I am going to be honest with you… I am not the best at studying or test taking, BUT since starting college I’ve realized how important it is to find a study strategy that works for YOU☺️ ⠀
So here are some tips:⠀
Study Groups
OMG! Being in study groups have saved my life! It is so important to find people you can study with. It is so helpful to talk about the material you are learning, bounce ideas off of each other, and to make studying fun/interactive!⠀
Flashcards
Wether it is virtually through quizlet or paper (my preference), flashcards will help with memorization. Writing the material when making the cards is helpful in getting it into your brain as well. Plus, you can make them look cute and have fun with it! ⠀
Make charts
This will be way more helpful once you start your science courses. Having a visual of how the material works together like when learning body systems, cycles, medications etc can help simplify the information and make it more digestible. Again, make it cute and have fun with it!⠀
Use notes and powerpoints
Read over your notes and PowerPoints. I will look these over to refresh my memory and figure out what I really need to study. I also don’t use my textbooks much (oops😬) unless there are concepts I need more explanation on. ⠀
Study guides
Do the study guide your professor provides thoroughly! It’s tedious and annoying (I know), but it’s helpful. It’s what you’ll be tested on. If you weren’t given a study guide, make your own! Take the learning objectives from each class and turn them into questions. Write out all the information you need under each objective! ⠀
Be the teacher
This may sound funny, but pretend you are teaching a class on the material you are learning. Yes, you may be talking to yourself, but it helps I promise! Write concepts out on a white board and explain them to the class. Also, ask questions and answer them for the “class.” I’ll literally be like, “You are right Susan, antihypertensive medication helps lower blood pressure!” alone in my dorm😂 ⠀
Start early
This is a hard one I know😭 but so important. DO NOT wait until the day before to study pls!!! I try to start about 5 days before, but usually end up starting 2-3 days before lol (I need to follow my own advice).
Make a plan
Study a little everyday! In your planner or calendar or phone map out what you will study everyday leading up to your exam. Keeps yourself accountable, plus you’ll feel organized and better about yourself ☺️
Hope this was helpful for you all! GOOD LUCK!!