Why is EPQ important, and how do I manage my time to make sure I don't fall behind with other subjects?

The extended project qualification is incredibly important, and more universities are beginning to recognise it. I highly recommend the EPQ because it teaches you many skills which are vital at university, e.g.- Independent learning, time management, presentation skills, and most importantly, the ability to carry out research. Learning at university is very research-based, unlike school where most of the information is presented to you in textbooks. The EPQ also gives you a chance to learn how to reference - something which is incredibly important at university. In my case, I feel like the EPQ was the most valuable thing I did at sixth form, and has helped me immensely when trying to adjust to university-style learning.
The best way to ensure that the EPQ doesn't interfere with revision for other subjects is to keep up to date with the deadlines set by your school. Most schools set early deadlines to make sure the EPQ is complete long before A level exams begin. Set yourself deadlines - long term goals and short term goals. Make a gantt chart, or dedicate a wall planner just to EPQ deadlines, and set up various short term goals, as this is more manageable. Update the logbook whenever there has been progress made. Start your EPQ early, definitely don't leave anything till last minute. To prevent chances of falling behind, dedicate some time each day to work on your EPQ. Remember that for A levels, you need to spend a minimum of 5 hours per subject per week outside of lesson. If you spend 30-45 minutes per day on EPQ, this should be sufficient, though it depends on the nature of your EPQ. Make sure you are able to prioritise - if you feel like you're falling behind In one of your other A level subjects, make sure you spend enough time going over that until you understand the topic fully, and then focus on the EPQ. If you feel like you don't have time to work on the EPQ on a certain day due to commitments for other subjects, make sure you make up for the lost time some other day. Ideally, you should be spending longer on each of your A level subjects than the EPQ, as the EPQ is worth half an A level.