With less than three weeks until finals (ugh), it’s time to refresh your studying routine so that you’re ready to ace your exams! However, this far into the semester we tend to find our motivation at its lowest point, especially with winter break around the corner. But instead of daydreaming about your New Year’s Eve plans, why not make the next few weeks the most productive yet?! You and your GPA won’t regret it. Here are some study tips that will help you through.
Prioritize
Let’s face it, there are only 24 hours in the day and we would like to save at least a couple for sleep. So how are we supposed to fit in classes, meetings, and homework into so few hours? The key is to prioritize. We are most likely not going to have enough time to get everything done, so make a list of tasks to do from most important to least. You may not finish the list, but at least the more important things will get completed.
Break Assignments Up
Especially the large projects, like a 30 minute presentation or a 50 question study guide. Honestly, no one is ever motivated to sit down and write a 10 page paper. Admit it, you will put off these assignments till the last minute because it seems so overwhelming and time consuming. Break this habit! All projects can be broken up into steps. This is part of having good time management. If there is a research report due in a week, one night do your research and bibliography, the next night make your thesis and plan the essay, then tackle a couple paragraphs a night. Not so intimidating now is it?
Read and Take Notes!
I know, it seems like all your classes have you read a chapter every night. But many times your exams are based off the reading. I know so many people who don’t read expecting to get a B in the class, and end up barely passing the course. Unless you are fine with a C average, then you should read everything your teacher assigns. And not only that, take notes. Even though its time consuming, my study technique is to first handwrite notes, then gradually type them up before the exam. Print out the notes, highlight things you need to study, and if needed have someone quiz you. Do these things and trust me your grades will improve!
Talk to Your Professor
If you are having difficulty in the class, go visit your professor in his office hours. Tell him what your issue is, such as you seem to be studying the wrong things or you are having trouble understanding a specific topic. Make sure you come with specific questions ready so your professor can give you the most help. Many times they will give you specific study tips for their exams and even tutor you in what you’re struggling with. It also helps to find someone who has taken their class already.
Quiz Yourself!
Or have someone quiz you. Putting yourself in test mode when studying will help when you get to the exam. Also, getting quizzed will help you realize what you actually remember. You may think you will remember what your notes say, but may actually forget when having to recall it by memory. Using your notes, create a list of questions that cover major concepts. Keep going over the questions until you can answer them all confidently.
Review Your Notes
Before you do an assignment for a class, take the time to read over your notes. This helps you learn the material and will make studying much easier! The more times you see the material, the more you will remember. This also breaks up the studying for the exam. Another tip is to review your notes before the exam so that the information is fresh in your memory.
Study Groups
When studying in groups, only study with friends who are really studying and not goofing off. Much of our time “studying” is spent texting, on Facebook, or even online shopping. And many times, studying with friends makes us even less productive. So when deciding whether to go to the library with friends or not, make sure they are serious about studying. Their influence can affect your motivation.