study plan for research

Instant insights, infinite possibilities

How to write a research plan: Step-by-step guide

Last updated

30 January 2024

Reviewed by

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

Today’s businesses and institutions rely on data and analytics to inform their product and service decisions. These metrics influence how organizations stay competitive and inspire innovation. However, gathering data and insights requires carefully constructed research, and every research project needs a roadmap. This is where a research plan comes into play.

Read this step-by-step guide for writing a detailed research plan that can apply to any project, whether it’s scientific, educational, or business-related.

• What is a research plan?

A research plan is a documented overview of a project in its entirety, from end to end. It details the research efforts, participants, and methods needed, along with any anticipated results. It also outlines the project’s goals and mission, creating layers of steps to achieve those goals within a specified timeline.

Without a research plan, you and your team are flying blind, potentially wasting time and resources to pursue research without structured guidance.

The principal investigator, or PI, is responsible for facilitating the research oversight. They will create the research plan and inform team members and stakeholders of every detail relating to the project. The PI will also use the research plan to inform decision-making throughout the project.

• Why do you need a research plan?

Create a research plan before starting any official research to maximize every effort in pursuing and collecting the research data. Crucially, the plan will model the activities needed at each phase of the research project .

Like any roadmap, a research plan serves as a valuable tool providing direction for those involved in the project—both internally and externally. It will keep you and your immediate team organized and task-focused while also providing necessary definitions and timelines so you can execute your project initiatives with full understanding and transparency.

External stakeholders appreciate a working research plan because it’s a great communication tool, documenting progress and changing dynamics as they arise. Any participants of your planned research sessions will be informed about the purpose of your study, while the exercises will be based on the key messaging outlined in the official plan.

Here are some of the benefits of creating a research plan document for every project:

Project organization and structure

Well-informed participants

All stakeholders and teams align in support of the project

Clearly defined project definitions and purposes

Distractions are eliminated, prioritizing task focus

Timely management of individual task schedules and roles

Costly reworks are avoided

• What should a research plan include?

The different aspects of your research plan will depend on the nature of the project. However, most official research plan documents will include the core elements below. Each aims to define the problem statement , devising an official plan for seeking a solution.

Specific project goals and individual objectives

Ideal strategies or methods for reaching those goals

Required resources

Descriptions of the target audience, sample sizes , demographics, and scopes

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

Project background

Research and testing support

Preliminary studies and progress reporting mechanisms

Cost estimates and change order processes

Depending on the research project’s size and scope, your research plan could be brief—perhaps only a few pages of documented plans. Alternatively, it could be a fully comprehensive report. Either way, it’s an essential first step in dictating your project’s facilitation in the most efficient and effective way.

• How to write a research plan for your project

When you start writing your research plan, aim to be detailed about each step, requirement, and idea. The more time you spend curating your research plan, the more precise your research execution efforts will be.

Account for every potential scenario, and be sure to address each and every aspect of the research.

Consider following this flow to develop a great research plan for your project:

Define your project’s purpose

Start by defining your project’s purpose. Identify what your project aims to accomplish and what you are researching. Remember to use clear language.

Thinking about the project’s purpose will help you set realistic goals and inform how you divide tasks and assign responsibilities. These individual tasks will be your stepping stones to reach your overarching goal.

Additionally, you’ll want to identify the specific problem, the usability metrics needed, and the intended solutions.

Know the following three things about your project’s purpose before you outline anything else:

What you’re doing

Why you’re doing it

What you expect from it

Identify individual objectives

With your overarching project objectives in place, you can identify any individual goals or steps needed to reach those objectives. Break them down into phases or steps. You can work backward from the project goal and identify every process required to facilitate it.

Be mindful to identify each unique task so that you can assign responsibilities to various team members. At this point in your research plan development, you’ll also want to assign priority to those smaller, more manageable steps and phases that require more immediate or dedicated attention.

Select research methods

Once you have outlined your goals, objectives, steps, and tasks, it’s time to drill down on selecting research methods . You’ll want to leverage specific research strategies and processes. When you know what methods will help you reach your goals, you and your teams will have direction to perform and execute your assigned tasks.

Research methods might include any of the following:

User interviews : this is a qualitative research method where researchers engage with participants in one-on-one or group conversations. The aim is to gather insights into their experiences, preferences, and opinions to uncover patterns, trends, and data.

Field studies : this approach allows for a contextual understanding of behaviors, interactions, and processes in real-world settings. It involves the researcher immersing themselves in the field, conducting observations, interviews, or experiments to gather in-depth insights.

Card sorting : participants categorize information by sorting content cards into groups based on their perceived similarities. You might use this process to gain insights into participants’ mental models and preferences when navigating or organizing information on websites, apps, or other systems.

Focus groups : use organized discussions among select groups of participants to provide relevant views and experiences about a particular topic.

Diary studies : ask participants to record their experiences, thoughts, and activities in a diary over a specified period. This method provides a deeper understanding of user experiences, uncovers patterns, and identifies areas for improvement.

Five-second testing: participants are shown a design, such as a web page or interface, for just five seconds. They then answer questions about their initial impressions and recall, allowing you to evaluate the design’s effectiveness.

Surveys : get feedback from participant groups with structured surveys. You can use online forms, telephone interviews, or paper questionnaires to reveal trends, patterns, and correlations.

Tree testing : tree testing involves researching web assets through the lens of findability and navigability. Participants are given a textual representation of the site’s hierarchy (the “tree”) and asked to locate specific information or complete tasks by selecting paths.

Usability testing : ask participants to interact with a product, website, or application to evaluate its ease of use. This method enables you to uncover areas for improvement in digital key feature functionality by observing participants using the product.

Live website testing: research and collect analytics that outlines the design, usability, and performance efficiencies of a website in real time.

There are no limits to the number of research methods you could use within your project. Just make sure your research methods help you determine the following:

What do you plan to do with the research findings?

What decisions will this research inform? How can your stakeholders leverage the research data and results?

Recruit participants and allocate tasks

Next, identify the participants needed to complete the research and the resources required to complete the tasks. Different people will be proficient at different tasks, and having a task allocation plan will allow everything to run smoothly.

Prepare a thorough project summary

Every well-designed research plan will feature a project summary. This official summary will guide your research alongside its communications or messaging. You’ll use the summary while recruiting participants and during stakeholder meetings. It can also be useful when conducting field studies.

Ensure this summary includes all the elements of your research project . Separate the steps into an easily explainable piece of text that includes the following:

An introduction: the message you’ll deliver to participants about the interview, pre-planned questioning, and testing tasks.

Interview questions: prepare questions you intend to ask participants as part of your research study, guiding the sessions from start to finish.

An exit message: draft messaging your teams will use to conclude testing or survey sessions. These should include the next steps and express gratitude for the participant’s time.

Create a realistic timeline

While your project might already have a deadline or a results timeline in place, you’ll need to consider the time needed to execute it effectively.

Realistically outline the time needed to properly execute each supporting phase of research and implementation. And, as you evaluate the necessary schedules, be sure to include additional time for achieving each milestone in case any changes or unexpected delays arise.

For this part of your research plan, you might find it helpful to create visuals to ensure your research team and stakeholders fully understand the information.

Determine how to present your results

A research plan must also describe how you intend to present your results. Depending on the nature of your project and its goals, you might dedicate one team member (the PI) or assume responsibility for communicating the findings yourself.

In this part of the research plan, you’ll articulate how you’ll share the results. Detail any materials you’ll use, such as:

Presentations and slides

A project report booklet

A project findings pamphlet

Documents with key takeaways and statistics

Graphic visuals to support your findings

• Format your research plan

As you create your research plan, you can enjoy a little creative freedom. A plan can assume many forms, so format it how you see fit. Determine the best layout based on your specific project, intended communications, and the preferences of your teams and stakeholders.

Find format inspiration among the following layouts:

Written outlines

Narrative storytelling

Visual mapping

Graphic timelines

Remember, the research plan format you choose will be subject to change and adaptation as your research and findings unfold. However, your final format should ideally outline questions, problems, opportunities, and expectations.

• Research plan example

Imagine you’ve been tasked with finding out how to get more customers to order takeout from an online food delivery platform. The goal is to improve satisfaction and retain existing customers. You set out to discover why more people aren’t ordering and what it is they do want to order or experience. 

You identify the need for a research project that helps you understand what drives customer loyalty . But before you jump in and start calling past customers, you need to develop a research plan—the roadmap that provides focus, clarity, and realistic details to the project.

Here’s an example outline of a research plan you might put together:

Project title

Project members involved in the research plan

Purpose of the project (provide a summary of the research plan’s intent)

Objective 1 (provide a short description for each objective)

Objective 2

Objective 3

Proposed timeline

Audience (detail the group you want to research, such as customers or non-customers)

Budget (how much you think it might cost to do the research)

Risk factors/contingencies (any potential risk factors that may impact the project’s success)

Remember, your research plan doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel—it just needs to fit your project’s unique needs and aims.

Customizing a research plan template

Some companies offer research plan templates to help get you started. However, it may make more sense to develop your own customized plan template. Be sure to include the core elements of a great research plan with your template layout, including the following:

Introductions to participants and stakeholders

Background problems and needs statement

Significance, ethics, and purpose

Research methods, questions, and designs

Preliminary beliefs and expectations

Implications and intended outcomes

Realistic timelines for each phase

Conclusion and presentations

How many pages should a research plan be?

Generally, a research plan can vary in length between 500 to 1,500 words. This is roughly three pages of content. More substantial projects will be 2,000 to 3,500 words, taking up four to seven pages of planning documents.

What is the difference between a research plan and a research proposal?

A research plan is a roadmap to success for research teams. A research proposal, on the other hand, is a dissertation aimed at convincing or earning the support of others. Both are relevant in creating a guide to follow to complete a project goal.

What are the seven steps to developing a research plan?

While each research project is different, it’s best to follow these seven general steps to create your research plan:

Defining the problem

Identifying goals

Choosing research methods

Recruiting participants

Preparing the brief or summary

Establishing task timelines

Defining how you will present the findings

Should you be using a customer insights hub?

Do you want to discover previous research faster?

Do you share your research findings with others?

Do you analyze research data?

Start for free today, add your research, and get to key insights faster

Editor’s picks

Last updated: 18 April 2023

Last updated: 27 February 2023

Last updated: 22 August 2024

Last updated: 5 February 2023

Last updated: 16 April 2023

Last updated: 9 March 2023

Last updated: 30 April 2024

Last updated: 12 December 2023

Last updated: 11 March 2024

Last updated: 4 July 2024

Last updated: 6 March 2024

Last updated: 5 March 2024

Last updated: 13 May 2024

Latest articles

Related topics, .css-je19u9{-webkit-align-items:flex-end;-webkit-box-align:flex-end;-ms-flex-align:flex-end;align-items:flex-end;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;row-gap:0;text-align:center;max-width:671px;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}}@media (max-width: 799px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}} decide what to .css-1kiodld{max-height:56px;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-1kiodld{display:none;}} build next, decide what to build next, log in or sign up.

Get started for free

FLEET LIBRARY | Research Guides

Rhode island school of design, create a research plan: research plan.

• Research Plan
• Literature Review
• Ulrich's Global Serials Directory
• Related Guides

A research plan is a framework that shows how you intend to approach your topic. The plan can take many forms: a written outline, a narrative, a visual/concept map or timeline. It's a document that will change and develop as you conduct your research. Components of a research plan

1. Research conceptualization - introduces your research question

2. Research methodology - describes your approach to the research question

3. Literature review, critical evaluation and synthesis - systematic approach to locating,

    reviewing and evaluating the work (text, exhibitions, critiques, etc) relating to your topic

4. Communication - geared toward an intended audience, shows evidence of your inquiry

Research conceptualization refers to the ability to identify specific research questions, problems or opportunities that are worthy of inquiry. Research conceptualization also includes the skills and discipline that go beyond the initial moment of conception, and which enable the researcher to formulate and develop an idea into something researchable ( Newbury 373).

Research methodology refers to the knowledge and skills required to select and apply appropriate methods to carry through the research project ( Newbury 374) .

Method describes a single mode of proceeding; methodology describes the overall process.

Method - a way of doing anything especially according to a defined and regular plan; a mode of procedure in any activity

Methodology - the study of the direction and implications of empirical research, or the sustainability of techniques employed in it; a method or body of methods used in a particular field of study or activity *Browse a list of research methodology books  or this guide on Art & Design Research

Literature Review, critical evaluation & synthesis

A literature review is a systematic approach to locating, reviewing, and evaluating the published work and work in progress of scholars, researchers, and practitioners on a given topic.

Critical evaluation and synthesis is the ability to handle (or process) existing sources. It includes knowledge of the sources of literature and contextual research field within which the person is working ( Newbury 373).

Literature reviews are done for many reasons and situations. Here's a short list:

Sources to consult while conducting a literature review:

Online catalogs of local, regional, national, and special libraries

meta-catalogs such as worldcat , Art Discovery Group , europeana , world digital library or RIBA

subject-specific online article databases (such as the Avery Index, JSTOR, Project Muse)

digital institutional repositories such as Digital Commons @RISD ; see Registry of Open Access Repositories

Open Access Resources recommended by RISD Research LIbrarians

works cited in scholarly books and articles

print bibliographies

the internet-locate major nonprofit, research institutes, museum, university, and government websites

search google scholar to locate grey literature & referenced citations

trade and scholarly publishers

fellow scholars and peers

Communication                              

Communication refers to the ability to

• structure a coherent line of inquiry
• communicate your findings to your intended audience
• make skilled use of visual material to express ideas for presentations, writing, and the creation of exhibitions ( Newbury 374)

Research plan framework: Newbury, Darren. "Research Training in the Creative Arts and Design." The Routledge Companion to Research in the Arts . Ed. Michael Biggs and Henrik Karlsson. New York: Routledge, 2010. 368-87. Print.

About the author

Except where otherwise noted, this guide is subject to a Creative Commons Attribution license

source document

  Routledge Companion to Research in the Arts

• Next: Literature Review >>
• Last Updated: Sep 7, 2024 3:56 PM
• URL: https://risd.libguides.com/researchplan

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

• A Research Guide
• Research Paper Guide

How to Write a Research Plan

• Research plan definition
• Purpose of a research plan
• Research plan structure
• Step-by-step writing guide

Tips for creating a research plan

• Research plan examples

Research plan: definition and significance

What is the purpose of a research plan.

