As someone who has gone through a little over twelve years of schooling, I consider myself an expert when it comes to studying. Whether it is the one night cram or the week long marathon, I have tested the best (and worst) ways to prepare for an exam. Based on my own experience and impressive ability to get distracted, these are some surefire techniques you can use to get stuff done.
1. Play classical music in the background
If you go on Youtube, Spotify, or Pandora and look up “study playlist”, you are likely to find hours of videos playing non lyrical piano or classical music. Studies have shown that this kind of background noise actually aids in productivity and efficiency. The first time I tried it, I was amazed at my ability to focus and quickly get through my work. Make sure you do not listen to familiar songs or music with lyrics, though, as these can be distracting!
2. Talk to yourself
I recognize that most of us live with other people, but if they are not home or are okay with you talking, take advantage. Speaking out loud helps you to retain information and be slightly more expressive when you explain a definition or the significance of a term. Pretend you are a teacher telling a class about the subject you are studying–it really helps!
3. Write it out
If your roommate(s) is not cool with you talking about the the intricacies of the human brain or the importance of gender roles in Shakespeare, try copying down the information. Writing the answers as you think about them has a similar effect to speaking them.
4. Give yourself incentive
The promise of some sort of reward is what often keeps me going when I just do not feel like going over my notes. It can be something simple like, I will get lunch after I complete a chapter of notes or something more elaborate like a spa day or trip to the mall. Either way, it does motivate you to sit down and do the work.
5. Create a study schedule
Right before finals week, I take a piece of paper and form a one to two week study plan. I write which chapters and subjects I will cover each day and often stay on track. Every time I finish a section, I get to check it off and that is reward enough.