Strategies for Studying (learn how to prepare for higher learning)*
Time Management
1. Make a weekly or daily to-do list
2. Use a calendar or planner
3. Get up early to get stuff done
4. Reward yourself when tasks are complete
5. Schedule your “me” time (so it doesn’t eat up study time)
6. Read the syllabus and make plans from it (when items are scheduled)
7. Prioritize and schedule what you need to do – be realistic!
8. Set aside study/class work hours each day
9. Have a spot where all studying takes place
10. Make or join a study group
Note-Taking
1. Copy teacher written notes
2. Paraphrase teacher’s words
3. Take up as much space as needed with your notes
4. Review your notes every night
5. Create your own abbreviations
6. Jot down any ideas that the teacher repeats
7. Notice verbal cues – “Now this is important”
8. Highlight your class materials
9. Write down all examples
10. Rewrite your notes after class
Reading
1. Read more than once
2. Highlight and take notes
3. Make margin notes
4. Don’t put off reading assignments until the last minute!
5. Review after reading
6. Keep from dozing off: don’t read right before going to bed, and don’t read in bed
7. Read and understand captions and figures
8. Make a glossary of terms
9. Pace yourself
10. Pay attention to key concepts and end of chapter reviews
Test Preparation
1. Make flashcards
2. Rewrite/re-read your notes; reorganize into categories
3. Get help if you need it: use PASS and other learning resources
4. Don’t cram!
5. Know the test format
6. Get all of your questions answered
7. Verbalize what you know – tell/teach the material to someone else
8. Be caught up on all work for the test
9. Identify your problem areas
10. Take advantage of extra credit
Top 10 Study Skills as published by the University of Lynchburg