• Bridging gaps in the existing knowledge related to their subject.
• Reinforcing established research about their subject.
• Introducing insights that contribute to subject understanding.

Research plan structure & template

Introduction.

• What is the existing knowledge about the subject?
• What gaps remain unanswered?
• How will your research enrich understanding, practice, and policy?

Literature review

Expected results.

• Express how your research can challenge established theories in your field.
• Highlight how your work lays the groundwork for future research endeavors.
• Emphasize how your work can potentially address real-world problems.

5 Steps to crafting an effective research plan

Step 1: define the project purpose, step 2: select the research method, step 3: manage the task and timeline, step 4: write a summary, step 5: plan the result presentation.

• Brainstorm Collaboratively: Initiate a collective brainstorming session with peers or experts. Outline the essential questions that warrant exploration and answers within your research.
• Prioritize and Feasibility: Evaluate the list of questions and prioritize those that are achievable and important. Focus on questions that can realistically be addressed.
• Define Key Terminology: Define technical terms pertinent to your research, fostering a shared understanding. Ensure that terms like “church” or “unreached people group” are well-defined to prevent ambiguity.
• Organize your approach: Once well-acquainted with your institution’s regulations, organize each aspect of your research by these guidelines. Allocate appropriate word counts for different sections and components of your research paper.

Research plan example

• Writing a Research Paper
• Research Paper Title
• Research Paper Sources
• Research Paper Problem Statement
• Research Paper Thesis Statement
• Hypothesis for a Research Paper
• Research Question
• Research Paper Outline
• Research Paper Summary
• Research Paper Prospectus
• Research Paper Proposal
• Research Paper Format
• Research Paper Styles
• AMA Style Research Paper
• MLA Style Research Paper
• Chicago Style Research Paper
• APA Style Research Paper
• Research Paper Structure
• Research Paper Cover Page
• Research Paper Abstract
• Research Paper Introduction
• Research Paper Body Paragraph
• Research Paper Literature Review
• Research Paper Background
• Research Paper Methods Section
• Research Paper Results Section
• Research Paper Discussion Section
• Research Paper Conclusion
• Research Paper Appendix
• Research Paper Bibliography
• APA Reference Page
• Annotated Bibliography
• Bibliography vs Works Cited vs References Page
• Research Paper Types
• What is Qualitative Research

Receive paper in 3 Hours!

• Choose the number of pages.
• Select your deadline.
• Complete your order.

Number of Pages

550 words (double spaced)

Deadline: 10 days left

By clicking "Log In", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.

Sign Up for your FREE account

How To Write A Research Proposal

A Straightforward How-To Guide (With Examples)

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2019 (Updated April 2023)

Writing up a strong research proposal for a dissertation or thesis is much like a marriage proposal. It’s a task that calls on you to win somebody over and persuade them that what you’re planning is a great idea. An idea they’re happy to say ‘yes’ to. This means that your dissertation proposal needs to be   persuasive ,   attractive   and well-planned. In this post, I’ll show you how to write a winning dissertation proposal, from scratch.

Before you start:

– Understand exactly what a research proposal is – Ask yourself these 4 questions

The 5 essential ingredients:

• The title/topic
• The introduction chapter
• The scope/delimitations
• Preliminary literature review
• Design/ methodology
• Practical considerations and risks 

What Is A Research Proposal?

The research proposal is literally that: a written document that communicates what you propose to research, in a concise format. It’s where you put all that stuff that’s spinning around in your head down on to paper, in a logical, convincing fashion.

Convincing   is the keyword here, as your research proposal needs to convince the assessor that your research is   clearly articulated   (i.e., a clear research question) ,   worth doing   (i.e., is unique and valuable enough to justify the effort), and   doable   within the restrictions you’ll face (time limits, budget, skill limits, etc.). If your proposal does not address these three criteria, your research won’t be approved, no matter how “exciting” the research idea might be.

PS – if you’re completely new to proposal writing, we’ve got a detailed walkthrough video covering two successful research proposals here . 

How do I know I’m ready?

Before starting the writing process, you need to   ask yourself 4 important questions .  If you can’t answer them succinctly and confidently, you’re not ready – you need to go back and think more deeply about your dissertation topic .

You should be able to answer the following 4 questions before starting your dissertation or thesis research proposal:

• WHAT is my main research question? (the topic)
• WHO cares and why is this important? (the justification)
• WHAT data would I need to answer this question, and how will I analyse it? (the research design)
• HOW will I manage the completion of this research, within the given timelines? (project and risk management)

If you can’t answer these questions clearly and concisely,   you’re not yet ready   to write your research proposal – revisit our   post on choosing a topic .

If you can, that’s great – it’s time to start writing up your dissertation proposal. Next, I’ll discuss what needs to go into your research proposal, and how to structure it all into an intuitive, convincing document with a linear narrative.

The 5 Essential Ingredients

Research proposals can vary in style between institutions and disciplines, but here I’ll share with you a   handy 5-section structure   you can use. These 5 sections directly address the core questions we spoke about earlier, ensuring that you present a convincing proposal. If your institution already provides a proposal template, there will likely be substantial overlap with this, so you’ll still get value from reading on.

For each section discussed below, make sure you use headers and sub-headers (ideally, numbered headers) to help the reader navigate through your document, and to support them when they need to revisit a previous section. Don’t just present an endless wall of text, paragraph after paragraph after paragraph…

Top Tip:   Use MS Word Styles to format headings. This will allow you to be clear about whether a sub-heading is level 2, 3, or 4. Additionally, you can view your document in ‘outline view’ which will show you only your headings. This makes it much easier to check your structure, shift things around and make decisions about where a section needs to sit. You can also generate a 100% accurate table of contents using Word’s automatic functionality.

Ingredient #1 – Topic/Title Header

Your research proposal’s title should be your main research question in its simplest form, possibly with a sub-heading providing basic details on the specifics of the study. For example:

“Compliance with equality legislation in the charity sector: a study of the ‘reasonable adjustments’ made in three London care homes”

As you can see, this title provides a clear indication of what the research is about, in broad terms. It paints a high-level picture for the first-time reader, which gives them a taste of what to expect.   Always aim for a clear, concise title . Don’t feel the need to capture every detail of your research in your title – your proposal will fill in the gaps.

Need a helping hand?

Ingredient #2 – Introduction

In this section of your research proposal, you’ll expand on what you’ve communicated in the title, by providing a few paragraphs which offer more detail about your research topic. Importantly, the focus here is the   topic   – what will you research and why is that worth researching? This is not the place to discuss methodology, practicalities, etc. – you’ll do that later.

You should cover the following:

• An overview of the   broad area   you’ll be researching – introduce the reader to key concepts and language
• An explanation of the   specific (narrower) area   you’ll be focusing, and why you’ll be focusing there
• Your research   aims   and   objectives
• Your   research question (s) and sub-questions (if applicable)

Importantly, you should aim to use short sentences and plain language – don’t babble on with extensive jargon, acronyms and complex language. Assume that the reader is an intelligent layman – not a subject area specialist (even if they are). Remember that the   best writing is writing that can be easily understood   and digested. Keep it simple.

Note that some universities may want some extra bits and pieces in your introduction section. For example, personal development objectives, a structural outline, etc. Check your brief to see if there are any other details they expect in your proposal, and make sure you find a place for these.

Ingredient #3 – Scope

Next, you’ll need to specify what the scope of your research will be – this is also known as the delimitations . In other words, you need to make it clear what you will be covering and, more importantly, what you won’t be covering in your research. Simply put, this is about ring fencing your research topic so that you have a laser-sharp focus.

All too often, students feel the need to go broad and try to address as many issues as possible, in the interest of producing comprehensive research. Whilst this is admirable, it’s a mistake. By tightly refining your scope, you’ll enable yourself to   go deep   with your research, which is what you need to earn good marks. If your scope is too broad, you’re likely going to land up with superficial research (which won’t earn marks), so don’t be afraid to narrow things down.

Ingredient #4 – Literature Review

In this section of your research proposal, you need to provide a (relatively) brief discussion of the existing literature. Naturally, this will not be as comprehensive as the literature review in your actual dissertation, but it will lay the foundation for that. In fact, if you put in the effort at this stage, you’ll make your life a lot easier when it’s time to write your actual literature review chapter.

There are a few things you need to achieve in this section:

• Demonstrate that you’ve done your reading and are   familiar with the current state of the research   in your topic area.
• Show that   there’s a clear gap   for your specific research – i.e., show that your topic is sufficiently unique and will add value to the existing research.
• Show how the existing research has shaped your thinking regarding   research design . For example, you might use scales or questionnaires from previous studies.

When you write up your literature review, keep these three objectives front of mind, especially number two (revealing the gap in the literature), so that your literature review has a   clear purpose and direction . Everything you write should be contributing towards one (or more) of these objectives in some way. If it doesn’t, you need to ask yourself whether it’s truly needed.

Top Tip:  Don’t fall into the trap of just describing the main pieces of literature, for example, “A says this, B says that, C also says that…” and so on. Merely describing the literature provides no value. Instead, you need to   synthesise   it, and use it to address the three objectives above.

Ingredient #5 – Research Methodology

Now that you’ve clearly explained both your intended research topic (in the introduction) and the existing research it will draw on (in the literature review section), it’s time to get practical and explain exactly how you’ll be carrying out your own research. In other words, your research methodology.

In this section, you’ll need to   answer two critical questions :

• How   will you design your research? I.e., what research methodology will you adopt, what will your sample be, how will you collect data, etc.
• Why   have you chosen this design? I.e., why does this approach suit your specific research aims, objectives and questions?

In other words, this is not just about explaining WHAT you’ll be doing, it’s also about explaining WHY. In fact, the   justification is the most important part , because that justification is how you demonstrate a good understanding of research design (which is what assessors want to see).

Some essential design choices you need to cover in your research proposal include:

• Your intended research philosophy (e.g., positivism, interpretivism or pragmatism )
• What methodological approach you’ll be taking (e.g., qualitative , quantitative or mixed )
• The details of your sample (e.g., sample size, who they are, who they represent, etc.)
• What data you plan to collect (i.e. data about what, in what form?)
• How you plan to collect it (e.g., surveys , interviews , focus groups, etc.)
• How you plan to analyse it (e.g., regression analysis, thematic analysis , etc.)
• Ethical adherence (i.e., does this research satisfy all ethical requirements of your institution, or does it need further approval?)

This list is not exhaustive – these are just some core attributes of research design. Check with your institution what level of detail they expect. The “ research onion ” by Saunders et al (2009) provides a good summary of the various design choices you ultimately need to make – you can   read more about that here .

Don’t forget the practicalities…

In addition to the technical aspects, you will need to address the   practical   side of the project. In other words, you need to explain   what resources you’ll need   (e.g., time, money, access to equipment or software, etc.) and how you intend to secure these resources. You need to show that your project is feasible, so any “make or break” type resources need to already be secured. The success or failure of your project cannot depend on some resource which you’re not yet sure you have access to.

Another part of the practicalities discussion is   project and risk management . In other words, you need to show that you have a clear project plan to tackle your research with. Some key questions to address:

• What are the timelines for each phase of your project?
• Are the time allocations reasonable?
• What happens if something takes longer than anticipated (risk management)?
• What happens if you don’t get the response rate you expect?

A good way to demonstrate that you’ve thought this through is to include a Gantt chart and a risk register (in the appendix if word count is a problem). With these two tools, you can show that you’ve got a clear, feasible plan, and you’ve thought about and accounted for the potential risks.

Tip – Be honest about the potential difficulties – but show that you are anticipating solutions and workarounds. This is much more impressive to an assessor than an unrealistically optimistic proposal which does not anticipate any challenges whatsoever.

Final Touches: Read And Simplify

The final step is to edit and proofread your proposal – very carefully. It sounds obvious, but all too often poor editing and proofreading ruin a good proposal. Nothing is more off-putting for an assessor than a poorly edited, typo-strewn document. It sends the message that you either do not pay attention to detail, or just don’t care. Neither of these are good messages. Put the effort into editing and proofreading your proposal (or pay someone to do it for you) – it will pay dividends.

When you’re editing, watch out for ‘academese’. Many students can speak simply, passionately and clearly about their dissertation topic – but become incomprehensible the moment they turn the laptop on. You are not required to write in any kind of special, formal, complex language when you write academic work. Sure, there may be technical terms, jargon specific to your discipline, shorthand terms and so on. But, apart from those,   keep your written language very close to natural spoken language   – just as you would speak in the classroom. Imagine that you are explaining your project plans to your classmates or a family member. Remember, write for the intelligent layman, not the subject matter experts. Plain-language, concise writing is what wins hearts and minds – and marks!

Let’s Recap: Research Proposal 101

And there you have it – how to write your dissertation or thesis research proposal, from the title page to the final proof. Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• The purpose of the research proposal is to   convince   – therefore, you need to make a clear, concise argument of why your research is both worth doing and doable.
• Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research   before   you put pen to paper.
• Title – provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms
• Introduction – explains what you’ll be researching in more detail
• Scope – explains the boundaries of your research
• Literature review – explains how your research fits into the existing research and why it’s unique and valuable
• Research methodology – explains and justifies how you will carry out your own research

Hopefully, this post has helped you better understand how to write up a winning research proposal. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach Blog . If your university doesn’t provide any template for your proposal, you might want to try out our free research proposal template .

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

30 Comments

Thank you so much for the valuable insight that you have given, especially on the research proposal. That is what I have managed to cover. I still need to go back to the other parts as I got disturbed while still listening to Derek’s audio on you-tube. I am inspired. I will definitely continue with Grad-coach guidance on You-tube.

Thanks for the kind words :). All the best with your proposal.

First of all, thanks a lot for making such a wonderful presentation. The video was really useful and gave me a very clear insight of how a research proposal has to be written. I shall try implementing these ideas in my RP.

Once again, I thank you for this content.

I found reading your outline on writing research proposal very beneficial. I wish there was a way of submitting my draft proposal to you guys for critiquing before I submit to the institution.

Hi Bonginkosi

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, we do provide a review service. The best starting point is to have a chat with one of our coaches here: https://gradcoach.com/book/new/ .

Hello team GRADCOACH, may God bless you so much. I was totally green in research. Am so happy for your free superb tutorials and resources. Once again thank you so much Derek and his team.

You’re welcome, Erick. Good luck with your research proposal 🙂

thank you for the information. its precise and on point.

