As a senior, it’s taken me three whole years to truly master the whole “college” thing. Movies classically depict the stereotypical college study group, cramming for hours and hours the day before the huge test. So, I figured this was the way it was supposed to work-- pay little attention in class, but make sure to study like a total madwoman 24 hours before the exam. I definitely tried this, but never really got the grades I wanted. I realized throughout my last three years that this was actually a really inefficient way to study for an exam, because a) I never had enough time to teach myself everything that was tested on, and b) I never really came away having learned much of anything. So, I have created a list of five simple, fool-proof ways to ditch your cramming habit and earn a stellar grade every time:
1. Attend class and bring your book.
I know, I know. This seems like the most obvious advice ever. But, you’d be surprised at how many of us don’t take it. Go to class with your phone off (or at least not in arms reach), and follow along with your prof in the textbook. I like to use a highlighter for main points and vocab words, along with sticky notes to tab important pages. If you want to get really fancy, use different colored highlighters and pens to color-code your book. This will be extremely useful when getting ready for the test, and you won’t ever have to take long, boring notes! You’ll be amazed at how much you learn just by doing this.
2. Make note cards throughout the unit, not at the end.
I am a huge flashcard advocate. I’ve learned that you get the most value when creating the note cards throughout the unit, instead of at the end. This will keep you on track with key ideas, and act as a great study tool when test time rolls around. Hint: To help mentally compartmentalize the flashcard concepts, put the corresponding chapter number on each card and try to sort them! This will aid in understanding how ideas fit together, and will feel like you’re playing a matching game!
3. Start studying with a group at least a week in advance.
Find a group of a few classmates, a cozy spot in the lib, and talk about topics from the course. It works best if each study buddy is assigned a chapter, and gives the rest of the group a summary of it. This is a great way to learn and teach material. If you’re able to talk about a topic and teach it to your classmates, you have come that much closer mastering it. You’ll be studying without even realizing it!
4. Record yourself.
Get over your disgust for hearing your own voice on tape and use this as a tool. Read vocab words or summaries for chapters aloud and record it on your phone. Listen to these recording as often as possible-- when you’re at the gym, lying in bed or between songs in your headphones. Your brain will subconsciously become more familiarized with the topics, which will benefit you tons on test day. This is a very easy way to absorb information while putting almost no effort forth. Hint: this method works great for memorizing presentation scripts and speeches, too!
5. Instead of cramming the night before, get a good night’s sleep and wake up a little earlier.
I know that it’s tempting to stay up all night trying to remember every detail for a final the next day, with the help of an energy drink or two. However, we all know this doesn’t work so well. It usually ends in an accidental nap or near insanity as the wee hours of the morning approach. So, to combat this, go to bed at a reasonable hour and wake up a little early to do a quick review. At this point, you will be well-rested and more likely to retain and remember the information.
We all have those weeks throughout the semester, with a test or quiz in practically every class. It feels like there’s so much information and so little time! But, I hope these easy tips showed you that exams don’t have to be scary, and that you can actually make it out stress-free, with that A we all want!
