Fellow students, the time has come! We’re back at college and that could only mean one thing: tests. Well, it actually means various things, but for now let’s talk about those pesky tests professors feel the need to measure us with. Some of you have forgotten what studying for a test or homework is all about but don’t worry, here are a set of tips to help you put down the tropical drink and switch from Tropicaleo Mode and back into Studying Mode.
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Shut down social media – I know this is the hardest step in the process but it is the most necessary. Take your time to Tweet, post on Facebook, reblog on Tumblr and organize your Pinterest board before sitting down to study. When you crack that book open, shut everything down. Things like social networks, gossip sites and Netflix will distract you from all the work that you need to get done. My recommendation? Use website blockers or apps that will prevent you from logging into these websites. If you can’t do it yourself, let technology help you. Stop letting social media consume you, consume social media and overcome procrastination.
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Don’t cram – If your test next week covers 3-6 chapters, don’t study them all the night before. As we’ve said on our Freshman Tips article, trying to cram all that material in one night will actually adversely affect your sleep schedule and your capacity to memorize everything. Use the week (or two weeks) before the exam to study all the material, make a review, complete the study guide (if the class has one) and actually read the textbook if required. You will have to take at least and hour or two of your day to do all of this. Sounds hard, but we’ve all been there and we’ve come out on top!
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Prepare your study space – after you’ve shut down all your social media and other distractions, prepare the desk or space you’ll be working on. This is very important for all of those who like to keep everything organized (like myself!). Stock up on highlighters, paper, pens and a calculator if you’re studying for that math test on Friday. Having an unorganized space might be the cause of losing your focus. Do this beforehand and that way, you won’t waste time looking for everything you need.
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Index cards are your best friends – you know those small, lined cards they sell at Walgreens? Yeah, buy some of those! Use index cards the same as you would use flashcards. Write down the important concepts such as formulas and definitions and have a friend quiz you on them. This way, you’ll learn things more efficiently and faster. You’re bound to memorize some of them if you quiz yourself daily before the exam comes up. When test day comes, you’ll be smarter than Einstein (not really but, close enough!).
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GET STARTED – when you’ve checked off all these things, crack that book open! Get your reading on and be at your best disposition to study hard for these upcoming tests this semester. We’re rooting for you!
We hope that with these tips you’ll be prepared to hand in your test with confidence, just like this: