what a mess...

I find that understanding what homework I have to do and when I have to get it done is proving to be the most challenging aspect of college life for me. Assignments with specific, and relatively soon, due dates are easy to complete; however, the ongoing study of textbook chapters, semester long projects, assignments with seemingly belated due dates (though I should be thankful for these kinds), and study guides for tests are the tasks that confuse my concentration the most.

I want to know exactly what assignments I need to do and when I need to do them. I would hate to procrastinate studying for a test, yet I also have assignments that are due sooner than the said test, therefore requiring sooner attention from me, right? In one of my sociology classes, for example, I have the study guides for both of the exams that we will be taking this semester. The problem is that I'm not sure exactly how long they will take me to complete, so it's almost impossible for me to know how to budget my time concerning them. I've thought about trying to write out a schedule will all of my assignments written on it, due dates, priority, etc., but with five different classes to schedule, I'm afraid that just trying to keep it up to date would cut into a big chunk of my study time!

I'm not sure if this issue is just something that only I seem to have a problem with, something that I'm not smart enough to succeed in. And if I'm not the only one who struggles with it, then is there a better way that individual classes, or even the schooling system in general, could structure classes? Are there ways to orient a class or homework schedule that would be more obvious or more simply completed? Or is the current way of organization (or should I say no organization?) for classes and homework actually the most beneficial for students? Maybe the program, as presently configured, challenges students to learn how to make priorities, organize their time, and prepare for a future career. Maybe I'm just supposed to learn how to function in a society or environment that is changing, uncertain, and challenging. Is the schooling system the one that needs to change and adapt, or is it me?