Clock Time vs. Event Time

Teens today—especially the ones with an eye on competitive colleges—are busier than ever. Is there a way to do it all and still have time to be a kid? But first the news…

NEWS

The AI Turn Tables: Amidst an environment of artificial intelligence and academic integrity anxiety, students are now scrutinizing their professors’ rampant use of AI, with some going as far as to transfer out or request tuition reimbursements (possibly without the use of ChatGPT.)

English majors don’t read so good: A recent study revealed that many English majors at two Kansas universities struggled with reading comprehension, particularly in regards to complex texts and prose literacy. Would they even grasp the rich theme of irony in this work?

Department of Compliance: Education Secretary Linda McMahon took to the NY Times to ratchet up the administration’s attack on higher education, not just calling out Harvard but questioning how many students really need four-year college education. With Secretaries like these, who needs enemies?

A Big Gift to Study a Big World: The University of Oregon has received a whopping $25 million donation to support what will now be called the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages. One guess as to the name of the donor.

BIG IDEA
Getting Time on Your Side ⏰

Ever feel like you’re racing against the clock and losing? You might be living in clock time—the world of rigid schedules, bells between classes, and back-to-back-to-back academic, extracurricular, and social obligations. But there’s another way to move through your day, and it’s called event time. Let’s break it down.

Clock Time vs. Event Time
Clock time is all about sticking to a schedule. You do things because it’s 3:00 PM, not necessarily because you’re ready. It’s efficient, but it can make you feel rushed or anxious, especially when something throws your day off course (looking at you, Wi-Fi crashes). Event time, on the other hand, means you move from one task to the next when it makes sense—you start homework when you’re focused, not just because the planner says “4:30.”

So which is better?
Would you accept, “It depends?” According to the study So What If the Clock Strikes? Scheduling Style, Control, and Well-Being by Anne-Laure Sellier and Tamar Avnet, each approach has its strengths depending on your goals:

• Perception of Control: Individuals who follow an event-time approach often feel a greater sense of personal control over their lives. In contrast, those adhering strictly to clock-time may feel that external factors dictate their schedules.

• Actual Control: Clock time can help with structure—deadlines exist for a reason, especially when it comes to school, tests, or Taco Bell closing times.

• Emotional Well-Being: Event-time schedulers tend to savor positive experiences more effectively, leading to enhanced well-being. Clock-time schedulers might struggle with this, potentially impacting their overall happiness.

Best of both worlds
Why choose when you can mix the two? Use clock time for classes and commitments, but give yourself some event time in your evenings, especially for things like creative projects, conversations, or just decompressing. After all, life isn’t just about squeezing things into boxes on a schedule. It’s about knowing when you need to work—and when you need a snack and a deep breath!

PRESENTED BY TESTS AND THE REST

The unfolding changes to the ACT take effect everywhere in September. Are you ready? Let two nationally recognized experts in education and hosts of the Tests and the Rest podcast help you understand both the ACT enhancements and how students should navigate them. Between them, Amy Seeley of Seeley Test Pros & Leap and Mike Bergin of Chariot Learning and TestBright have over 60 years of expertise, success and leadership in test preparation. The May 28 live Game Plan for the Enhanced ACT is free, but registration is required. Choose 1-2pm EDT or 7-8pm EDT.

NAME THAT SCHOOL

This week’s institution of higher education is a relative newcomer to the constellation of colleges. Can you name it? (Find the answer at the end of the newsletter.)

1. Founded in the 21st century thanks to a $460 million endowment

2. The first class of students actually helped design the curriculum before the school even launched

3. Known for its singular focus, though students can explore other academic interests at neighboring schools

4. Boasts incredible gender parity in a field of study dominated by men

5. The school’s official mascot is the phoenix, often informally called Frank

APPLICATION ACTION STEPS

• Find out if you’re getting the best price from a school.

• Learn how to ruin your test experience.

• Think about who will be writing your letters of recommendation.

• Touch grass every once in a while ;)

HOTLINE

Do you have any burning questions to ask or want to share an issue, article, or resource our readers should know about? Dial up the College Eagle hotline through this easy form. We appreciate you!

ANSWER

If you know anything about Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts, you won’t be surprised that a recent graduate cracked the code on a fully extending and retracting lightsaber. Go Olin!