Really a remarkable piece of writing and great source of guidance for the researchers. GOD BLESS YOU for your guidance. Regards

Thanks so much for your guidance. It is easy and comprehensive the way you explain the steps for a winning research proposal.

Thank you guys so much for the rich post. I enjoyed and learn from every word in it. My problem now is how to get into your platform wherein I can always seek help on things related to my research work ? Secondly, I wish to find out if there is a way I can send my tentative proposal to you guys for examination before I take to my supervisor Once again thanks very much for the insights

Thanks for your kind words, Desire.

If you are based in a country where Grad Coach’s paid services are available, you can book a consultation by clicking the “Book” button in the top right.

Best of luck with your studies.

May God bless you team for the wonderful work you are doing,

If I have a topic, Can I submit it to you so that you can draft a proposal for me?? As I am expecting to go for masters degree in the near future.

Thanks for your comment. We definitely cannot draft a proposal for you, as that would constitute academic misconduct. The proposal needs to be your own work. We can coach you through the process, but it needs to be your own work and your own writing.

Best of luck with your research!

I found a lot of many essential concepts from your material. it is real a road map to write a research proposal. so thanks a lot. If there is any update material on your hand on MBA please forward to me.

GradCoach is a professional website that presents support and helps for MBA student like me through the useful online information on the page and with my 1-on-1 online coaching with the amazing and professional PhD Kerryen.

Thank you Kerryen so much for the support and help 🙂

I really recommend dealing with such a reliable services provider like Gradcoah and a coach like Kerryen.

Hi, Am happy for your service and effort to help students and researchers, Please, i have been given an assignment on research for strategic development, the task one is to formulate a research proposal to support the strategic development of a business area, my issue here is how to go about it, especially the topic or title and introduction. Please, i would like to know if you could help me and how much is the charge.

This content is practical, valuable, and just great!

Thank you very much!

Hi Derek, Thank you for the valuable presentation. It is very helpful especially for beginners like me. I am just starting my PhD.

This is quite instructive and research proposal made simple. Can I have a research proposal template?

Great! Thanks for rescuing me, because I had no former knowledge in this topic. But with this piece of information, I am now secured. Thank you once more.

I enjoyed listening to your video on how to write a proposal. I think I will be able to write a winning proposal with your advice. I wish you were to be my supervisor.

Dear Derek Jansen,

Thank you for your great content. I couldn’t learn these topics in MBA, but now I learned from GradCoach. Really appreciate your efforts….

From Afghanistan!

I have got very essential inputs for startup of my dissertation proposal. Well organized properly communicated with video presentation. Thank you for the presentation.

Wow, this is absolutely amazing guys. Thank you so much for the fruitful presentation, you’ve made my research much easier.

this helps me a lot. thank you all so much for impacting in us. may god richly bless you all

How I wish I’d learn about Grad Coach earlier. I’ve been stumbling around writing and rewriting! Now I have concise clear directions on how to put this thing together. Thank you!

Fantastic!! Thank You for this very concise yet comprehensive guidance.

Even if I am poor in English I would like to thank you very much.

Thank you very much, this is very insightful.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

The PMC website is updating on October 15, 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Indian J Anaesth
• v.60(9); 2016 Sep

How to write a research proposal?

Department of Anaesthesiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Devika Rani Duggappa

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or ‘blueprint’ for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

INTRODUCTION

A clean, well-thought-out proposal forms the backbone for the research itself and hence becomes the most important step in the process of conduct of research.[ 1 ] The objective of preparing a research proposal would be to obtain approvals from various committees including ethics committee [details under ‘Research methodology II’ section [ Table 1 ] in this issue of IJA) and to request for grants. However, there are very few universally accepted guidelines for preparation of a good quality research proposal. A search was performed with keywords such as research proposal, funding, qualitative and writing proposals using search engines, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Five ‘C’s while writing a literature review

BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer.[ 2 ] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.[ 3 ] Four categories of audience with different expectations may be present in the evaluation committees, namely academic colleagues, policy-makers, practitioners and lay audiences who evaluate the research proposal. Tips for preparation of a good research proposal include; ‘be practical, be persuasive, make broader links, aim for crystal clarity and plan before you write’. A researcher must be balanced, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Being persuasive implies that researcher must be able to convince other researchers, research funding agencies, educational institutions and supervisors that the research is worth getting approval. The aim of the researcher should be clearly stated in simple language that describes the research in a way that non-specialists can comprehend, without use of jargons. The proposal must not only demonstrate that it is based on an intelligent understanding of the existing literature but also show that the writer has thought about the time needed to conduct each stage of the research.[ 4 , 5 ]

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The contents or formats of a research proposal vary depending on the requirements of evaluation committee and are generally provided by the evaluation committee or the institution.

In general, a cover page should contain the (i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and lines for signatures of investigators.

The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings: (i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations.[ 4 ]

Introduction

It is also sometimes termed as ‘need for study’ or ‘abstract’. Introduction is an initial pitch of an idea; it sets the scene and puts the research in context.[ 6 ] The introduction should be designed to create interest in the reader about the topic and proposal. It should convey to the reader, what you want to do, what necessitates the study and your passion for the topic.[ 7 ] Some questions that can be used to assess the significance of the study are: (i) Who has an interest in the domain of inquiry? (ii) What do we already know about the topic? (iii) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (iv) How will this research add to knowledge, practice and policy in this area? Some of the evaluation committees, expect the last two questions, elaborated under a separate heading of ‘background and significance’.[ 8 ] Introduction should also contain the hypothesis behind the research design. If hypothesis cannot be constructed, the line of inquiry to be used in the research must be indicated.

Review of literature

It refers to all sources of scientific evidence pertaining to the topic in interest. In the present era of digitalisation and easy accessibility, there is an enormous amount of relevant data available, making it a challenge for the researcher to include all of it in his/her review.[ 9 ] It is crucial to structure this section intelligently so that the reader can grasp the argument related to your study in relation to that of other researchers, while still demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. It is preferable to summarise each article in a paragraph, highlighting the details pertinent to the topic of interest. The progression of review can move from the more general to the more focused studies, or a historical progression can be used to develop the story, without making it exhaustive.[ 1 ] Literature should include supporting data, disagreements and controversies. Five ‘C's may be kept in mind while writing a literature review[ 10 ] [ Table 1 ].

Aims and objectives

The research purpose (or goal or aim) gives a broad indication of what the researcher wishes to achieve in the research. The hypothesis to be tested can be the aim of the study. The objectives related to parameters or tools used to achieve the aim are generally categorised as primary and secondary objectives.

Research design and method

The objective here is to convince the reader that the overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the research problem and to impress upon the reader that the methodology/sources chosen are appropriate for the specific topic. It should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

In this section, the methods and sources used to conduct the research must be discussed, including specific references to sites, databases, key texts or authors that will be indispensable to the project. There should be specific mention about the methodological approaches to be undertaken to gather information, about the techniques to be used to analyse it and about the tests of external validity to which researcher is committed.[ 10 , 11 ]

The components of this section include the following:[ 4 ]

Population and sample

Population refers to all the elements (individuals, objects or substances) that meet certain criteria for inclusion in a given universe,[ 12 ] and sample refers to subset of population which meets the inclusion criteria for enrolment into the study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined. The details pertaining to sample size are discussed in the article “Sample size calculation: Basic priniciples” published in this issue of IJA.

Data collection

The researcher is expected to give a detailed account of the methodology adopted for collection of data, which include the time frame required for the research. The methodology should be tested for its validity and ensure that, in pursuit of achieving the results, the participant's life is not jeopardised. The author should anticipate and acknowledge any potential barrier and pitfall in carrying out the research design and explain plans to address them, thereby avoiding lacunae due to incomplete data collection. If the researcher is planning to acquire data through interviews or questionnaires, copy of the questions used for the same should be attached as an annexure with the proposal.

Rigor (soundness of the research)

This addresses the strength of the research with respect to its neutrality, consistency and applicability. Rigor must be reflected throughout the proposal.

It refers to the robustness of a research method against bias. The author should convey the measures taken to avoid bias, viz. blinding and randomisation, in an elaborate way, thus ensuring that the result obtained from the adopted method is purely as chance and not influenced by other confounding variables.

Consistency

Consistency considers whether the findings will be consistent if the inquiry was replicated with the same participants and in a similar context. This can be achieved by adopting standard and universally accepted methods and scales.

Applicability

Applicability refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied to different contexts and groups.[ 13 ]

Data analysis

This section deals with the reduction and reconstruction of data and its analysis including sample size calculation. The researcher is expected to explain the steps adopted for coding and sorting the data obtained. Various tests to be used to analyse the data for its robustness, significance should be clearly stated. Author should also mention the names of statistician and suitable software which will be used in due course of data analysis and their contribution to data analysis and sample calculation.[ 9 ]

Ethical considerations

Medical research introduces special moral and ethical problems that are not usually encountered by other researchers during data collection, and hence, the researcher should take special care in ensuring that ethical standards are met. Ethical considerations refer to the protection of the participants' rights (right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to autonomy and confidentiality, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm), obtaining informed consent and the institutional review process (ethical approval). The researcher needs to provide adequate information on each of these aspects.

Informed consent needs to be obtained from the participants (details discussed in further chapters), as well as the research site and the relevant authorities.

When the researcher prepares a research budget, he/she should predict and cost all aspects of the research and then add an additional allowance for unpredictable disasters, delays and rising costs. All items in the budget should be justified.

Appendices are documents that support the proposal and application. The appendices will be specific for each proposal but documents that are usually required include informed consent form, supporting documents, questionnaires, measurement tools and patient information of the study in layman's language.

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used in composing your proposal. Although the words ‘references and bibliography’ are different, they are used interchangeably. It refers to all references cited in the research proposal.

Successful, qualitative research proposals should communicate the researcher's knowledge of the field and method and convey the emergent nature of the qualitative design. The proposal should follow a discernible logic from the introduction to presentation of the appendices.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

Study Plan | How to write a Pro Study Plan

April 2, 2019

Introduction.

Study plans are schedules that designate studying times and learning objectives for specific courses or classes. Similar to a work schedule or a school schedule, a study plan outlines exact times for certain days and specific courses.

Create a study plan to become more organized and hold yourself accountable for learning objective deadlines. While applying for admissions or scholarships , you may be asked to submit a study plan that outlines your objectives and goals during your next course.

A few colleges demand Motivational letter independently alongside the study plan/research plan.

• How to write a Study Plan for CSC Scholarship?
• How to write a Study Plan Essay?

How to write a Study Plan?

You can create a study plan to become more organized and hold yourself accountable for learning objective deadlines.

Your study plan should include (at minimum) these 9 important notes:

• Your most recent education
• Achievements made an overview
• Outline learning objectives and assignment schedules (if any)
• Experiment objectives/expected outcomes
• Future academic goals
• Changes in study habits
• Outline Strengths
• Write your Weaknesses & your plans to counter them

5 Steps to Create a Study Plan

Maximize your study plan and its potential with these five essential steps:

STEP #1: THE PURPOSE OF STUDY PLAN

First of all, define the purpose of your study plan.  Is it for your college courses?  Is it for applying to scholarships?

A study plan for applying to scholarships requires a little more research and time versus a study plan for college courses.  Be sure you are including all the information that is pertinent to the purpose of the study plan.

STEP #2: THE TIME CHART IN STUDY PLAN

A time chart enables you to discover how much time you are spending on each activity throughout your day.  For example, maybe you spend 2 hours a day with your dog in the park.

Create a time chart to take notes about everything you do during the day, whether it’s at work, home, or school.  Be sure that the notes you are taking are very detailed.

So later you can look at your chart and decide where you can plug in an extra hour of studying and where you’re going to lose an hour.

STEP #3: SCHEDULE EVERYTHING IN STUDY PLAN

Your time chart should have helped you recognize and determine which days and what times will be the most beneficial for your studying. Take those dates and times and update them into your monthly calendar.

If your time chart shows that Wednesday and Friday from noon to two are your best studying sessions, then be sure you block those times off in your monthly calendar.

Writing it down in your calendar not only helps you remember it better but makes it seem more important, like a doctor’s appointment.

STEP #4: DEFINE STUDY GOALS IN STUDY PLAN

At the beginning of each week or at the beginning of each study session, determine why you need to study, what you need to study the most, what you need to improve on, and what objectives or goals you plan to achieve.

STEP #5: FOLLOW YOUR STUDY SCHEDULES IN STUDY PLAN

It may seem easy to miss out on one study session to go to the movies with your friends but making up the study time later in the week is going to cause you stress and anxiety.

Work hard to really stick to your time chart and study session calendar. If you skip once, you’re more likely to skip again.  Do your best not to get behind.

Why do you need a Study Plan?

The study plan is a great tool to help you succeed in your educational endeavors. It will aid in the organization of your schedules and make you feel accountable.

The Study plan will help to remind you of important due dates. Personalizing your study plan requires you to sit down and think about your time management skills.

It is the Study Plan that forces you to ask yourself questions such as, “Have I spent enough time on my studies lately?” or “Did I spend more time hanging out with friends than studying for my last exam?”

Therefore, being able to answer those questions will provide insight into your current time management skills. You may find that the hours you spend hanging out with friends or playing video games is three times as much as you spend on your studies.

Tips on Writing a Study Plan

Don’t overbook dates.

Figure out which days are light days and which days are filled to the max on your study plan . On days where your commitments are low, pack in extra hours of studying.

Vice versa, plan on losing a couple of hours of studying on the days that appointments are scheduled on or lots of errands have to run.  Be sure to look ahead and keep in mind any projects or exams that will take up a large amount of your time.

Personalize It

A personalized study plan will also help you become aware of how much time you need to put into studying to effectively learn and understand a subject.  All students are different, and some students learn much faster than others.

Students that learn at a slower pace oftentimes need more time to register learning objectives because their brains cannot process information as quickly as faster learners.

You may discover you need to study an extra 2 or 3 hours a night, for 3 nights a week, instead of studying for 45 minutes each night.

Keep Updating Your Plan

Prior to each study period, your study plan needs to be updated to outline specific goals, learning outcomes, objectives, and study materials specific to that study session.

Also, create a study plan that answers why you are studying, and what you need to improve on to achieve the learning outcomes you set.

Maximize Effectiveness

While you don’t want to skip scheduled sessions in the  Study plan , you also do not want to exhaust yourself in your studies.  Be reasonable and allow yourself sufficient study breaks in between sessions and during your sessions.

