Study Smarter, Not Harder
Studying smarter is about using strategies that get you the results you want. If you want to get more out of your time, follow this three-pillar approach.
1. The Essentials (Self-Care & Attendance)
- Attend to basic needs first: Get 6–8 hours of sleep and eat well. Your brain can’t retain information if your body is running on empty.
- Attend and participate in class: This is the most vital way to prepare. You’ll catch clues on what the instructor thinks is important and engage in discussions that promote deeper learning.
- Don’t wait for motivation: Use the 10-minute rule. Start working for just 10 minutes; usually, that’s enough time to build the momentum needed to finish.
2. The Game Plan (Scheduling & Goals)
- Schedule your time: Aim for 2–3 hours of study per week for every one credit you are taking (e.g., 30–45 hours for a 15-credit load).
- Set session goals: Don’t just “study.” Identify specific questions you want answered or a specific concept you want to master by the end of the hour.
- Study a little every day: Learning in small “chunks” over a long period is much more effective than marathon cramming sessions.
3. The Environment (Focus & Routine)
- Minimize distractions: Study in a quiet space and put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or in another room entirely.
- Take regular breaks: Use a timer to take a 5-minute break every 25–30 minutes. Studying for hours straight actually makes it harder to recall info later.
- Complete all assignments: These aren’t just “busy work”—they provide the feedback you need to see where you should focus your extra study time.
Proven Study Techniques
Active Learning: Self-Testing & Speaking
- Self-test: Practice doing exactly what you will do on the exam. If the test involves solving problems, solve new problems. Don’t look at the answers until you’ve tried your best to solve them first.
- Speak out loud: Talk through the material instead of just reading it. Involving your eyes, ears, and voice significantly improves memory retention.
Note-Taking & Annotating
- Practice effective note-taking: Don’t try to write every word. Use bullet points and diagrams to show how ideas connect. Return to your notes after class to fill in the gaps.
- Annotate your textbook: Write key ideas directly in the margins of your book. Research suggests that taking notes in the textbook produces better results than using a separate notebook.
Learning vs. Memorizing
- Learn, don’t just memorize: If you only memorize, a conceptual question on a test might trip you up. Try to find connections between different concepts to ensure you truly understand the “Why” and “How.”
- Use flashcards wisely: These are perfect for vocabulary and hard facts, but be careful not to lose sight of the overall idea when using them for complex concepts.
Group Study
- Form study groups: Studying with others allows you to compare notes, get different perspectives, and—most importantly—practice explaining what you’ve learned to someone else.