Study Tips & Advice

Are you struggling to find study methods that actually work? You’re not alone! Many students try a variety of different techniques but can never find something perfect for them. So keep reading to see if these strategies are the ones for you.

I’ll start with some general good practice for studying. If you have ever heard the phrase, “your room reflects your mind”, you will understand the importance of keeping a neat and organized study space, as it will allow your mind to be clear as well. Making up acronyms, short songs, or stories about the information is another key tip to success that allows your brain to form connections between your acronym or story and the information. Finally, as much as we all love a good all-nighter, study farther in advance for your tests. It allows you to really take in the information and let it marinate as opposed to trying to stuff it all in your brain and hope it sticks.

My personal favorite methods for studying are flashcards and practice tests or problems. Both of these are proven to increase your ability to memorize and recall information, which is key for test preparation. These each put you in the testing environment and challenge your ability to remember and utilise the information you are taking in through active recall. You can make your own or use any of the wide variety of online resources such as apps, websites, or AI to create flashcards and practice tests on any subject.

Another helpful technique is the Pomodoro Method, which consists of intervals of focused work followed by short breaks. This improves productivity and focus as well as overcoming procrastination by working in short blocks.

Furthermore, another approach is the Feynman Method that revolves around four key steps. First, study the concept. Second, teach it to someone else, usually in simple terms as if explaining it to a little kid. Getting stuck in this step indicates a gap in your understanding. Third, identify the gaps and review by going back to your source material and strengthening your understanding of the topic. Last, simplify and organize your notes.

If flashcards are your preferred study method, you should try out the Leitner System! Once your cards are created, place them in box one. When you get a card right, move it to the next box (ie. box 2 -> box 3). When you get a card wrong, move it back a box (ie. box 5 -> box 4). Each of the boxes determines how much you will study a set of cards. Box one is every day, box two is every other day, box three is every four days, box four is every nine days, and box five is every fourteen days. This is best for studying for big tests such as mid-terms or finals as it is quite a long process.

And finally, we have all scrolled across one of those “studying until…” videos. From ice melting, finishing a bottle of water, or even chewing gum until it loses flavor. I find this method can be helpful as well because you can see the time progressing in whatever way you choose and it is extremely versatile as you can study until almost anything happens.

Personally, combining each of these tips really enables me to do well on tests and quizzes and I feel a lot more confident when the time comes to take said exams.

As for academic advice, I would just recommend staying on top of your assignments and grades and utilising your resources. What does all that mean? Well, to keep up with your grades and assignments, make sure to turn things in on time and look over what you get wrong on assignments so you can take note of them for the future. And finally, use your resources. Your teachers are always there if you have any questions or want help with anything and the ARC is another great resource you can use for tutoring.

The next time you have a big test coming up, try combining these study hacks and see what works best for you!