Midterm season is upon us and if you're anything like me you're currently trying to cram 7 weeks worth of lessons into your brain in hopes of getting a semi-decent grade. Unfortunately this never really seems to work, you either forget the crucial information or you end up stressing out so much you forget everything as soon as you sit down. Neither of those things is going to help you ace your midterms, so I've compiled a list of my top 10 study tips. Will all of these help you? Probably not! Studying is tricky and what works for me might not work for you and vice versa.
Despite that, it's always good to start somewhere! So, here are my 10 tips on how to study!
1. Don't cram it all in before the exam!
While cramming seems like a good idea at the time, once you start you'll realize how bad of a decision you've bad. Usually when you decide to cram you underestimate how much material you actually need to go through and you end up leaving yourself with way too much stuff to go over in a small period of time!
Most study tip guides say that you should review your notes after class or before you have it again. And while this seems like a good idea, it's not realistic. Instead, go over your notes on Saturday or Sunday. That way you can recap everything you've learned and it's semi-fresh in your head for Monday morning. And once it comes time to prepare for the dreaded midterm you've gone over the material so much that it's ingrained in your brain! It'll make studying so much easier.
2. Mark what you frequently get wrong
Is there a concept you just can't seem to grasp? Are there two words you're always mixing up? Mark it down! Every time you go over your notes put a star next to the things you're not quite sure of or keep getting wrong. If you go over it again and get it right, put a check mark next to it! If not, highlight it or star it again!
This makes it easy for you to identify what you need to ask your professor about for more clarification. Once it yes closer to exam time this will help you identify what you really need to go over. This way you don't waste time going over things you already know and you can really get those things down!
3. Study in small increments
Studying shouldn't be like watching Netflix, don't marathon it. Going over the same information for hours on end just tires you out and after a while you start to lose focus. While you think going over it constantly during a long period of time will help, it actually does nothing for you. Eventually, your brain will check out and even though you spent the time reading your notes you aren't actually taking anything in.
Instead, study in small increments. Grabbing lunch in-between classes? Pull out your notes and go over a few things. Have a few minutes before classes start? Look over those few things you still don't understand. Studying doesn't have to happen all at once and splitting it up will be much more effective in the end.
4. Take breaks!
If you do find yourself in a situation where you have to cram, don't marathon it! Constantly going over your notes doesn't only tire you out, but it can overwhelm you and end up stressing you out. A tired brain and a stressed out body only lead to one thing: system shut down. Eventually, you'll get so run down you'll just give up and accept your fate of a bad grade, meaning you did all of that for nothing.
Instead, take a break every hour or so and this doesn't mean looking away from your notes to browse Facebook or send a few snap chats. Get up and walk around. Make yourself a snack or close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Try and clear your mind when you take a break, it'll help you feel refreshed and ready to go when you start back up again.
5. Utilize the study guide!
Study guide's are called that for a reason, to guide your study! There have been so many times I've gotten a study guide and just shoved it into my backpack without another thought. Use your study guide! Whether you use it just to get a general idea of what is on the exam or you actively answer the questions on it, use it!
It'll save you so much time if you know exactly what to expect on the exam! I can't tell you how many times I've looked at an exam and realized most of what I studied isn't even on there. Using the study guide will make your studying much more efficient.
6. Make your own study guide!
Professors don't always make study guides or tell you what will be on the exam ahead of time so make your own! You don't have to put all of the information from the past few weeks on it, just put the things you're unsure of on there! This is also why sharing what you don't know is important!
Even just putting the terms and concepts you don't know on their own separate sheet can help tremendously! This makes it easier to study at lunch or during class breaks and can help you get them down faster!
7. Go over your notes and ask your professor questions!
9/10 the class before an exam the professor will take the
Go over your notes prior to the class before your exam and make note of what may be missing from your notes or you still need clarification on. Not only will this show your professor that you actually care, but with their help you're guaranteed to do good on the exam!
8. Study with a friend
Whether the friend you chose to study with is in that class or not, having someone with you always helps! Having another person there to talk to helps to keep you from getting overwhelmed and going crazy. Not to mention the fact that having someone there to quiz you is always a good thing!
As long as you and your friend stay committed to studying then there's nothing wrong with having a companion to get you through it!
9. Listen to some music!
Having some relaxing music on quietly on the background can really help you focus in. Nature sounds or classical music played at a low volume it best, as it's not going to distract you. Having music on will distract your brain enough to keep it refreshed and keep you from getting fatigued, but not enough to distract you from actually studying.
Plus sitting in almost complete silence for long periods of time gets to be pretty eerie.
10. Relax!
Studying for something like a midterm or final can bring on a lot of stress, even when you leave yourself with plenty of time to prepare. If you're constantly stressed out it'll be hard for you to focus on your notes or on the exam, in general, which will only add to your stress.
Drink a hot beverage, listen to your favorite band or call your mom. Take breaks during the day, whether you're studying or not, to take some time to de-stress. Not only will it help you focus on your studying and eventually the exam but it'll help your health in the long run.
So there you go! You can alter these tips to your advantage or disregard them all together! It doesn't really matter, as long as you find what works for you!
Leave a comment below telling me your best study tips!
