You have a big test coming up. You want to do really well on it so you decide to put in a lot of effort and study hard. You break out your textbook, notes, and Power Points. You’re almost ready, but you need a snack first. Then, your roommate gets home and asks you to run to the mall with them. You have plenty of time to study later, so why not? Next thing you know, it’s the night before the test and you haven’t even begun to study. You now have to choose between sleep and studying. Sound familiar?
We’ve all been there. We all have busy schedules, and we all procrastinate at one time or another. The good news is that there are certain study methods and tips to help you make the time to study, and use that time more effectively.
Here are three habits that you can adopt to help you study effectively: time management, organization, and commitment.
A. Time Management
Don’t study too much at once – spread it out. Instead of cramming, make sessions a bit shorter so you can be thorough. Also don’t spend ALL of your time studying. According to a book called College Rules!, well-rounded students “balance academics, work, and play” and “are involved in extracurricular activities.” Take breaks. According to a web article titled The Ten Study Habits of Successful Students, taking short breaks can improve your studying. Set a goal, accomplish it, then take a short break before coming back. Be smart about it. Different classes require different levels of studying. Although you may enjoy studying Spanish, if you’re close to failing algebra, you may want to work on that first. Don’t wait until 3am. Some students find it easier to study at night, but substituting studying for sleeping won’t help.
B. Organization
Know what you have to do. Have a plan. Take notes during class on homework assignments. Do it. Get in there and get it done. A UAFS student, Bethany Eden, says that she finds it is best to study somewhere “in a quiet room where it’s uncomfortable so you don’t fall asleep.” Do it right. Use different methods. Some things that Eden finds helpful are, “flashcards, reading, internet research, study groups with friends, and writing stuff down.” Try several different things and figure out what works for you.
C. Commitment
Pick a place, pick a time, and stick to it. When something else comes up that sounds more fun, get your work done first. Remember – studying can make or break your grades.
References
Shockley, Emma. Personal interview with Bethany Eden. 27 September 2010.
“The Ten Study Habits of Successful Students – Study Skills.” Study Skills – How to Study. How-to-Study.com, 2010. Web. 06 Oct. 2010.
Nist, Sherrie, and Patrick, Jodi. College Rules! How to Study, Survive, and Succeed in College. Ten Speed Press, 2002. Print.