Tests, it’s a love-hate relationship: we all despise them but unfortunately, we need them to show colleges and employers our “worth.” And what’s more, exams are deeply ingrained in the “college experience” so you can’t escape the many sleepless nights and caffeine-induced all-nighters they entail, but it doesn’t always have to be this way. Here are my 23 foolproof strategies I found useful in my own college journey that can turn any zero into a hero.
- Practice Makes Perfect
How many of us have thought we mastered a subject only to be destroyed by practice exams and homework assignments? I definitely have which is why I strongly recommend every student to not only learn the material but to practice it as well.
- If you’re in a highly technical class, such as calculus or physics, complete all of the problem sets as a way of applying theory into practice. This means doing all of the questions after each chapter and completing online practice exams. Once you have studied all of the material, randomly select a few questions to answer as a comprehensive test.
- If you’re in a highly theoretical class, such as psychology or philosophy, think of real-world applications for each concept. I recommend brainstorming on a sheet of paper and using mind maps or decision trees to supplement your studying. The key is to understand the ins-and-outs of each concept.
Remember to always attempt each question even if you think you’re wrong because it is a great way to pinpoint your mistakes and correct them. This is also a great opportunity to boost your analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Turn off all Distractions
Attention: multitasking does not work. I repeat, multitasking does not work. Remember a jack of all trades is a master of none. When we split our attention to too many tasks we often spread ourselves too thin and don’t do a single task particularly well.
Keep in mind that it is better to do one thing well than to do ten things poorly. This means giving your undivided attention to studying rather than simultaneously sending a “quick” text.
Studies have shown multitasking not only interferes with learning but it also worsens performance and significantly increases study time. You are better off not studying so why waste your time? Turn off all of your devices and clear your social media tabs so you don’t “accidentally” click on them. Trust me you’ll survive.
- Take Breaks
Researchers recommend taking 15-minute breaks for every 50 minutes of studying. Breaks are essential for encoding memory because they solidify what you just learned and prevent burnout and study fatigue, which allows you to return to your work refreshed and ready to hit the books.
Keep your breaks simple so something like a power nap, snack, or a short video. It is a good idea to time your breaks so you don’t lose track of time.
A great example is to compare your brain to a hard drive because there is always a risk your “documents” or memory will be corrupted or lost so if you studied it all in one sitting and forget then you’re toast.
I recommend setting aside one or two days every week, preferably the weekends, as your day off. This arrangement will make studying manageable and easy to add to your routine (remember: consistency is key).
- Chunk Your Study Sessions
Don’t do all of your studying in one session the day before the exam because there are many variables that work against your favor. Have you heard of Murphy’s Law (anything that can go wrong, will go wrong)?
The best way to structure your routine is to chunk your studying into multiple 50-minute sessions. Try to aim for 6-7 sessions per day (total: 5-6 hours of studying and 90-105 minutes of breaks).
- Find the Perfect Study Spot
Pick a study location that works best for you. Some find it better to have absolute quiet while others prefer some ambient noise so whether you prefer the library or a coffee shop find a place that maximizes your concentration and minimizes distractions.
One very important caveat to consider is to avoid studying in your bedroom because it is associated with sleep which is a strong motivator. Studies have found that the lull of sleep can interfere with studying and ruin sleep patterns so steer clear.
- Are You an Early Bird or a Night Owl?
Just as finding the perfect study spot is important so is choosing the best study time. Of course, everyone is different and will have different time preferences.
Are you a morning person – are you more alert during the day? If so, structure your studying between 7 am – 4 pm. Alternatively, are you a night person – are you more energized during the evening? If so, structure your studying between 4 pm – 12 am.
- Time Management is King
It is never too early to start studying but I recommend preparing at least 3 weeks before an exam to give yourself enough time to understand the material.
Having great time management skills is what distinguishes top students from average ones so make sure everything is accounted for from the time you start studying to your exam date. The last thing you want is to be blindsided by other commitments because of poor planning.
Break up your tasks into manageable goals. For example, if you have a total of 15 days to cover 10 chapters, break them up into weekly and daily goals. In this case, a good weekly goal would be 5 chapters per week or a daily goal of one chapter per day.
This method will not only guarantee you finish within your timeframe but you will also have extra time to practice problem sets.
- Have a Lesson Plan
The worst thing you can do is to come to every study session without a purpose or sense of direction. Studying is not one of those things you can just wing. You need to be proactive and come to each session prepared with a battle plan – know exactly what you are going to cover that day.
Here is an example of what my study day would look like:
- Read Ch. 1
- Review class notes
- Watch saved YouTube lectures (w/ problem sets)
- Complete Ch. 1 problem sets
- Do homework assignment
- Use Every Resource at Your Disposal
It is imperative that you use every available resource to supplement your studying. Use class material, ask Google, watch YouTube lectures, call or message classmates, email the TA or professor, go to the library, or try the tutoring center. The point is you have many options.
I strongly recommend asking your TA or professor about what topics will be covered on the exam. It is always worth asking because the worst they can do is refuse so the benefits are definitely worth it.
