Timeline tool

Semester Planner

Turn your semester dates into a printable week-by-week timeline. Track breaks, exams, and key deadlines on a single page.

Set up your semester

Break / no-class periods

Key dates

How to use

Enter your semester's first and last class days, then add any breaks (winter, spring, Thanksgiving) and key dates (exams, deadlines, registration). The timeline draws a lane for every week, marking breaks and key dates visually. Print it, stick it on your wall, or save as a PDF.

The three weeks that break a semester

Three predictable crunch points appear in almost every semester. Mark them early:

Weeks 3–5: Midterms cluster

First exams and major assignments land here. By week three, initial project deadlines hit. This is when semester pace accelerates.

The week before Thanksgiving or reading week

The final push before a major break often brings overlapping deadlines. Course projects come due; papers are due before the break. This week often feels more intense than regular classes.

Finals week

Compressed exams and final submissions. Use the weeks before to consolidate notes and practice problems, not to learn new material.

What to mark before week one

Your timeline pairs well with the Weekly Study Planner (for daily prep) and the Exam Countdown (for focused review).

Frequently asked

How many weeks should a typical semester have?
A typical US semester is 15 to 17 weeks long, including instructional days and final exams. This aligns with federal regulations (34 CFR 600.2) which define one semester credit as requiring approximately 15 weeks of instruction. However, semesters can vary by institution — some run 14 weeks, others 18.
Why don't break weeks count toward the academic week total?
Breaks (winter, spring, Thanksgiving) are periods when no classes meet, so they don't advance your progress through the term. The academic week counter only increments for weeks in which instruction occurs, making it clearer how many weeks of teaching and learning you actually have.
What should I mark before week one starts?
Before classes begin, note the three crunch periods: weeks 3–5 (midterms and first major exams), the week before Thanksgiving or reading week (often filled with projects), and finals week. Having these visualized in advance helps you plan study time and manage workload. Also mark any university-wide dates like add/drop deadlines and registration dates.
Can I print this timeline?
Yes. Click the 'Print / Save as PDF' button to open your browser's print dialog. The timeline is optimized for a single page in portrait orientation for a 16-week term. If your semester is longer, the table remains legible on additional pages.
Where is my timeline saved?
Your setup is saved locally in your browser under the name cb_plan_semester. If you clear your browser's site data, the saved setup will be lost. You can always screenshot or print the timeline for backup.
Does this work offline?
Yes. This tool is completely client-side and works offline. You can bookmark this page and use it without an internet connection.

Sources