How to Study

Mindset

  • Confident peace
    • You should know that you are capable of getting good grades.
    • Never doubt this and allow your mind to be at ease.
  • Tracking
    • Assignment due dates
      • At the beginning of the semester, create a master list of all your assignments and their due dates.
      • Put a star next to any assignment worth at least 10% of your grade.
    • Grades
      • As grades start coming in, write the grades next to each assignment.
      • Remember to properly weight each assignment.
      • If you have a Mac, download Schoolhouse to help you track your grades and assignments.
  • Holism
    • Your individual grades mean very little. What matters is the average grade.
    • If you have a grasp on your entire semester, you can budget time and effort appropriately.
    • Read this great guide on holistic learning.

Preparation

  • During class
    • Go to class (of course!)
    • Take excellent notes (neat and complete)
  • Learn as you go
    • You should not be trying to learn the material in the days leading up to the test.
    • Learn the material in class and if you need more practice, do it immediately after class.
  • When you get home…
    • Collect your notes and organize them.
    • Put them all in one document as a giant outline.
  • Studying should be a simple review.
    • There is no reason to review more than 3 days before a test.
    • The review process should be effortless compared to the preparation process.
  • Exercise
    • Exercising enhances cognitive function just as much as other methods.

Study Time

  • Focus
    • Find your zone
      • Study wherever you are most comfortable
      • If something works, do it again
    • Eliminate distractions
      • If you must listen to music, listen to something calm and without too many words.
    • Stimulants
      • Caffeine and other stimulants can help you focus and stay awake.
      • However, these drugs should never be used as a substitute for sleep.
      • It is usually better to get a good night of sleep than to pull an all-nighter.
  • Prioritize
    • Efficiency
      • Inefficient: Study, daydream, Facebook…study, stare, stare…study, email, bail, fail.
      • Efficient: Study, study, study, bathroom, study, study, study.
    • Effectiveness
      • Read what you'll need, don't what you won't.
    • Comprehend (don't just memorize)
      • If you understand, you don't have to remember
  • Sleep
    • In order for your brain to retain information, it needs time to process it.
    • 8 hours of sleep after studying or the night before a test are essential.

Test Day

  • Nutrition
    • Drink plenty of water
    • Do not drink alcohol within 36 hours of a test.
    • Eat a balanced breakfast: protein, carbohydrates, and fruits.
  • Cramming
    • Much can be said about a quick cram review the morning of a test.
    • If you can review everything in under 10 minutes, you'll be fine.
    • Do not rely on the cram alone
  • During the test
    • Be in the same mindset that you were when studying: calm and collected.
      • This helps your brain recall information.
    • Don't make stupid mistakes. Look for trick questions. Read all the directions and all the answer choices.
    • Slow down and focus