- Take Clear and Concise Notes
Nothing is worse than going through the effort of taking notes in class only to be unable to decipher them later. If your notes look like chicken scratches then try typing them instead using Times New Roman (12 pt) because it is one of the easiest fonts to read. This way you can guarantee that your notes are legible which makes the study process easier.
Remember, effective notes are those that contain key points and major findings so avoid wasting time with trivial or interesting facts.
I recommend typing your notes on Google Drive because it is a free online resource for creating and storing documents securely so you don’t have to worry about losing your files. It works great plus you start with 15 GB of memory at no cost, which is more than enough.
- Interaction is Key
Simply reading the material does not result in learning – this only reflects literacy not comprehension! Studying requires you to take an active role in your learning which means interacting with the material. Remember the goal of studying is to understand and critically think about the subject.
If the class is highly technical, master straightforward problem sets but also practice tricky questions. In my experience, the exam is rarely an exact replica of the lecture so prepare yourself for any type of problem. First master the basics then expand to more difficult problems.
If the class is highly theoretical, ask yourself what a concept means, why it is important, what the benefits and limitations are, and under what parameters it is relevant. It is not necessary to learn every minute fact about the concept but what is important, however, are the major points and key findings.
- Teach a Classmate
Nothing beats old fashion teaching. Here you are directly applying what you have learned into practice. Teaching is the best way to flesh out what you know and don’t know so it is okay if you have the dreaded “um” moments because they pinpoint areas you need to improve on.
Donate an hour of your time to teach the material to someone in the class. This method kills two birds with one stone because not only does it help your classmate better understand the subject but it also helps to solidify your knowledge even further. However, I recommend saving this method until later in your studying.
- Independent Studying vs Study Buddy
Just as choosing the perfect study location and time are important so is determining the format. Are you more productive alone or with a study buddy? Personally, independent studying works best for me because I am accountable to myself and I am more focused on the material without any of the distractions.
However, some students might benefit more with a study buddy to motivate and push them which is totally fine! There are different strokes for different folks so choose the one that optimizes your learning.
You might have noticed that I excluded study groups and the reason is simple: most of the time these study sessions become gossip sessions instead, which defeats the whole purpose of the get-together. Remember, this is the time to work hard and not get distracted.
- Use Mnemonic Devices
Don’t rely on rote memorization because simply memorizing the material won’t lead to learning. Instead use mnemonic devices such as acronyms, rhymes, storytelling, or visual imagery. Try these types of mnemonics to improve your memory.
Not only will you overcome what I call “testing amnesia” – which is the sudden loss of information during an exam likely due to testing anxiety – but it can also enhance your memory.
- Create a Study Guide
As you progress through the material create a study guide along the way. This outline should be reserved for the utmost important information, such as formulas, key concepts, terminology, rules, and connections. This outline will come in handy in the days prior to the exam because you can review it to make sure you have all of your ducks in a row.
- Use Diverse Modalities
The best way to maximize learning is to study using more than one type of modality. Use both visual and auditory resources, such as watching YouTube lectures, listening to audio recordings, reading your textbooks, visualizing real-world examples, or using mobile apps (i.e., Khan Academy).
- Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Always be proactive in your studies. I strongly recommend reviewing every lecture for 15-20 minutes after each class. This way you can fill the gaps in your understanding while the material is still fresh in your mind. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions you weren’t able to during class.
Another great benefit is since you already hit the ground running early in the term, you will have a competitive edge over your classmates, which is especially important if your class is curved. Remember, a little every day goes a long way.
- Ask Questions in Class
Again, nothing beats being proactive in your studies. Come to each class prepared and having done the readings and homework assignments so you can bring any questions you have before you start studying. Remember, the more you learn now, the less you will need to learn later.
- Quality over Quantity
Many students often use all-nighters as a badge of honor but they are not only unproductive and inefficient but there is a risk of oversleeping. It is better to study well for one hour than to study poorly for 10 hours so make the most of each study session.
- Reward Yourself After Your Final Study Session
This is the time when you can reward yourself with something nice such as a bubble bath, movie, or dinner plans because you completed all of your study sessions for the day which is a big task that deserves a big reward.
This give-and-take allows you to develop a positive relationship with studying and to view it as something important and necessary rather than as an inconvenience, which will make studying in the future easier to do.
- No Need for Supplemental Readings
If you are pressed for time, just skip the supplemental readings listed on the syllabus. They are typically optional and are not tested since their purpose is to expand your understanding of the material. I’ve never read them myself and have been successful in spite of them. Of course, check with the syllabus and TA first (and the professor if needed).
- Switch up Your Study Routine
Studies suggest diversifying where, when, and how you study is beneficial for generalizing gains to any testing environment. If you study best in the morning then study at 10 am one day and 8 am on the other. If you like quiet places maybe you could study in the library one day and a coffee shop on the other. The point is to switch it up.
What you want to avoid is limiting yourself to one location, such as a library, only to have “testing amnesia” later because your exam was in a classroom. This phenomenon is similar to the “doorway effect” which is the forgetting of something because you went into a different room.
- Use the Leitner System
This method reaps the benefits of using flashcards and a systematic learning strategy by strengthening recall memory and prioritizing material you are having the most trouble with.
Related: Read our article on the Leitner System to learn how to use it to improve your studying.