If further help is needed in your study sessions, consider hiring a tutor or studying with a friend. In fact, having a study partner creates discussions that facilitate the learning process.

Study Plan Sample and Study Plan Example can be download from the link below:

Download: Study plan Sample

137 thoughts on “Study Plan | How to write a Pro Study Plan”

Dear Mr. Waqas,

I did B.Sc in textile engineering and i hold CGPA 3.72 out of 4:00. Can i apply for china government scholarship? If i apply how much the chance that i will get scholarship?

You can apply for CSC scholarship. 100% chances with acceptance letter and 90% chances without acceptance.

Please i want know the deadline for 2019/2020 application and submission csc documents

yes you can, +8618222967410 (what”s aap+we chat)

any time i go csc web, i always get the message “Server maintenance in is in process please wait”, is there any other link?

Kindly check again, it is working now and you can now apply for CSC scholarship.

My cgpa is 3.139 done mechanical engg from uet..how many chances of winning fully funded scholarship

Dear Waqas can you share the sample study plan for PhD.

Hi respected sir, Sir I am a graduate student of BS Computer Science and applying for CSC, sir in CSC form study plane is require, sir if you have any samples about my field, please sir send me. Thanks Regards: Falakniaz

Do I need an agent to apply for a CSC scholarship? I live in Ghana. And would I be given a supervisor for my masters program?

No need to apply through agent for CSC Scholarship. Application procedure is very easy. kindly have a look at CSC Scholarship application process section of our website.

I just tried the link you left on this comment and it took me to a broken link. Could you please guide me in applying to the CSG Scholarship

i have got acceptance latter.what are the required documents and how can i apply .

Salam, I am currently applying for the Chinese government scholarship but having some difficulty writing a study plan. Must the study plan be nothing less than 800 words? Thank you

For a Master degree applicant for any scholarship it is advised to write a unique Study plan consisting of at least 800 words.

Do we need to write a study plan as well as a research plan for masters students? Thank you for your help.

what about undergraduate students? how many words do I have to write at least ?

How many words is the study plan?

Ideally a study plan must consist of at least 800 words for Master degree applicants and over 1200 words for PhD applicants.

for CSC: Undergraduate students- 200 Masters students- 800

please how can i write “A STUDY PLAN” for csc scholarship…what are the process and key point too write about …thanks

Study plan sample you can view here.

HI I NEED A STUDY PLAN FOR STATISTIC FACULTY IN MASTER DEGREE

Thank you for help.

Iam graduate of nurse i want to apply CSC scholarship

can i apply with a Higher National Diploma for Masters?

Dear Mr. Waqas! My question is when recommendation letter is to be attested by an associate professor, is it required to get letter stamped as well signed by the professor? I am asking this because some people say that stamp is not required. Please tell me about it.

My academic record is not particularly astounding, but its not bad either. My GPA was 3.47, to tell you the truth I was capable of achieving more but at the time I got my hands full as I were quite active at the student body. This is apparent during my final year when I retired from my position at the student body my grade immediately shot up to 3.95, I did perfect especially at my thesis I even won the highest grade title in my last semester. Now its been 2 years since my graduation, and I have been working at major governmental projects since then. My question is how can I make my study plan as good as the sample above considering I was not being a model academic student at that time?

how to get acceptance letter?

Just stopped by to see what was up and found this awesome lesson! What a cool form – I hope the triolet makes a comeback by shear force of dVerse poets. I took a stab at it and am looking forward to checking out some of the other triolets posted.Oh, and can I get a Mi#7ek821&;s Hard Lemonade? And some peanuts? Peace, Linda

Hello good day.. Thanks for study its so excellent.. Please am so confused with other study plan i saw online. A study plan is an organized schedule that students create that outlines study times and learning goals….please i have an interview tomorow i really dont know which i will be asked of

hello..i am applying for the japanese government Mext schoolarship and i am having difficulties in contacting professors.I cant find their emails

waqas muhammad what is your opinion about the scholarship in Japan..how this study plan is differ from china..

Hi . Can I apply for PhD in sociology on scholarship base

Sir, waqas . How we can write a good study plan to apply for scholarship as economics student in Mphill

helo waqas bro. I done Msc In Agriculture, Plz Help me writing a Reserach plan for phd for csc scholership

Found your article very helpful! Thank you soo much Mr waqas

Excellent forum for information sharing and i my self really inspired with the different format, study plan, motivation letter etc.

Hello sir AoA! What kind of documents should be ready before applying for csc???

hello brother i completed BS(IT) with 65% marks and have a lot of international certifications . chances to get csc scholarship ?

please is there a service charge?? do i have to pay some money as a visa application process fee?

sorry…do i have to pay money as a scholarship application process fee?

After writing the study plan do i also have to write motivation letter for PhD program? what are the major difference between the two, please?

Dear Mr. Waqas I did sociogy and i got 3,40 out of 4. Can i apply for China Scholarship ? If i apply how much the chance that i will get scholarship?

Dear Mr. Waqas

I did sociology and i got 3,40 out of 4. Can i apply for China Scholarship ? if apply how much the chance that i will get scholarship?

Greetings! My name is Ihsan Ullah and I just completed my bachelors degree in Electronics. I acquired 3.82 GPA out of 4.00 GPA. Now I wish to apply to china for masters and I am hoping if you could assist me in this regard as I don’t know about the procedure of how to apply to CSC scholarships. Your help in this regard will be highly appreciated, Thanks.

please dear would you mind me if you tell me how can I meet advisor for agricultural product processing and storage engineering in jiangsu university

Hi. What are the differences between a study plan and a research plan or are they the same?

Study plan is actually given by Master degree students and research proposal is actually a detailed version of your study plan which is asked by doctoral degree students to provide alongside their applications.

hello Mr. Yousaf, I want to ask that if I apply for Phd. program then I don’t need to submit study plan

how can one submit fee for registration in china also do we need to send original recommendation latter or just need to submit notarized copies

[email protected]

can u plz guide me that what should be written in proposed study plan ?

Muhammad me i have ssce certificate, so how can i write for study plan

Please, anytime I visited the CSC link to create an account, after entering my email and password, the response I did got is that the email and the password is not valid, please what can cause this?

Dear Waqas,

I have bachelor degree–B.Sc Engineering Technology in Electrical from UET Lahore, and i hold CGPA 3.35 out of 4:00. Can i apply for china government scholarship for MS Engineering Program? If i apply how much the chance that i will get scholarship?

i want to study for master but am having a diploma certificate,will i be accepted?

really i want to say you are so gentle that you answer the all questions one by one as they asked !!

The language of the study ( phd) is English or china

Please can you get admission for masters program without writing a study plan? Also I did Bachelor of Education in Accounting and got 3.1 out of 4.0 as CGPA. Can I get opportunity to study MBA in Finance in Chinese Government Scholarship.

Dear Brother, Is it necessary to fill out both university online registration form and CSC form. Secondly how can we guess that the very university required online registration too??

I am currently applying for CSC and need help on how to go about writing a study plan . Am applying for masters scholarship with a GPA of 3.59 and what are my chances of getting this scholarship base on academic merits?

am Gozah from Ghana currently working my thesis for MPhil in Mathematics (Financial engineering). i will be graduating in July, can I also apply for the CSC scholarship now. however, i have MBA certificate and what is the chance of winning the scholarship if I want to PhD in Financial Engineering and Mathematics.

should recommendation letter be written by only Professor, what about senior lecturer.

Please l want to find out if l can use diploma in marketing to apply csc schorlarship

Sir, Is it true that the “Chinese Govt scholarship under CSC ” only provide “going air ticket” and then the Candidate pays the return air ticket ? en-lighten me about the scholarship value/benefits

I am applying in Master Degree. WHAT is the basic need study plan or research proposal? Kindly Help me.

are these scholarship available now? and ending date is 5 March 2018?

I would love to apply for csc scholarship but am finding difficult in getting a school with my choice of study. Am interested in M.sc clinical psychology, child psychology, developmental psychology or early childhood studies. Please can you refer me to any of the Chinese school that offers this course. Thanks Blessing from Nigeria

I’m now tried to apply a PhD scholarship at Hungary. But the problem is writing a research proposal, I mean I don’t know the correct format and contents should be there as a proposal. In a limited number of words and pages how can I writes a short summery of research proposal?

Sir, I want to ask that, Japan govt is offering a teacher training scholarship program of 18 months through japan embassy. I am a teacher and I have specialty or Master in Math.I have Filled “Reach Feild” as Mathematics Education. I want a suggestion to fill “research plan” that may increased my chance of scholarship.Please guide me about that

M.Yousaf, I need research proposal or study plane about china pakistan cooperation on fruits and vegetables or agricultural practices. [email protected] or my whatssup is 03318006106 . kindly help. thank you regard Saeed Ahmed.

Is the study plan same as statement of purpose?

Dear, I did BS in Computer Science with B Grade having CGPA 3.02/4.00 in 2011 from Pakistan. Now I want to get Graduation leading to Phd. Scholarship from China. What you think that is there any chances for me to get Scholarship.

Assalamuaalikum. My name is Muhammad Farukh Tanveer. i want to apply for a china Government Scholarships. I have completed my Masters with a CGPA of 3.42/4. Now i am applying for a PHD in Electrical Engineering & Information and Communication Engineering. How much chance do i have to get a full CSC scholarship???

Sir my passport will be expire in end of September .do I need to make new or apply on this one for CSC .thanks

Could you plz guide me how to write study plan??

I have done my BE in Civil Engineering with 81.6% but degree will be awarded in end of march and most of the Chinese universities deadline to submit application is in march. So is there any alternate to complete my Application in CSC 2018.

Dear Waqas Sir. My Name Shakir Amjad I did B.Sc in Agriculture Mechanization and i hold CGPA 3.45 out of 4:00. Can i apply for china government scholarship? If i apply how much the chance that i will get scholarship? I get Acceptance letter For the same department

i need study plan for master can u help me

please reply me some as soon as posssible

plz help mi have no idea for study plan and i have done msc botany plz tell me about study plan for scholarship

online application form is not opening, i am trying from last 2 weeks

Asalam o alikum.

I want to do PhD in veterinary sciences under studentship/ scholarship, from any European country i.e Australia,Switzerland, UK etc. How i will get admission?I studied in institutes where English was the medium of instruction for all courses. However i did n,t appear in any English language examination i.e IELTS etc .

good evening ! i am going to apply for csc scholarship i a m from tunisian i would like to know my chances to get accepted is it easy if all my papers are correct and i have a good grades as well because i dont have an acceptance letter ! thanks in advance

Please can a get a sample research plan, Japan scholarship specifically Stated :Describe in detail and with specifics-particularly concerning the ultimate goals of your research at YNU. Your academic background and research methodology should be included”.

sir please tell me about best university in china which offer scholarship for master in engineering management in English.Thanks

What is the last date to apply for csc scholarship

Hi Muhammad Yousaf. Can you help. I must write study plany for csc scholarship. If you help i am very glad. Please help me)))

I am in a management student.I am complete my master’s degree from Bangladesh University. my result are CGPA 3.22 out of 4. can I apply again master’s degree from Chinese government scholarship..

please can i have your we chat ID?

dear bro i did pharm d and i want to study in china and i have no acceptance letter plz tell me thats how much chances is for me to get an admission

Hello. How to write a study plan undergraduate?

Hi.. for the csc scholarship do I need to write a study plan for undergraduate programme?

Hi.. do I need to write a study plan for undergraduate programme for the csc scholarship?

Please can i know the differences between the Shanghai Government Scholarship of class A and Class B type of scholarship.

please i need direction on how to apply for csc scholarship

I completed Pre-engineering in 2004. After that I started doing jobs. Now I am serving a Chinese company. I want to learn Chinese. Very basic things I have learnt from Chinese here. I want to be a professional Chinese interpreter. For this I am seeking one year scholarship only for Chinese in China. Is it possible that I will get chance to get scholarship in this scenario?

Hello I have received a letter of acceptance from a supervisor from Jaingsu university, on a condition of csc scholarship or JSU Scholarship. Even though i did not apply for the that course on the online application. Please what should i do about that. Kindly advise.

i have done my BS Physics degree with CGPA 3.1/4.0 now i want to get studentship for research in Germany, without ielts, my english is proficent for my studies, how can i get?

I am applying China AUN scholarship but the application registration stated audit. How can i log in and complete application online?

what is the difference between: Study plan and SOP Study plan and research plan when only ask to submit study plan , should a phd student require to submitt research proposal

is it a must that the study plan of undergraduate could be a minimum of 400 words

Hi iam abdul hanan done bsit with cgpa 2.48 can i aply for csc

Slam, i from pakistan. I have done M.A English language and literature from NUML university in 2017 with a CGPA of 3.34/4.00. I want to apply for Master degree in china. How much chance is for me? And how i can write a study plan? plz guide me.

Hi … thank you very much for your cooperation and your help.

i would kindly ask about the structure of the study plan

what does it consist of?

salut. s’il vous plaît j’ai fait une demande de bourse sur le site du SCC depuis Mars 2018 mais jusqu’à ce jour je n’ai eu aucune réponse.j’aimerais savoir quelle est la procédure habituelle après la demande et ce qui peut expliquer l’absence de réponse. Merci

Hi Mr. Yousaf could you please help me write my study plan for study permit. How do we start it for BBA

Login Link Plz Dear,

I am going to be 40 years in December 2018. Can I apply CSC or UNIST scholarship in upcoming year??

Salam Sir I complete my LLB degree from University of Swabi with 3.2 CGPA and now I want to study LLM from Chinese universities but the study plan so difficult for me I try my best many time but I failed.

Dear Waqas, I earned my Master degree in Chemical Engineering from UET Lahore this year,now i want to do P.hd from china kindly guide me regarding research proposal.

Dear sir, you said in the above comment that study plan is for master and research proposal is for PhD student. So PhD student just need to submit the research proposal.? or study plan too?

Sir how can I apply for phd mathematics can you help me right now I m in china and I want fully funded scholarship

AoA Sir, I am a law graduate and want to get admission in llm with full fledged scholarship in foreign countries like,china Australia,Taiwan etc.Therefore humbly request you be informed procedure for admission and also guide me in thiz regard.

• Pingback: Tsinghua University CSC Scholarship 2019 | China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarships - ScholarshipFellow

Please what are the chances for a person with a GPA of 3.24 out of 4.00 win the CSC scholarship? Thank you

I have a bachelor of science degree in statistics with first class honored at kwame nkrumah university of science and technology , ghana. can I apply for master degree admission with scholarship in economics. If so what is my chance of getting scholarship?

