will mold you into a strong communicator. But the coursework I have taken, could end up similar to your major or a GE that you may be required to take.
When it comes to Cal Poly’s ’25-35′ motto, I recommend putting in 30 hours of work each week, or five hours of work a day, excluding Saturday. Following and meeting deadlines are integral to any student’s success. Planning your week in advance can help you make the most out of your courses, even if you think that random JOUR or COMS class won’t be relevant to your future in electrical engineering.
Whether you’re a journalism major, another CLA major or just taking a GE course, research is a central part of your workload in the humanities. The input from various sources is how we add credibility and support different viewpoints. To make the most of your research time, know what information you’re looking for, make sure the information is accessible and make sure your sources are credible.
Next, be sure to take some “you time,” and give your brain a rest from any potentially distressing subject matter you consume in your classes. This can mean watching a favorite show, exercising, napping or doing whatever speaks to you. If you’re looking for a productive pastime, keep up with current events and media.
Though much of a student’s life involves getting work done on your own, learning invaluable lessons from faculty with firsthand experience as professionals is just as important. So, be sure to take notes, ask questions and pay attention to stories from professors about their time in the industry you hope to be a part of.
Finally, once you’ve gotten home and into your pajamas, take half an hour to look through your schedule, update your calendar and get ready to go after the next day.
For more stories from “Sh*t we weren’t told, the Adulting Issue” check out the full edition.
