With midterms around the corner and finals approaching sooner than you think, it’s time to focus and get to work. But sometimes it’s hard to feel good about upcoming exams or even to start studying when you don’t have an effective study strategy. I remember struggling with geometry in my freshman year of high school. I thought I was too dumb to understand and apply all those proofs and theorems. Sometimes I would come home thinking I wouldn’t be able to pass the class. After a series of low test scores, I eventually discovered that the problem was in the way I studied. Once I focused on, experimented with, and strengthened my study routine, I began achieving higher scores. The problem is not that you are not smart enough to understand the content, it’s that you have not discovered a way to study that works best for you. Everyone’s strategies may look different: what works for you may not work for someone else, and vice versa. Here are suggestions to help find and refine the study styles that work for you.  Â
The most effective tip I have is to start studying as early as you can. I know we have heard that statement multiple times before, and that procrastinating, which we have all been guilty of, is hard to break. I tell myself that making time and getting myself to study early is difficult, but dealing with the suffocating feelings of panic, stress and hopelessness that come with studying late is equally, if not more, challenging. First, write out what you need to study in the form of a checklist and break it down into units, chapters, worksheets, and notes you need to review and practice. This way, you can visualize and understand what you need to accomplish. Assign specific timings to each item on your checklist so you have a schedule that keeps you on track to finish each part on time.
Next, create and find an environment that fosters your productivity. Go study in a spot where you feel most comfortable and least distracted. For example, I go to the library or my room because it’s quiet there, or sometimes I will go to a coffee shop if I want a little more activity around me. Listening to music can help with concentration. For instance, soft instrumentals and classical music help me focus, while others work best with songs with lyrics, white noise, or certain ambiences. Definitely don’t forget to bring snacks and drinks to stay energized, as you will not be able to concentrate on an empty stomach.
After creating a study space, you can focus on study techniques. There are many methods out there, but here are some I use, which vary depending on the subject I’m studying. One approach is the Pomodoro Technique, which divides a study session into 25 minutes of intense, focused work and five-minute breaks. I recommend this if you want a consistent rhythm of concentration and rest while studying. Another method is to complete a certain number of things from your checklist and reward yourself. You can build in small rewards, such as phone breaks or a sweet treat for completing a few tasks. Bigger rewards, such as watching an episode of your favorite show or going out with friends, come from finishing large portions of your checklist. This style is great if you want to get tasks done uninterrupted and want a variety of rests.
Among techniques for reviewing content, handwriting notes is especially helpful for me when I go over material I don’t understand, rather than trying to memorize that material by looking at it. Revisit problems from worksheets that you completed, specifically revising the ones that challenged you, in order to reinforce your knowledge. Lastly, treat review worksheets and review class sessions as practice tests. This will help you assess yourself and identify which concepts you need to revisit.
Regardless of your study routine, be sure to incorporate breaks to avoid overwhelming yourself with information and give your mind time to process what you have learned. Everyone’s study strategies are different, and the recommendations above can be incorporated to strengthen yours. Before and during your study sessions, don’t be stressed or overwhelmed by how much you have to do. You’ll get through it by going through the material piece by piece. Good luck with your exams!
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