There has been only one format I have consistently used to keep track of my tests, homework, practices, and commitments: Google Calendar. Despite having numerous discarded physical planners in my room, as well as having attempted to use Google Sheets, various iPhone apps, and random scraps of paper, none of them really “stuck.” My to-do list has always lived in my head, but during my sophomore year, I realized this method would no longer work as my workload picked up.
As I tested numerous applications to organize my schoolwork and sports, I found that many formats didn’t work for me. I would forget to update them, lose the lists and papers, or not bring my planner to school. This was the case for years, until I found Google Calendar. This site actually changed how organized I am and provided me with an easy way to plan out each week. Here is a guide to one of the best ways to organize your schedule.
Tasks
Perhaps the most overlooked element of Google Calendar is its Tasks feature. When most people think of Google Calendar, they think of it as only a scheduling site. However, the Tasks feature, a small tab next to the calendar icon in the top right corner, allows you to add tasks directly to your schedule. These can be marked completed, added for a specific time frame on the calendar, or added to the “all day” section so they are present for the whole day (this is how I prefer to add them).
Tasks is a great way to add homework assignments and other things you might need to accomplish, such as making a dentist appointment or calling back your grandparents. Tasks incorporate the classic satisfying element of to-do lists as you check each one off, and elevate Google Calendar immensely while creating a to-do list directly on your calendar. You can also sort tasks by days of the week or by time frames, further allowing you to customize your calendar.
Birthdays, Tests, and Trips
What separates Google Calendar from other planners or simple to-do lists is its ability to incorporate all events and tasks into one site. I add vacations, days off from school, and the birthdays of my close friends to my calendar to better plan out each week and to look ahead. In terms of tests and quizzes, which you can add to each day based on the class period’s time, Google Calendar helps you visualize each week’s events. By seeing what days I have tests, I’m able to study before and never forget a test. The most important part of this format is remembering to add assessments as soon as your teacher mentions them to create a well-updated calendar.
Customization
One of my favorite things about Google Calendar is its customizable features. You can directly choose the color for different events and Tasks. I choose to have three different colors: one for Tasks, one for regular events like tests and birthdays, and one for sports-specific events like practices and games. This helps your calendar stay organized and makes it easy to see exactly what you have going on on any given day. Making the color scheme of your calendar is just another added benefit.
Google Calendar is one of the highest-quality, free, and all-encompassing calendars available. It helps seamlessly organize each week and is a perfect way to keep track of all events and tasks in one place.