Thank you Muhammad Yousaf for your assistance, I have a master’s degree in civil engineering (structural option) and so far I have published one paper, can I apply for a PhD scholarship with only one paper published?

Sir I really confused how to apply Chinese governmental scholarship I need to guid me step by step please thanks

• Pingback: Research Design - Types of Research Design

Hi, I am a female from Islamabad, need your help for PhD scholarship in China, Kindly guide. Best Regards

Hey. I complete my BBA Hons in finance now I want o to apply for CSC scholarship so I complete all the requirements but can you manage a study plan for me I will mail you all of the requirements please reply me I will wait for your response.

i’ve done my graduation from Virtual University Of Pakistan. Can I apply for CSC Scholarship?

Dear, Salam. I did my MS in Management Sciences major in Project Management. I have applied on the CSC portal in the previous session but there is no response from that side. whilst, showing “In Progress” Status on the portal. what should I do now? let me guide plz…………….

Sir kindly send me study plan for master program in economics My email account is saleem [email protected]

Hello, Is it ok if I add any reference in my study plan? Best Regards, Md Shah Neowaz

i need to apply for a china i need a study plan for pharmacology

if i want to get chinese Govermint Scholarship ( Undergrduted ) i have to write study or research plan or no ?

Hi! how can I prepare a study plan, please help me with it?

Sir how can I apply to the school address eg Nanjing University

• Pingback: 1 - Afidavit

Hi and my regards, sir I have just filled the csc scholarship application, but now don’t know how to upload the University which i prefer.

This web help me a lot to understand how to write a study plan thank u soo much

It was a useful information about a study plane I have ever seen. But what was state in the information it did not considered in the sample at the end.

How do I apply for the Chinese Undergraduate scholarship

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

28 Study Plan Templates to Edit, Download, and Print

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

Looking for a study plan template to improve your academic performance?

Today’s post features a collection of downloadable study plan examples that you can edit and print for personal use.

Time management is one of the most challenging aspects of student life. You have your classes to keep track of, and you likely also have extracurricular activities to balance out the academics. You might also have a part-time job. Plus, there’s always your social life to attend to.

A study plan schedule is essential to make sure that you can learn everything in time and master the course material. So if you're not sure HOW this process works, then check out this proven 11-step process to create a study plan that works .

Okay, let's start by talking about the benefits of having a study plan and then we'll dive into the study plan templates you can use.

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Having a Study Plan

Study plans are an effective tool that show you how you spend your time.

You want to make sure that you’re setting aside a sufficient amount of time to study for tests, do your assignments, and complete your projects.

With the rise of online learning, study plans are more important than ever. Using them fosters self-discipline and accountability . It prevents procrastination and helps you develop better study habits , which usually translate to better grades.

To get started, here are three action pads and planner journals that can help you study:

• BestSelf's Weekly Action Pad
• Miliko A4 One Semester Study Planner/Organizer
• PAPERIAN Believe TIME Tracker

And in the following article, you'll find 28 study plan templates. These work great for students in elementary and middle school, as well as high school and college students, homeschoolers, and those attending online classes.

1. 34 Study Planner Printable Worksheets and Templates

Check out Study Planner Printable Worksheets and Templates on Etsy

Stay organized and boost your academic success with this all-in Study Planner bundle. Featuring over 30 printable and fillable planners, this bundle provides everything you need to manage your assignments, exams, and study schedules efficiently.

These planners will help you stay on top of your academic game with ease.

2. Study Planner with Reading List Template

Download the PDF

Are you in for week of intensive academic reading? Our very own Study Planner with Reading List template can help you organize your notes and thoughts and prioritize your schedule so you can stay on top of it all.

Use this template for each one of your subjects to write down your goals and important notes and list down all the materials you need to read so you don’t forget anything. This template comes in A4 size.

3. Study Planner and Schedule Template

If you’re a student who likes to plan out your day in advance, our Study Planner and Schedule template may come in handy. We’ve dedicated spaces for all of your subjects, an hourly schedule, deadlines, study goals, and important notes so you can see your day’s priorities in a glance. This template comes in A4 size.

4. Unit Study Plan

via Sugar, Spice & Glitter

Given the global situation in recent years, homeschooling has become increasingly popular. In many households, parents have become teachers for children who are forced to stay home and shelter in place.

These parents need tools to organize and keep track of lessons. This template works well for homeschoolers as a tracker for unit studies.

This study plan has a Montessori framework , featuring subjects such as:

• Practical life

You can easily modify the titles of the boxes if you’re homeschooling but not using the Montessori model.

5. Black and White Study Planner

via Flipping Pages With Lex

If you’re looking for a black-and-white themed study planner, you might want to give this sample a try. It has five columns featuring Date, Topic, Before, Completed, and After.

This template can be especially helpful if you’re studying chapters or units. It is also applicable for tracking homework and school projects.

6. Let's Study

This template features a minimalist design with a peach background. It comes with checkboxes, making it easier to keep track of your schoolwork.

The template has spaces allocated for Monday to Friday, as well as for the weekend.

If you’re looking for a straightforward template, the uncluttered look of this one might appeal to you.

7. Study Time Table

This timetable shows your schedule for the entire week on one page. It is helpful in reminding you about appointments, exams, or other important academic events.

It features a seven-day calendar, with time slots from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

To further help keep track of your schedule, this timetable comes with icons to specify the categories of your activities. Some of these icons include:

There is also space allocated near the bottom of the page for study notes.

8. Harry Potter-Inspired Daily Productivity Planner

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this productivity planner might appeal to you.

It features spaces for writing down your tasks, and lets you state how much time you’re allocating for a particular task and what particular subject the schedule is for. There is also a progress tracker for each task so you know how far or near it is to completion.

There are also two boxes on the lower half of the page where you can write down reminders and comments.

What really makes this a Harry Potter-themed planner is the quote found on the lower right-hand side of the page. The words of Professor Severus Snape remind this planner’s user that:

“ The mind is not a book to be opened at will and examined at leisure. Thoughts are not etched on the inside of skulls, to be perused by an invader. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing. ”

9. Blue and Yellow Schedule Printable

This printable planner is designed to help older school-age kids keep track of their schoolwork and develop good study habits.

It has a section where the schedule for the day can be written down, with hourly intervals. This is a great way to introduce kids to time blocking, which is a very helpful tool for productivity and organization.

Space is also designated for writing down daily to-dos, such as homework and chores. There are also spaces for a list of specific goals and notes (e.g., reminders and other important information).

10. Printable Student Planner Pages

If you’re looking for a planner that fits into your binder, this template is worth your attention. It contains all the features you need in order to keep track of assignments, upcoming tests, homework and project deadlines, and school activities.

There is sufficient space to write things down without forcing yourself to use very tiny letters. The planner pages are also undated, giving you flexibility when it comes to organizing your study schedule.

11. Weekly Assignments Printable

Need something to help you prioritize and keep track of assignments from different classes? This printable template is the perfect solution.

To help organize your weekly class assignments, this printable is divided into three major sections.

The first section features sufficient space for listing all your assignments from different classes. This section lets you identify assignments for specific classes and their due dates. If you’re done with an assignment, you can put a mark in the checkbox next to each item.

The template’s second section features a reminder box. Finally, the third section is a mini-calendar with boxes assigned for each day of the week. Here, you can write down important dates so you don’t miss a single deadline.

12. Study Session Planner

Exams coming up? Need a system to help boost your grades this semester?

This planner can help you out with clear-cut guidelines for an effective study routine. It’s full of features that not only enhance your productivity, but also ensure you develop solid study habits that you can use beyond your academic life.

This planner starts off with a checklist of things you need to prepare prior to studying, such as clearing your desk, ensuring that you’ll have minimal distractions, preparing study snacks, and finding music to help you concentrate.

It has space allocated for a list of your tasks, a hydration tracker (because being dehydrated makes it difficult to concentrate), and time management tracking (a Pomodoro ratio and procrastination list). Spaces are also designated to note post-study treats, achievements, and reflections.

13. Today’s Study Session Planner

This template is perfect if you’re looking for a planner to help you focus on studying for a particular subject. It features sections for listing three priorities during the session, topics to study (with checkboxes you can tick once done), and your goals for the day. There are also spaces dedicated for writing notes and indicating the total time studied. Finally, a mini-chart lets you track the number of study breaks taken during a session.

14. Homework Planner Pack

Perhaps you’re getting overwhelmed with the amount of homework and assignments given at school. This homework planner can be used for any grade level to help students organize their schedules, develop good study habits, and meet homework deadlines.

It features ample space where you can list all the upcoming homework, projects, and tests you have for the week, as well as a section where you can indicate due dates and dates of completion. This template comes in three different designs.

15. Pink Study Planner

If you’re looking for a planner that helps monitor your study hours and progress, here’s one that you might want to try. It has a pink theme with spaces assigned for the following:

• Study progress
• Study hours (expected and actual)
• Today’s subject

To get good results in your study goals, make sure to use your planner consistently to organize and remind you about your schoolwork.

16. Study Timetable

A study timetable like this one can be a major lifesaver for students. It helps set routines that save energy and prevent stress when it comes to taking care of schoolwork.

This timetable is in landscape format with a Monday start and has spaces for plotting out your study schedule and other activities from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

17. Student Planner Pack

This student planner pack has everything you need to hone your good study habits. The pack contains eight types of study planners that keep you motivated, organized, and productive, whether you’re in high school at university.

These planners can be printed out in A4, A5, or letter size.

Some of the templates you’ll get in the pack include:

• Weekly timetable
• Assignment tracker
• Goal-setting
• Reading list

18. Printable Study Pack

Here is another study plan pack with 10 different planners to help streamline your studies and other academic activities.

The planners are undated for continuous use and feature a simple and elegant design so as not to distract the user from focusing on their studies. The following are included in the pack:

• Daily, weekly, and monthly study planners
• 10-minute planner
• Study plan worksheet
• Study session tracker
• Subject and chapter summary worksheets
• Priority breakdown worksheet

These planners and worksheets are in landscape format and are downloadable in A4 size.

19. College Student Study Planner Printables

College life can be overwhelming. This set of planner printables is designed to give your academic schedule structure that minimizes overwhelm and increases success.

Some of the templates that will help you succeed include:

• Study planner
• Study checklist
• Project planner
• Exam timetable
• Semester overview
• Weekly and monthly calendars

20. The Ultimate College Planner

This set of templates has everything you need to stay on top of your academic life. Designed for college students, this set offers colorful templates and organizers for the following purposes:

• Setting goals
• Organizing class and extracurricular schedules
• Improving study habits
• Keeping track of important dates

Signing up for the newsletter gives you access to this printable planner set.

21. Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Planner

Homeschooling usually has a less rigid schedule than conventional education. However, a homeschooling schedule still needs structure so that homeschoolers can maximize their learning.

This homeschooling planner follows the Charlotte Mason methodology and provides ample space for planning out and organizing an entire year of homeschool.

The planner contains calendars, schedule charts that are especially useful for plotting out a study schedule, weekly spreads, subject notes, and more.

22. Exam Revision Planner

Studying for an exam? Here’s a planner that will help you ace that test.

This planner ensures that you are well-prepared for the exam by letting you break down everything that you need to study into manageable bits.

The PDF template comes in A4 size, which is downloadable in pink, purple, blue, gray, and black & white.

23. Minimalist Unit Study Planner

This template set helps you gain a deeper understanding of a topic/lesson, whether you’re studying or teaching it. It can be used in both homeschooling and conventional education environments to help explore a subject matter from different angles.

24. Semester Study Planner Template

This eight-page planner set is ideal if you’re looking for templates to help you organize your schedule and track your academic progress. It also comes with templates for time management.

The set has a teal color scheme, with features such as:

• Syllabus study planner
• Pomodoro planner
• Checklist for getting organized
• Concept confidence tracker

25. Undated Hourly Five-Day Study Planner

Keep track of your time and manage it well with these planners. You can add in the categories of your choice for your schedule (e.g., work, class, study area, etc.).

A 10-minute planner is found on the bottom half of the page to give you an overview of how you utilize your time each day. The planners come in five different colors, as well as in black & white.

26. Productive Academic Life

This study planner allows you to plot out your schedule for the day and specify the date and the day of the week.

There are spaces for you to write down the following:

27. Editable Student Planning Binder

This planner binder is designed especially for young students. It allows them to have a central place for assignments and other essential documents in class.

Some of the templates included in the 49-page binder are:

• Study goals
• Notes for the week
• Important reminders
• Weekly study planner

28. Daily Study Planner

This daily study planner helps manage daily schedules to maximize your study hours. In addition to the date, you can write your study time goal in hours and minutes, as well as the actual duration of time you spent studying.

It also features space for listing down tasks, with a column alongside each task where you can specify the amount of time (in hours and minutes) you need to complete it.

A time table is also provided, as well as spaces for indicating the subject/chapter/topic/ being studied, study materials, and some notes.

Final Thoughts About Using a Study Plan Template

There you have it—a collection of study plan samples to help you this school year.

So pick one that will best match your needs.

Keep in mind that, in order to reach your academic goals, it’s not just about filling out a student planner. It also involves your commitment to better study habits and embracing a time-management strategy that works for you.

When you have all these, you’ll be set to survive the semester. You may even have a more stellar academic performance.

If you need further resources about study plans and other tools to help in your academic life, check out the following posts:

• The Study Plan Schedule Strategy (That Actually Works!)
• 11 Good Study Habits to Better Understand Your Lessons
• 9 Best Study & Academic Planners for Students
• 14 Best Books on Learning and Building Great Study Habits
• 20 Self-Education Habits to Educate Yourself on Anything

Never stop learning!

Finally, if you want to level up your productivity and time management skills, then watch this free video about the 9 productivity habits you can build at work .

How to make an effective study plan

A study schedule is a time-management plan that will help you achieve your learning goals. In this plan, you’ll schedule your study sessions, as you would your work or social commitments.

By setting aside dedicated time to study, you’ll be able to break down tasks and assignments into manageable chunks. You will also find you are better prepared for assessments.

Find out how to make a study plan and exactly why it will benefit you.

Benefits of having a study plan

The main benefit of a study plan is that you will be organised. Once you’ve got everything scheduled in, you’ll find:

• you’ll be across your schedule and can plan ahead
• it breaks down the study load into manageable amounts
• you’ll have time to complete assignments, ensuring they aren’t rushed.

