In a perfect world, we could sit down to take a test and execute an exam flawlessly just by being showing up to class, but studying is a necessity because life is not that easy.

How, when, and where you study are three huge factors when it comes to material retention and overall success when test time arrives, but these three factors can be different for everybody.

How you study can vary by class.

Teaching styles vary from professor to professor, ranging from lecturing to constant class discussion and anywhere in between, so how you respond to that method affects what you study. For example, if your professor lectures for the entire class, you must be awake and present to take well-written notes that you can study later on. Other professors may send out their presentations for students to study that way, but you should still go to class for the notes and hints that are not included in the slides.

The study material will vary by class too. Sometimes you have a lot of vocabulary, so you can make flashcards or use online programs such as Quilt. Some classes, like math, use online programs provided by access codes and have their own studying tab to give you practice.

Study guides are a game changer.

For some reason, teacher-made study guides are a thing of the past. Now it is up to the student to make their own. Asking the professor for specific, overarching topics can be helpful when it comes to determining what goes on your study guide.

However, some professors do not give specifics. In that case, include all of the main topics from your lecture notes or other class activities and projects.

When making your study guide it is important to know how you will best remember the information. Spacing things out and adding color are only two of the many great tools to help you remember the material.

Give yourself time.

Teachers across the globe will tell you to not wait until the night before the test to begin studying, but that goes in one ear and out the other for most students. While it may have been alright in high school, college takes studying to a whole new level. The syllabus that is handed out on the first day of class lists dates for all of your exams and quizzes, so you have no reason to be unprepared.

Three to five days before the test, you should be getting together your materials that benefit your method of studying, such as your study guide. Next, you should divide up your study materials by the number of days you have until the exam so you can study a little bit each day. By giving yourself time, you will remember the information more clearly and do better on the exam!

Find your focus.

When it comes to studying, location impacts everyone differently, but wherever you should study wherever your focus thrives. I have to be in silence, with no distractions, to study, but I have friends who can sit in a busy building or coffee shop to do their work and study.

You may not know what kind of setting allows you to focus best, so go explore! It may be in silence, in a busy setting, outdoors, or somewhere else!

Good luck on your next exam!