Student's plan - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Student's plan," is a great example of a straightforward, definitional clue that points to a common two-word phrase. While there's no tricky wordplay involved, the length of the answer can make it a challenging entry to fill without a few crossing letters. It's a term straight out of a university course catalog.

Clue Analysis

The clue is simple and direct: "Student's plan". Let's break it down:

• Student's: The possessive form here is key. It tells us we're looking for a type of plan that belongs to or is designed for a student.
• plan: This word suggests a structured course of action, a schedule, or a set of requirements to achieve a goal.

Putting them together, we're looking for the formal name of the structured set of courses and requirements a student follows to achieve an educational goal, such as a degree.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, here are a few ways to approach it:

1. Brainstorm Synonyms: Start by thinking of words related to "plan" in an educational context. Words like schedule, curriculum, course of study, or program might come to mind.
2. Consider the Context: The word "Student's" firmly places us in the world of education. What are the official terms for a student's plan? You might think of "degree plan," "study plan," or the more formal term used by institutions.
3. Use the Grid: An answer of this length (15 letters) is a major piece of the puzzle. If you have even a few crossing letters, they can be incredibly helpful. For example, if you see it starts with 'A' and has a 'C' in the third spot, you might start thinking of words like "ACADEMIC".
4. Look for Two-Word Phrases: Long answers are often compound words or multi-word phrases. The clue's structure doesn't explicitly signal a two-word answer, but it's a common pattern for longer entries. "Student's plan" feels like it's defining a concept, which often translates to a specific term of art.

Background Context

In higher education, an academic program (or program of study) is the formal structure of courses, requirements, and milestones a student must complete to earn a specific degree or certificate. It's the roadmap provided by the university for a particular major, like a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Master of Arts in English Literature. These plans ensure that all graduates have a common foundation of knowledge in their chosen field.

Conclusion

This clue is a solid, fair definition that tests your knowledge of common educational terminology. It's a reminder that not all crossword challenges come from puns or clever misdirection; sometimes, the difficulty lies in identifying the precise, formal term for a common concept, especially when it spans a significant portion of the grid.

Hints

1. Hint 1: What a student follows to get a degree.
2. Hint 2: It outlines the courses and requirements for a specific major or field of study.
3. Hint 3: This is a formal, structured path of learning offered by an educational institution.
4. Hint 4: The first word relates to school or learning, and the second word is a synonym for schedule or agenda.