Creating a study schedule will also help align your studies with other commitments, such as work or hobbies.

This will help you avoid clashes in your schedule, as you’ll have a clear view of what lies ahead, week by week.

Do I need a study plan to be a successful student?

The great thing about a study timetable is that it can help you achieve your goals. This is because you'll be scheduling your study around assignment dates and can allow yourself time to properly prep for class.

You're also maximising your learning potential by having clearly defined blocks for studying in your day.

Your plan can be continually tweaked as you progress through your course. You might for example, find you are more receptive to learning in the morning and so can schedule time for study earlier in the day.

A study plan is particularly helpful if you’re an online student, as there’ll be no classroom or instructor to keep you accountable. Instead, you’ll be responsible for managing your own time, around your assignments.

Discover how you can make online learning work for you at VU .

10 ways to make an effective study plan

With the VU Block Model , you will complete one unit (subject) at a time over four weeks, before moving onto the next. So, when you start each block, you can plan your schedule out for the following four weeks.

The first block can be used to determine how you learn and manage your study around other commitments. You can then tweak your study plan, as you progress through your course or degree.

Follow the below points, step by step, to create an effective study plan for you.

1. Analyse your individual learning style

Every student has a different learning style. You can tailor your study schedule to best suit yours.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you focus for long periods of time?
• What time of the day are you most productive?
• Do you need to take a break before returning to class material?

Once you’re across your learning style, you can schedule your study at the times of day that best suits you.

2. Evaluate your current commitments

Make sure your classes, work commitments and extracurricular activities are all blocked out within your calendar. This will give you a good idea of how much time you have to dedicate to study.

Does your calendar seem jam-packed? It may be necessary to reschedule some activities or cut back on work or some of your hobbies.

Take some time to visualise your end goal, to decide on what’s most important to you.

3. Plan your study time for each class

At the start of a semester, teachers usually give students an estimate on how much time they need to spend on each class.

You can use this as a starting point to calculate the study time needed. This will be different for each student – you might find you require more study time for some classes or less than suggested.

With the VU Block Model, you'll be attending three-hour classes, three days a week, all for the same subject. This focused timetable is structured to give you plenty of time to organise your study around work, your social life and other commitments.

If you’re learning online, it can be particularly difficult to find time to study, or concentrate on the task at hand.

Treat your learning and study time like a job, and don’t let yourself get distracted by your phone or non-urgent household chores.

After some tips and tricks? Read more about making time to study online .

How do I deal with assignments that take me longer to complete than expected?

Try to create your own deadlines a couple of days before the due date of homework and assessments.

This will give you the gift of extra time, to review your work or deal with any issues that arise.

4. Develop a schedule

You might ask yourself: When exactly should I study?

The first step is planning out your week, deciding which days you have available for study. You can also schedule in the amount of time you want to spend studying, according to your learning preferences.

Add your study sessions into your calendar, as you would your work or social commitments. This will drive home the point that this time is specifically for learning.

If you have a busy schedule, you may need to get creative in allocating time to study – such as using the time between classes, or your commute into university on the tram or train.

Here are some tips on how to manage working and studying full time , which outlines other ways you can fit extra study into your day.

5. Set realistic goals

While goal setting is important, you don’t want to over-commit, and then find you fall short of what you hope to achieve.

You may have one big goal for a block or semester, but you’ll find success if you break this down into smaller daily or weekly goals.

You’ve set yourself up well by creating a study plan and now have a higher chance of smashing your goal.

VU offers a unique learning experience designed for first-year students, to make you university ready.

Find out more about how we are revolutionising the first year of uni for you with our First Year College .

6. Make study time part of your routine

If you treat study as part of your daily routine, you’ll cement it as habit. In time, you won’t have to force yourself to do it – the impulse will come naturally.

This is also helpful in managing stress. You’ll approach exam times or intense assessment periods with a far more balanced workload, having spread it out over several weeks.

Make sure you commit to a manageable goal and a study schedule you can keep. Even if you don’t achieve everything you hope for in a session, being consistent with your studies will help you in the long run.

7. Plan your breaks

It’s estimated that an adult can hold focus for around twenty minutes. After this, we start to disengage.

So, it’s important to schedule in break time around your study.

• have a snack
• go for a walk or run
• head to one of VU’s fitness centres for a gym session
• attend a yoga class
• go for a swim.

The main thing is to get out of your head and do something different while you’re taking a break.

This way you’ll be reinvigorated once you resume study.

8. Try the Pomodoro Technique

If you find you can only study in short sessions, you could plan your schedule around the Pomodoro Technique.

This is where you:

• commit to 25 minutes of study
• take a break for 5-10 minutes
• repeat this four times
• take a longer break.

Having a longer break to look forward to may help you find the motivation you need to study.

Use the timer on your phone to track study time. If you find your phone to be too much of a distraction, you could use the timer on your microwave, or even invest in an egg-timer!

If you’re struggling to stay on task, you may find it helpful to use distraction apps to block non-essential programs on your phone and laptop.

There are  plenty of apps out there that can help you study effectively.

9. Find a study buddy or group

A study buddy or study group will help you stick to a schedule. As you’ve committed to studying at the same time, you can keep each other accountable and strive for common goals.

Read more about how a study buddy can help you succeed .

10. Evaluate your study plan & adjust

The beauty of a study schedule is that you can change it to suit your needs.

If you find you’re still lacking the motivation to study, not getting the results you hoped for, or don’t feel like you have enough time to study, you may need to re-evaluate your plan.

Can I adjust my schedule in between?

Your study plan doesn't need to be stone – it’s fine to make changes as you progress through your degree or course.

As part of the VU Block Model, you can take breaks of one or two blocks.

This way you can resume study when you're feeling more motivated, or the timing is right.

Over time, as you tweak your schedule, you’ll figure out what works best for you.

What will your study plan look like?

Ultimately, your study plan will be unique to you. You’ll be scheduling it around your commitments and strengths, with your end goals firmly in sight.

You may find it best to keep a paper-and-pen schedule or use a day planner. You can also keep your studies on track with a calendar app, or set reminders for when it’s time to start and finish your study on your phone.

Can I get help setting up my study plan?

Apps such as My Study Planner will help you organise your time around study, as they have been created with students in mind.

You can also use VU’s own timetable planner to create your study plan. Read more about tips and advice on our timetable planner , to stay on top of your schedule.

Now that you know how to make an effective study plan, find out more about studying at VU .

• Accelerated
• Affordable Programs
• MBA in Finance
• Computer Science Bachelor’s
• Software Engineering
• Art and Art History
• Criminal Justice
• Health Services
• College Planning
• Financial Planning
• Health & Wellness
• Scholarships
• Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
• Career Resources

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Create a Study Plan

Written by Kristen Scatton

Updated: March 24, 2023

Compare School Options

What is a study plan.

A study plan is an organized schedule outlining study times and learning goals. Just like with work or school schedules, college students should develop a schedule that sets aside dedicated time each week for studying. This schedule should include dates of quizzes, tests, and exams, as well as deadlines for papers and projects.

Why do I need a study plan?

Time management can be challenging. Besides your classes, you likely have other commitments like extracurricular activities, work, and social engagements. Creating a study plan allows you to see how you spend your time, and ensures that you are setting aside enough time outside of class to complete homework assignments, study for tests, and review and retain the information you are learning.

Study plans are particularly important for online students , since you need to have self-discipline and determination to complete your studies without the constant reminders of an instructor.

6 tips for creating a study plan

Follow the guidelines below to get started on creating your study plan:

#1: Analyze your current study habits and learning style – Think about what works and what doesn’t work for you. Are you able to study for long blocks of time once or twice a week, or is it more effective if you study nightly for thirty minutes? Are you more productive at a certain time of day ? Do you retain material better if you study a subject immediately after class, or do you need a break first?

#2: Evaluate your current schedule and time management – Use a digital or paper calendar to block out all of your standing commitments, including classes, work, and extracurricular activities. This will let you see how much of your time is already spoken for, and what time you have available for studying.

If your schedule leaves little room for studying, you may need to evaluate what you can cut back on, or how you can rearrange your schedule to have more open time for studying.

#3: Plan how much time you need to study for each class – For many years, the accepted rule has been that you need to study two hours for every one hour of class time , meaning that if you’re taking a typical 15-credit semester, you will spend 30 hours a week outside of class studying. There is some question about the efficacy of this ratio , especially in light of new technology that makes research and writing faster.

At the beginning of each term, your instructors will give you syllabi for the classes you are taking. The syllabi will usually include the dates of any major exams or projects. You can use these as guides for calculating how much time to set aside for each class, as some courses might be more intensive than others. It will also help you schedule your study sessions to make sure you have enough time to complete all your assignments and prepare for exams.

#4: Develop a schedule – Now that you understand how much time you need for studying, and how much time you have available, you can schedule your study sessions. Add your study sessions to your calendar like any other commitments. This ensures that you remember this is time set aside specifically for studying.

Plan out which subject you will study on which day, to ensure that you’re devoting enough time to each subject. For example, Mondays and Thursdays can be set aside for math, while Tuesdays and Fridays can be devoted to English.

If your schedule is busy, you may have to be somewhat flexible and creative in finding time to study. For example, if you commute to school via public transportation, you can use that time for reading. Or perhaps your job allows you to study when it’s not busy.

#5: Assess your weekly calendar –

Identifying your learning goals for each class will help you determine how much time you need to spend studying. At the start of the term, think about what you want to accomplish in each class. Maybe you want to master a specific skill, or improve your grade. These are overarching goals to help motivate you during the term.

Then, at the beginning of each week, determine why you need to study and what you plan to accomplish in each study session. Are you preparing for a big exam? Is there a paper due? Are you able to read a chapter ahead in preparation for the next few classes? Adjust your study plan as necessary to meet your weekly goals, and get the most out of each study session.

While it is tempting to skip your study session when there isn’t a test looming, you will reduce your future test preparation time by reading ahead and preparing for lectures.

#6: Stick to your schedule – A study plan works best when it is followed consistently. You should try to develop a study plan that you can follow for the length of each term. You will have to adjust your plan as necessary when you switch your classes each term. Remember, the most important thing is sticking to your plan.

4 strategies for sticking to your study plan

#2: Schedule time for other activities By achieving a balanced schedule , your mind will be more receptive during time devoted to studying. If you schedule several long days in a row of studying, you will get discouraged and be tempted to give up. It’s recommended that you schedule time for nonacademic activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and socializing with other students.

#3: Maintain accountability Some students find it helpful to study with a partner, as it provides accountability, as well as opportunities for discussion and collaboration. When creating your study plan, check with other classmates to determine if you can coordinate study sessions. However, if you tend to socialize more than study when you are around others, stick to an independent study plan. If you do have a study partner, make sure it’s someone with whom you are likely to stay on task.

#4: Evaluate your study plan, and adjust as needed Your study plan is all about helping you be more efficient and productive. If you find that it’s not working, don’t get discouraged. It’s ok to make changes as you figure out what works best for you.

Leverage tools for creating a study plan

If keeping a paper and pen schedule is not helpful to you, consider other ways for keeping your studies on track. Use a calendar app and set reminders when it’s time to start and end your study session. There are also a number of study planner apps like My Study Planner and myHomework , which can help you manage your study schedules.v>

Interested in a degree instead?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a research plan and a research proposal.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Frequently asked questions: Writing a research paper

A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question . Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative , descriptive , longitudinal , experimental , or correlational . What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins or larger
• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Include a title page
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center
• Cite your sources with author-date citations or Chicago footnotes
• Include a bibliography or reference list

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial
• If submitting for publication, insert a running head on every page
• Apply APA heading styles
• Cite your sources with APA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a reference page at the end

No, it’s not appropriate to present new arguments or evidence in the conclusion . While you might be tempted to save a striking argument for last, research papers follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the results and discussion sections if you are following a scientific structure). The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

The conclusion of a research paper has several key elements you should make sure to include:

• A restatement of the research problem
• A summary of your key arguments and/or findings
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Our team helps students graduate by offering:

• A world-class citation generator
• Plagiarism Checker software powered by Turnitin
• Innovative Citation Checker software
• Professional proofreading services
• Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

• PhD dissertations
• Research proposals
• Personal statements
• Admission essays
• Motivation letters
• Reflection papers
• Journal articles
• Capstone projects

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Applying for Tertiary Education
• Scholarships

How to Write a Study Plan for a Scholarship

Last Updated: October 25, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. . Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 252,425 times.

If you are asked to write a study plan for a scholarship, you may not know where to begin. Basically, a study plan describes what you'll be studying and why. One common scholarship committee that asks for study plans is the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Start by establishing your main educational goals, and then talk about how you plan to achieve them. Conclude your study plan, and spend time refining your writing.

What to Write About

• For instance, maybe your main goals for studying in China are to gain a bachelor's degree in business and learn Chinese because it's becoming a global language. You could write, "My main two educational objectives are to gain a bachelor's degree in business and to learn to speak Chinese. Chinese is becoming a global language, so I feel it's necessary to learn it."

• For instance, you might write, "I was born in the United States, but my grandparents on both sides are Chinese. I chose this business program because I want to connect with my heritage, improve my Chinese, and eventually, help establish better relations between China and the U.S. by improving trade relations."

• For example, you might say, "As a PhD candidate, I plan to conduct research on how ancient tradition and ritual influence contemporary Chinese culture, which will include a literature review and extensive interviews with historians and a small sampling of the Chinese population."

• It can help to draw a conceptual model. Start with the antecedents (the causes) and the mediators (the processes that change the antecedents). Finish with the outcomes. Draw lines between them to help you see which variables are more central to your problem.
• Consider asking peers or professors to look at your research proposal. They may be able to help you narrow.

• For instance, you might say, "One of my long-term goals is to open an import business from China to the United States, and learning about business in China will be essential to making my endeavors a success."

Explaining Your Plans

• For instance, if you plan on doing a PhD where you'll need participants, discuss how you'll find people for your study. You might say, "I plan to put out an ad to gain participants for a focus group, as well as contact historians by phone and email for interviews."

• For example, you might write, "I anticipate the language barrier will be an issue at first. However, I plan to work hard early on to learn the language, and I am already taking intensive classes now."

• To help you choose, do a thorough literature review. Look at the research that has been done in the area you plan to study. Note the primary methods used to do the research and the pros and cons of each. Choose a method based on what you think will work best for your research. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source

• For instance, you might use simple random sampling or systematic sampling when the whole population is similar based on the variables for your study. On the other hand, a stratified random sample is often used when you have people who are different from each other based on your variables.

