As I go into my sophomore year, I think about my past classes and how they went. Except for a couple B’s (one in Latin, so give me a break), I think I did pretty well for freshman year of college. Throughout high school and the first year of college, I have gathered some tips that have helped me study more effectively. Here is a sampling of them to hopefully help you too!
1. Sit in front
As cliché as it sounds, sitting in front actually does help you focus more. It forces you to pay attention to the professor and not get distracted by your phone or people around you. Now, I’m not saying you have to sit in the first row. In fact, I absolutely hate sitting in the first row. I would say that sitting in the second or third row is still helpful. It makes you more comfortable but still able to focus on the material.
2. Make flashcards and study guides throughout the semester.
Making flashcards or study guides throughout the semester helps to decrease the stress you’ll feel come finals time. You’ll have all the information you will need already written down, and you won’t be scrambling for random definitions or facts. It also helps to cement the facts in your brain more. At the end of the day, or right after class if you have time, create these guides while the information is fresh in your brain and it will help you to remember the information better.
3. Take notes.
As dumb as it sounds, actually focusing on taking notes will help you remember the information better. Concentrating on the material being presented instead of drifting off into la-la land will prove to help you do better on your tests. It has been proven in various studies that writing down material helps to keep it locked in your mind. It helps you have a stronger understanding of the material and apply it more effectively.
4. Use color in your notes
Using color in your notes is a great way to make studying more fun. It can help make you more awake and focus more on the material you are trying to learn instead of falling asleep while reading over the same boring pencil or pen color. It also makes studying a little more interesting. You can bring out your creative side and figure out different colors for different topics or do whatever you feel is right!
5. Talk out loud and have friends quiz you.
For those of you that are more auditory learners, reading your notes out loud or having your friends/roommates or whoever quiz you on your notes is a great way to learn. It can bring a bit of fun into studying, and it is always good to have a friend there to help you out. I know that for me I love having friends there with me instead of being alone and dreading having to study. Friends can motivate you and make you study even when you feel like you do not need to or want to.
