I'm writing this article to explain how I go about studying for classes to prepare for exams. College is very different from high school. In high school, you may not have needed to study all that much; it was usually okay to cram for a test. However, this is often not possible in college courses. You will have to develop new study habits, and that can be tough. Here is my approach of handling classes to prevent getting overwhelmed before exams.
1. Be organized from the first day
When the syllabus is posted for the class, read it thoroughly. Write down important deadlines in a planner immediately. This includes exam and quiz dates, assignment deadlines, and anything else listed in the syllabus to do.
2. Avoid procrastination
Begin studying right away to prevent yourself from getting behind. If there are PowerPoints posted, skim through them prior to going to the class. If there's a chapter in the textbook to read, glance through that before the class to ensure you have an understanding of what you are about to be learning.
3. Reiterate material
After every class, review what you have just learned. Whether it be on Quizlet or using physical flash cards, I immediately begin making notecards of important concepts I have just learned. I'll make a Quizlet if there are excessive material and more concepts than definitions.
I will also rewrite important concepts on a blank sheet of paper with colored pens and highlighters. Make mnemonic devices. Doing a little bit each day prevents getting burnt out, and allows learning the material rather than memorizing.
4. Read the textbook daily
If reading from a textbook is a requirement for the class, read a little every day. For instance, if chapter 3 is 100 pages and is due in 10 days, split the chapter up over the next 10 days. That way, you will read 10 pages a day rather than 100 pages at once.
Most textbooks have summaries at the beginning or end of the chapters. I will always make sure to read these prior to reading the chapter to get a good idea of what I'm going to be learning. Most importantly, reread all chapter summaries right before an exam.
5. Stay on top of homework
Make sure to stay on top of homework, especially for classes that have a lot. It may even be a good idea to work ahead. I usually do homework immediately when posted/assigned. That way, if I happen to get stumped or have questions, I have plenty of time of ask for help.
6. Attend the study sessions
Attend those study sessions that the professor has to offer. They are extremely helpful. Practice tests may also be given at the study sessions. Often, the professor gives helpful hints for the exam. If your school offers student-led study sessions throughout the semesters, regularly attend those too.
7. Make friends in your classes
Be sure to talk to your classmates. Make an effort to make friends with people in your lectures so that you can form a study group. Studying with others is helpful because you can quiz one another, as well as ask questions to others if you don't understand a concept.
I know how difficult it is to study for an exam when you're in multiple other classes, involved in organizations, want to have personal time, and maintain a social life. I hope this guide of how to study helps you organize and succeed in your class.Best of luck to you! :)