Concluding and Refining Your Writing

• For example, you might write, "Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. If I receive this award, I can focus solely on my studies. I will work hard to implement my goals of learning Chinese and gaining a business degree at a Chinese university, and your trust in me will not be wasted."

• You don't need to write as if you're talking to a child. However, you should write so someone outside of your discipline can easily understand your plan.

• The space for the study plan on the CSC application is only a couple of lines. However, the application suggests you attach more paper as needed.

Scholarship Study Plan Template

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.ecpi.edu/blog/how-to-set-educational-goals-and-meet-them
• ↑ https://bangalorestudy.com/blog/factors-to-consider-while-choosing-a-school
• ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
• ↑ http://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2005/03/methods.aspx
• ↑ https://www.collegedata.com/resources/money-matters/10-ways-to-stand-out-when-applying-for-scholarships
• ↑ http://www.natco1.org/research/files/SamplingStrategies.pdf

About This Article

If you’re unsure how to go about writing a study plan for a scholarship, focus on explaining your educational goals and discussing how you’ll achieve them. Begin by briefly stating what you want to study and why. For example, you might say you want to study business management in China so you can learn Chinese, because it will soon be a global language. Then, provide some personalized reasons as to why you chose the school you want to go to, such as research interests or long-term goals. After laying out your goals, show the scholarship committee how you’ll achieve them. If you’ll be carrying out research, for instance, write about how you’ll find participants for your study. You should also try to mention possible obstacles and how you’ll overcome them, since the committee will be impressed to see you’re thinking ahead. For tips on how to proofread your study plan before sending it off, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Lusine Ohanyan

Mar 4, 2019

Did this article help you?

May 30, 2020

Apr 3, 2019

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Celebrating 150 years of Harvard Summer School. Learn about our history.

Top 10 Study Tips to Study Like a Harvard Student

Adjusting to a demanding college workload might be a challenge, but these 10 study tips can help you stay prepared and focused.

Lian Parsons

The introduction to a new college curriculum can seem overwhelming, but optimizing your study habits can boost your confidence and success both in and out of the classroom. 

Transitioning from high school to the rigor of college studies can be overwhelming for many students, and finding the best way to study with a new course load can seem like a daunting process. 

Effective study methods work because they engage multiple ways of learning. As Jessie Schwab, psychologist and preceptor at the Harvard College Writing Program, points out, we tend to misjudge our own learning. Being able to recite memorized information is not the same as actually retaining it. 

“One thing we know from decades of cognitive science research is that learners are often bad judges of their own learning,” says Schwab. “Memorization seems like learning, but in reality, we probably haven’t deeply processed that information enough for us to remember it days—or even hours—later.”

Planning ahead and finding support along the way are essential to your success in college. This blog will offer study tips and strategies to help you survive (and thrive!) in your first college class. 

1. Don’t Cram! 

It might be tempting to leave all your studying for that big exam up until the last minute, but research suggests that cramming does not improve longer term learning. 

Students may perform well on a test for which they’ve crammed, but that doesn’t mean they’ve truly learned the material, says an article from the American Psychological Association . Instead of cramming, studies have shown that studying with the goal of long-term retention is best for learning overall.   

2. Plan Ahead—and Stick To It! 

Having a study plan with set goals can help you feel more prepared and can give you a roadmap to follow. Schwab said procrastination is one mistake that students often make when transitioning to a university-level course load. 

“Oftentimes, students are used to less intensive workloads in high school, so one of my biggest pieces of advice is don’t cram,” says Schwab. “Set yourself a study schedule ahead of time and stick to it.”

3. Ask for Help

You don’t have to struggle through difficult material on your own. Many students are not used to seeking help while in high school, but seeking extra support is common in college.

As our guide to pursuing a biology major explains, “Be proactive about identifying areas where you need assistance and seek out that assistance immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to catch up.”

There are multiple resources to help you, including your professors, tutors, and fellow classmates. Harvard’s Academic Resource Center offers academic coaching, workshops, peer tutoring, and accountability hours for students to keep you on track.  

4. Use the Buddy System 

Your fellow students are likely going through the same struggles that you are. Reach out to classmates and form a study group to go over material together, brainstorm, and to support each other through challenges.

Having other people to study with means you can explain the material to one another, quiz each other, and build a network you can rely on throughout the rest of the class—and beyond. 

5. Find Your Learning Style

It might take a bit of time (and trial and error!) to figure out what study methods work best for you. There are a variety of ways to test your knowledge beyond simply reviewing your notes or flashcards. 

Schwab recommends trying different strategies through the process of metacognition. Metacognition involves thinking about your own cognitive processes and can help you figure out what study methods are most effective for you. 

Schwab suggests practicing the following steps:

• Before you start to read a new chapter or watch a lecture, review what you already know about the topic and what you’re expecting to learn.
• As you read or listen, take additional notes about new information, such as related topics the material reminds you of or potential connections to other courses. Also note down questions you have.
• Afterward, try to summarize what you’ve learned and seek out answers to your remaining questions. 

Explore summer courses for high school students.

6. Take Breaks

The brain can only absorb so much information at a time. According to the National Institutes of Health , research has shown that taking breaks in between study sessions boosts retention. 

Studies have shown that wakeful rest plays just as important a role as practice in learning a new skill. Rest allows our brains to compress and consolidate memories of what we just practiced. 

Make sure that you are allowing enough time, relaxation, and sleep between study sessions so your brain will be refreshed and ready to accept new information.

7. Cultivate a Productive Space

Where you study can be just as important as how you study. 

Find a space that is free of distractions and has all the materials and supplies you need on hand. Eat a snack and have a water bottle close by so you’re properly fueled for your study session. 

8. Reward Yourself

Studying can be mentally and emotionally exhausting and keeping your stamina up can be challenging.

Studies have shown that giving yourself a reward during your work can increase the enjoyment and interest in a given task.

According to an article for Science Daily , studies have shown small rewards throughout the process can help keep up motivation, rather than saving it all until the end. 

Next time you finish a particularly challenging study session, treat yourself to an ice cream or  an episode of your favorite show.

9. Review, Review, Review

Practicing the information you’ve learned is the best way to retain information. 

Researchers Elizabeth and Robert Bjork have argued that “desirable difficulties” can enhance learning. For example, testing yourself with flashcards is a more difficult process than simply reading a textbook, but will lead to better long-term learning. 

“One common analogy is weightlifting—you have to actually “exercise those muscles” in order to ultimately strengthen your memories,” adds Schwab.

10. Set Specific Goals

Setting specific goals along the way of your studying journey can show how much progress you’ve made. Psychology Today recommends using the SMART method:

• Specific: Set specific goals with an actionable plan, such as “I will study every day between 2 and 4 p.m. at the library.”  
• Measurable: Plan to study a certain number of hours or raise your exam score by a certain percent to give you a measurable benchmark.
• Realistic: It’s important that your goals be realistic so you don’t get discouraged. For example, if you currently study two hours per week, increase the time you spend to three or four hours rather than 10.
• Time-specific: Keep your goals consistent with your academic calendar and your other responsibilities.

Using a handful of these study tips can ensure that you’re getting the most out of the material in your classes and help set you up for success for the rest of your academic career and beyond. 

Learn more about our summer programs for high school students.

About the Author

Lian Parsons is a Boston-based writer and journalist. She is currently a digital content producer at Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education. Her bylines can be found at the Harvard Gazette, Boston Art Review, Radcliffe Magazine, Experience Magazine, and iPondr.

Becoming Independent: Skills You’ll Need to Survive Your First Year at College

Are you ready? Here are a few ideas on what it takes to flourish on campus.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

Research Methods: A Student's Comprehensive Guide: Structure

• Research Approaches
• Types of Sources
• Accessing Resources
• Evaluating Sources
• Question Crafting
• Search Strategies
• Annotated Bibliography
• Literature Reviews
• Citations This link opens in a new window

Research Paper

Welcome to the art of crafting a research paper! Think of this as your roadmap to creating a well-structured and impactful study. We’ll walk you through each crucial component—from introducing your topic with flair to wrapping up with a strong conclusion. Whether you're diving into your first research project or polishing your latest masterpiece, this guide is here to make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. Get ready to turn your research into a compelling narrative that not only showcases your findings but also captivates your readers.

• Paper Snapshot

Introduction

Methodology, research paper structure: a snapshot.

Before diving into the individual components, let's take a quick look at the full structure of a research paper. This snapshot will help you visualize how each section fits together to form a cohesive and well-organized paper.

• Introduce your topic and research question.
• Provide background and context to set up your study.
• Summarize relevant existing research.
• Highlight key studies, theories, and gaps in the literature.
• Describe your research design and methods.
• Explain your data collection and analysis processes.
• Present your findings clearly.
• Use visuals, like charts and tables, to enhance understanding.
• Analyze and interpret the results.
• Discuss the broader implications of your findings and acknowledge limitations.
• Recap your key findings.
• Suggest areas for future research and offer final reflections.

With this snapshot, you now have a high-level view of the main components of your research paper. You can explore each section in detail in the following tabs.

The introduction serves as your reader's first impression of your paper. It should draw them in with a compelling overview of your topic, clearly outline your research question or thesis, and establish the importance of your study.

Key Components

Opening Statement

• Start strong with an attention-grabbing hook: a striking fact, thought-provoking quote, or an interesting anecdote that relates to your research.

Background Information

• Provide necessary context to help readers understand the relevance and scope of your study. You can include key historical information, theoretical context, or a brief overview of previous research.

Research Question or Thesis Statement

• This is the heart of your introduction. State your research question or thesis in a clear, concise manner, so readers know exactly what you are investigating.

Scope and Objectives

• Clearly define the boundaries of your research. What will your paper cover, and what will it not address? This helps frame your work for readers.

Significance of the Study

• Explain why your research matters. Does it fill a gap in existing research? Is it practically useful? Emphasize the value and contribution your paper brings to the field.

Tips for Crafting a Strong Introduction

• Be Engaging:  Your opening should grab attention and encourage the reader to keep going.
• Be Clear:  Avoid ambiguity—clearly state your research question and purpose.
• Provide Context:  Background information is essential to help the reader understand the topic, but avoid overwhelming them with too much detail at this stage.
• Stay Focused:  Keep the introduction concise but informative, setting the tone for the rest of your paper.

Literature Review

The literature review is where you showcase the existing research that relates to your topic. It's your chance to demonstrate your understanding of the academic conversation and position your research within that context.

Summarizing Existing Research

• Review relevant studies, theories, and findings that directly relate to your research question. This provides a foundation for your paper and shows that your study is grounded in the existing body of work.

Highlighting Key Studies

• Identify the most influential or significant research in your field. These are the works that have shaped the current understanding of your topic, and they should be emphasized in your review.

Identifying Gaps or Controversies

• Point out areas where there is limited research, conflicting findings, or ongoing debates. These gaps or discrepancies provide justification for your own research.

Establishing Your Research’s Relevance

• Explain how your research contributes to the field. Whether you’re addressing a gap, building on existing studies, or proposing something new, clearly indicate how your work fits into the larger picture.

Tips for a Strong Literature Review

• Stay Focused:  Only include studies that are directly relevant to your research question. Avoid summarizing every piece of literature you've read.
• Be Critical:  Don’t just summarize—critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the studies you include.
• Organize Effectively:  Structure your review in a logical order, grouping studies by themes, methodologies, or findings.
• Show Connections:  Discuss how different studies relate to one another and to your research. This helps build a coherent narrative.

The methodology section details how you conducted your research. This is where you explain your approach, so others can understand and potentially replicate your study.

Research Design

• Outline the overall design of your study. Are you using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods? Define the type of research you're conducting (e.g., case study, survey, experiment).

Data Collection

• Explain how you gathered your data. Were interviews conducted? Surveys distributed? Or perhaps you collected data through observation or archival research. Be specific about the tools, instruments, or platforms you used.

Participants and Sampling

• If applicable, describe your sample group. Who participated in your study? How were they selected? Include details like the size of your sample and any inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Data Analysis

• Discuss how you analyzed your data. Did you use statistical methods, thematic analysis, coding, or another technique? Make sure to explain why these methods were appropriate for your research question.

Ethical Considerations

• Briefly mention any ethical protocols you followed, such as obtaining consent from participants or ensuring anonymity. If your research involved sensitive topics, this is especially important to address.

Tips for Writing Your Methodology

• Be Detailed but Clear:  Provide enough detail so your methods can be understood or replicated, but avoid overloading with unnecessary jargon.
• Justify Your Choices:  Explain why you chose specific methods over others and how they align with your research objectives.
• Stay Organized:  Break your methodology into clear sections to improve readability and flow.

Results Tab

In the results section, you present the findings of your research. This is where you report what you discovered, without interpretation (that comes in the Discussion section). Clarity is key, especially if you are using visuals to support your findings.

Presentation of Data

• Clearly present your research results. This can include numerical data, text analysis, or findings from experiments, surveys, or interviews.

Use of Visuals

• Incorporate charts, tables, graphs, or other visuals to illustrate key points. Ensure that these visuals are well-labeled and easy to understand. Each visual should have a caption explaining what it represents.

Organizing Results

• Structure your results logically. You might choose to organize them by research question, themes, or hypotheses. Make sure there’s a clear flow, so readers can follow your findings easily.

Statistical or Analytical Reporting (if applicable)

• If you conducted statistical analysis, report your findings using appropriate measures (e.g., averages, standard deviations, significance levels). Be transparent about any statistical software or formulas used.

Relevant Findings Only

• Only include results that directly relate to your research question or hypothesis. Avoid tangents or irrelevant data.

Tips for a Clear Results Section

• Be Objective:  This is not the place for interpretation—just present the facts.
• Visual Clarity:  Ensure any visuals are clear, well-labeled, and directly support your results.
• Use Subheadings:  If you have multiple results or sections, use subheadings to organize them.
• Stick to the Findings:  Avoid analysis or speculation here; save that for the Discussion.

Discussion Tab

The discussion is where you interpret your findings. This is your opportunity to explain what the results mean, how they relate to your research question, and what implications they have for the field.

Interpretation of Results

• Explain what your results mean in the context of your research question. How do they answer the question or support (or refute) your hypothesis? Dive into the significance of the findings.

Connection to Existing Research

• Relate your findings back to the literature you reviewed earlier. How do your results compare with previous studies? Do they support or challenge existing theories?

