A common experience for almost every college student is test anxiety and stress, but for Honors students, the pressure to get perfect grades can feel even more intense. On top of that, a lot of students never learn how to study properly, and create even more work for themselves by studying incorrectly. Below are 7 simple strategies to help you on your way to studying success.
1. Create a Schedule
It might seem like an unnecessary step, but before you begin your cramming sessions, pull out a planner or a calendar and schedule your studying.
By organizing your studying and planning based on your class schedules, you’ll be able to focus on the right subjects at the right time. This way, you’ll have created enough time to hone in on those tougher subjects, while still leaving enough time to study for all your other classes.
As a bonus, scheduling your time may
cut down on the dreaded all-nighters, so you can avoid showing up to your classes like a zombie.
2. Find a Study Group
Other students in your class are likely feeling the same test stress that you are, and getting together with them for a few hours a week leading up to a test may just make your life easier. Everyone has different strengths, and studying with your classmates is the easiest way to learn new techniques, catch up on notes you may have missed, and get new insights. Plus,
studying with friends is always more fun than
stressing out over the material alone.
3. Get Creative
Not everyone learns the same way. If you’re tired of re-reading notes, try mixing it up. Flashcards, online learning games, or mock-quizzes are great ways to add some variety to your studying. Adding a bit of diversity into your studying makes the process less tedious, and you’re less likely to get distracted.
This is a great tip to bring to study groups as well. Making a Kahoot with friends or trading flashcards back and forth is going to help you pay more attention to the material, and you’ll have a much more enjoyable time together.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Sometimes you just need that additional help understanding a tough concept. Show up to your professor’s office hours to ask a question or drop in to a tutoring session.
There are so many tutoring resources available to CSULB students, and reaching out to a skilled teacher/tutor is the best course of action when you’re having a hard time understanding an idea, or if you just want some extra practice on the subject.
5. Study Smart
Don’t save all your studying for the last minute, but don’t spend every waking hour of the day
cramming information either. It’s better to take breaks in between studying to do some work, stretch out, and recuperate. If you keep some variety in your routine even when studying, it’s more likely you’ll be able to focus when you actually sit down to look over those notes.
6. Listen to Your Body
Get a good night’s sleep! Pulling all-nighters every night leading up to your exams might seem like the perfect strategy to get all the information you need, but you won't be able to succeed if you’re overtired. Set a sleep schedule in the weeks before, so that you are well-rested before all of your exams. Being alert and ready to go the morning of all your exams is much more productive and helpful than showing up to your test almost asleep on your feet.
7. Stay Positive
It’s completely normal to be stressed out - but by setting a plan, staying focused, and keeping your head up, you are well on the path to success.
Comments