Here's a guideline to what students can expect throughout their college years: For face to face classes, for every hour in class expect 2 hours of outside classwork per week. For example a class that meets, 3 times a week requires an additional 5 - 9 hours of outside work (assignments/homework) per week. Therefore, a student carrying 15 credit hours should plan to spend 30 to 45 hours each week studying beyond the classroom. With a web class, it is calculated the same way, a 3 credit class requires an additional 2 hours of outside work per credit, which equates to 5 to 9 hours of work per week for the class.

If you tally study time and class time, a typical student invests from 45 to 60 hours in academic work each week. Add a part-time job to that load (not to mention any hint of a social life), and you see a theme: time management.

Of course, study time doesn't translate just to test preparation. Toss reading and homework assignments into the mix. A weekly schedule might work out something like this: A course counts as 4 credit hours. Reading assigned text could take 2 to 3 hours; completing homework might occupy another 3 to 6 hours. Reviewing material for an exam may well consume 3 more hours. Total: 8 to 12 hours a week for one class.

No way around the fact that budgeting your time in college is as critical as keeping your bank account afloat. It's an investment that starts paying off with your grades!

Adapted from: How much outside class study time is recommended for every hour of class time for college freshmen? 13 May 2011 http://www.cliffsnotes.com/Section/id-305397,articleId-7601..