Implications of the Study

• Discuss the broader implications of your research. What does it contribute to the field? Does it suggest changes in practice, policy, or further research avenues?

Limitations

• Acknowledge any limitations of your study. Were there constraints related to time, sample size, or methodology? Transparency about limitations adds credibility to your research.

Recommendations for Future Research

• Suggest areas where future researchers can explore. Perhaps there were aspects of the topic you couldn’t address fully, or new questions arose based on your findings.

Tips for a Strong Discussion Section

• Be Analytical:  Focus on interpretation, not just re-stating results.
• Relate to Literature:  Show how your findings fit within the broader research context.
• Be Honest About Limitations:  Acknowledging weaknesses shows thoroughness and integrity.
• Highlight the Importance:  Emphasize the practical or theoretical value of your work.

The conclusion ties everything together. It should succinctly summarize your key findings, emphasize their significance, and leave the reader with a clear understanding of what you’ve contributed to the field.

Summary of Key Findings

• Briefly restate your most important results. Focus on the findings that directly answer your research question and highlight their relevance.

Restating the Research Question/Thesis

• Revisit your original research question or thesis and clearly explain how your findings address it.

Implications and Impact

• Reinforce the broader significance of your work. How do your findings contribute to the academic field or practical applications? This is your chance to leave a lasting impression.

Recommendations for Future Research or Practice

• Suggest directions for future studies or practical steps that can be taken based on your findings. This ensures your conclusion looks forward rather than simply wrapping up.

Final Thought/Call to Action

• End on a strong note! Offer a thought-provoking statement, reflection, or call to action, encouraging further discussion or research.

Tips for a Strong Conclusion

• Be Concise:  Keep it focused—summarize, don’t rehash.
• Be Forward-Looking:  Emphasize the impact and potential future directions.
• End with Confidence:  Leave readers with a clear understanding of your research's importance.

How to Create a Clearly Structured Paper

Provides a step-by-step guide to organizing an effective essay or research paper outline, focusing on creating clear, logical sections that streamline the writing process.

• << Previous: Literature Reviews
• Next: Citations >>
• Last Updated: Sep 20, 2024 3:27 PM
• URL: https://tsu.libguides.com/researchmethods

The Learning Strategies Center

• Meet the Staff
• –Supplemental Course Schedule
• AY Course Offerings
• Anytime Online Modules
• Winter Session Workshop Courses
• –About Tutoring
• –Office Hours and Tutoring Schedule
• –LSC Tutoring Opportunities
• –How to Use Office Hours
• –Campus Resources and Support
• –Student Guide for Studying Together
• –Find Study Partners
• –Productivity Power Hour
• –Effective Study Strategies
• –Concept Mapping
• –Guidelines for Creating a Study Schedule
• –Five-Day Study Plan
• –What To Do With Practice Exams
• –Consider Exam Logistics
• –Online Exam Checklist
• –Open-Book Exams
• –How to Tackle Exam Questions
• –What To Do When You Get Your Graded Test (or Essay) Back
• –The Cornell Note Taking System
• –Learning from Digital Materials
• –3 P’s for Effective Reading
• –Textbook Reading Systems
• –Online Learning Checklist
• –Things to Keep in Mind as you Participate in Online Classes
• –Learning from Online Lectures and Discussions
• –Online Group Work
• –Learning Online Resource Videos
• –Start Strong!
• –Effectively Engage with Classes
• –Tips for Talking with Your Professors
• –Plans if you Need to Miss Class
• –Managing Time
• –Managing Stress
• –The Perils of Multitasking
• –Break the Cycle of Procrastination!
• –Finish Strong
• –Neurodiversity at Cornell
• –LSC Scholarship
• –Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program
• –Study Skills Workshops
• –Private Consultations
• –Resources for Advisors and Faculty
• –Presentation Support (aka Practice Your Talk on a Dog)
• –About LSC
• –Meet The Team
• –Contact Us

Five-Day Study Plan

Don’t cram, use a five-day study plan.

• Figure out what you need to know in (“prepare”).
• Make sure you know it (“review”).
• Start in advance & switch things up.

1. Preparing study material for an exam is an active process. This is where you identify, organize, and consolidate your material. You want to end up with a study guide, flash cards, quizlets, concept maps, practice test questions that you made up, etc. (Don’t just passively re-write your notes or re-read a chapter–instead make something new.) Staring this five days before your exam helps solidify the material, plus it gives you time to identify what you still don’t understand so you can get your questions answered.

2. Reviewing the material you prepared should also be active-this is where you figure out how much you actually know and what you still need to work on. Try “blank page testing,” quizzing yourself or a friend, and/or taking practice exams.

Some Examples of Preparation and Review Strategies

3. Switch up preparation and review People learn faster and perform better if they work in brief blocks of time spread out over longer periods of time, rather than in a few lengthy “cram” sessions. For example:

• You will perform better on an exam if you spend one hour studying each day for 20 days than if you spend 10 hours studying each day for two days before the test.
• It is easier to learn to shoot a 3-pointer better if you practice a little bit each day for a month rather than have one marathon session in an afternoon.
• You will learn the tuba best if you practice a little each day (though your roommate may disagree about anything regarding you learning the tuba–fair enough).

Put that principle to work by mixing up preparation and review. Don’t do all of your preparation, then stop that and do all of your review. Mix them up to learn best! (Use this principle to your advantage when you need to prepare for multiple exams/projects simultaneously–it can be a great silver lining in those stressful times to know that going back and forth to work on multiple subjects helps you learn each one better.)How to Make a Five-Day Study Plan

• Break the material on the exam into chunks or groups of material. (By chapter? Topic? Lecture? You decide what makes sense depending on your class.) For the example below, we will use 4 chunks or groups of material (A, B, C, and D). For example, Chunk A might be chapters 1-2, Chunk B is chapter 3, Chunk C is chapters 4-5, and Chunk D is chapter 6.
• Plan to spend about 2 hours studying on each of the five days.
• Work with the material in 2 ways: preparation and review.
• Decide what preparation and review strategies will work best for you, and include those on your five-day study plan chart. Click here for a downloadable word document of a Five-Day Study Plan .

Sample Five-Day Study Plan ChartClick here for a downloadable word document of   A Five-Day Study Plan .You will have to get creative with your plan for those times when you have two or three prelims or other big assignments in the same week. During the five days you are studying for your exam be kind to your future self and don’t neglect your other courses! Would you like to learn more?

• Memory: Why cramming for tests often fails
• Why Cramming Doesn’t Work
• Back to School: Cramming Doesn’t Work in the Long Term
• The Importance of Having a Study Plan
• 5 Reasons Personalized Study Plans are Effective

Up Next: What do you do with practice exams?

References:

Blerkom, D. L. (2012). Orientation to college learning (7 edition). Boston: Engage

Blerkom, D. L. and Mulcahy-Ernt, P. I. (2004). College reading and study strategies. Boston: Cengage.

Texas A&M University Academic Success Center (n.d.).  5 day study plan . https://asc.tamu.edu/study-learning-handouts/5-day-study-plan

Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

Professors to present Canada jay study findings in Augusta Sept. 24

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Professors Marielle Postava-Davignon and Jennifer Long will present their study findings about the Canada jay in Augusta on Tuesday, Sept. 24. This one-hour presentation also will be held remotely on Zoom.

AUGUSTA — Two professors from the University of Maine at Augusta plan to present their research on the effects of human interaction on Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) behavior and nest predation from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, in Jewett Hall, Room 180 on the UMA Augusta campus, 46 University Drive.

Marielle Postava-Davignon and Jennifer Long, both assistant professors of biology, compared jay behavior and nest predation levels in New Hampshire and Maine between sites where little human interaction has been documented, and sites located at popular recreation areas where feeding has been well documented. They captured, banded, tracked and recorded the birds’ behavior to determine if human interaction impacts important behaviors such as predation and breeding, according to a news release from the university.

This one-hour presentation also will be held remotely on Zoom. Visit uma.edu for more information.

Check out other upcoming area events!

Comments are not available on this story.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

« Previous

Skowhegan lists October school lunch menu

Largest continuous habitat in southern Maine to be protected from development

Police investigating hit-and-run that damaged waterville restaurant, owner says, ‘serious’ vehicle accident closes route 197 in litchfield for several hours sunday, benton woman, 18, dies from injuries suffered in rome motorcycle crash, turner man, 29, dies after motorcycle collides with pickup truck in litchfield, member log in.

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options

• Fact sheets
• Facts in pictures
• Publications
• Questions and answers
• Tools and toolkits
• Endometriosis
• Excessive heat
• Mental disorders
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• All countries
• Eastern Mediterranean
• South-East Asia
• Western Pacific
• Data by country
• Country presence 
• Country strengthening 
• Country cooperation strategies 
• News releases
• Feature stories
• Press conferences
• Commentaries
• Photo library
• Afghanistan
• Cholera 
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• Greater Horn of Africa
• Israel and occupied Palestinian territory
• Disease Outbreak News
• Situation reports
• Weekly Epidemiological Record
• Surveillance
• Health emergency appeal
• International Health Regulations
• Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee
• Classifications
• Data collections
• Global Health Observatory
• Global Health Estimates
• Mortality Database
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Health Inequality Monitor
• Global Progress
• World Health Statistics
• Partnerships
• Committees and advisory groups
• Collaborating centres
• Technical teams
• Organizational structure
• Initiatives
• General Programme of Work
• WHO Academy
• Investment in WHO
• WHO Foundation
• External audit
• Financial statements
• Internal audit and investigations 
• Programme Budget
• Results reports
• Governing bodies
• World Health Assembly
• Executive Board
• Member States Portal

Securing adolescent health and well-being today is vital for the health of future generations - WHO

Increased investment is urgently needed to address evolving health risks and meet the mental and sexual and reproductive health needs for the nearly 1.3 billion adolescents (aged 10-19 years) globally, according to a new scientific publication released by the World Health Organization (WHO).  Adolescence is a unique and critical stage of human development, involving major physical, emotional, and social transitions, and is a pivotal window for laying long-term foundations for good health.

“Promoting and protecting the health and rights of young people is essential to building a better future for our world,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “Conversely, failing to address the health threats that adolescents face – some longstanding, some emerging – will not only have serious and life-threatening consequences for young people themselves, but will create spiraling economic costs for societies. That makes investing in services and programmes for adolescent health both a moral imperative and an economic no-brainer.”

The publication was launched at an event on the margins of the United Nations’ Summit of the Future . It highlights a number of troubling trends in adolescent health observed over the last decade, pointing to the urgent need for action.

At least 1 in 7 adolescents globally now suffer from a mental disorder, for instance, with particularly high rates of depression and anxiety.  Anaemia among adolescent girls remains prevalent, at levels similar to those in 2010, while close to 1 in 10 adolescents are obese.  Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes that commonly occur among youth are rising, and if left untreated, can have lifelong implications for health.  

Meanwhile violence, including bullying, affects millions of young people worldwide each year, with devastating impacts on their physical and mental health.

Concerningly, attempts to roll-back adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health care and comprehensive sexuality education have escalated amidst a growing backlash against gender equality and human rights. Restrictive age of consent policies are limiting their access to STI and HIV services. Such measures can marginalize young people, reduce health-seeking behaviour, and lead to lasting negative health impacts.

The study emphasizes other broader fundamental challenges to the future of adolescents including climate change, conflict, and inequality.

The authors also highlight that gains are possible with the right investment and support.  For example, adolescent HIV infections have declined, due to coordinated and persistent efforts in this area. Adolescent pregnancy and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriage have reduced. In addition, many positive trends in health outcomes are linked to more time in school, especially for girls; since 2000, the number of secondary-school-age children out of school decreased by nearly 30%.

Against this backdrop, the findings make a strong case for investing in adolescent health and well-being, with attention to foundational elements including education, healthcare, and nutrition.  The authors call for enacting and implementing laws and policies that protect adolescent health and rights, for health systems and services to be more responsive to adolescents’ unique needs, and for the prioritization of youth engagement and empowerment across research, programming, and policymaking.

“Adolescents are powerful and incredibly creative forces for good when they are able to shape the agenda for their well-being and their future,” said Rajat Khosla, Executive Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), which co-hosted the event where the publication as launched. “Leaders must listen to what young people want and ensure they are active partners and decision-makers. They are critical for the world’s future social, economic, and political stability, and if given the platform they need, they can help make a better and healthier world possible for everyone.”

Earlier this year, world leaders committed to accelerate efforts to improve maternal and child health , including adolescent health, at the World Health Assembly.  Implementing these commitments, as well as those reflected in the UN’s Pact for the Future, will be critical to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of current and future generations.

Notes for editors 

The publication was released at a high-level event convened on the margins of the UN General Assembly. It was hosted by the Governments of Chile, Colombia, and Ireland along with the UN’s Human Reproduction Programme, PMNCH and WHO in collaboration with: FP2030, Guttmacher, International Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHUSPH), Plan International, UNESCO, UNFPA, Women Deliver, and YieldHub.  

The Summit of the Future takes place on September 22 and 23, 2024, seeking new consensus around how the international system can evolve to better meet the needs of current and future generations. 

Media Contacts

WHO Media Team

World Health Organization

Laura Keenan

Communications officer World Health Organization

Adolescent health

What Young People Want

Investment case

Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescent (AA-HA!)

Redirect Notice

Biosketch format pages, instructions, and samples.

A biographical sketch (also referred to as biosketch) documents an individual's qualifications and experience for a specific role in a project.  NIH requires submission of a biosketch for each proposed senior/key personnel and other significant contributor on a grant application. Some funding opportunities or programs may also request biosketches for additional personnel (e.g., Participating Faculty Biosketch attachment for institutional training awards).  Applicants and recipients are required to submit biosketches

• in competing applications for all types of grant programs,
• in progress reports when new senior/key personnel or other significant contributors are identified, and
• to support prior approval requests for changes in senior/key personnel status and changes of recipient organization.

NIH staff and peer reviewers utilize the biosketch to ensure that individuals included on the applications are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research. NIH biosketches must conform to a specific format. Applicants and recipients can use the provided format pages to prepare their biosketch attachments or can use SciENcv ,  a tool used to develop and automatically format biosketches according to NIH requirements.

Biosketch (Fellowship): Biographical Sketch Format Page - FORMS-H

Biosketch (non-fellowship): biographical sketch format page - forms-h.

• How to Apply — Application Guide
• Format Attachments (fonts, margins, page limits, and more)
• Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR)
• Create your biosketch here!