General Study Tips

• Find a quiet, well lit place to study.  It seems obvious, but sometimes you have to hide from distractions. (i.e. friends in the dorm)  Tell others you are working and ask them to leave you alone for awhile.  You can meet later to relax and have fun.

• Work at a desk or table.  DO NOT lie down on a couch or bed to study.  Take a break if you need it.

• Find the best time of day to study.  Some students are most awake in the morning, others think best late at night.  Learn the most optimal time of day for you to concentrate and study.

• Review the day's notes when classes are over.  You'll deal with questions about class material when it's fresh.  In this way you'll avoid the need to cram for tests.

• Set up a study schedule that includes a few hours each day .  Stick to it.

• Bribe yourself.  Promise yourself that you'll do something fun IF you study for a period of time.  When you reach your goal go have a sundae, see a movie or go out with friends.

• Take frequent short breaks if you need it.  Studies show people can concentrate for about 30 minutes before they lose focus.  When you get to the point where your mind starts to wander, get up and take a walk.  Get a drink and come back. 

• Sometimes working with others can help you illustrate which material is understood and which isn't.  If you can answer questions and explain concepts to others, odds are you know the information well.  Otherwise you'll realize what need to study some more.

• Be cautious about working with others.  Sometimes certain members will actually provide a distracting force.  Carefully choose with whom you will work.

• Cycle between working alone and working with others.  Work alone to master concepts and information.  Work with others to test your true understanding.