TOP TEN STUDY TIPS
SET S.M.A.R.T. GOALS
Write them down! Create daily goals, short-term goals, and long-term goals. These will help you focus and give you direction as you plan each day. Follow the S.M.A.R.T. template!
TIME MANAGEMENT
USE A PLANNER OF SORTS. Write down all of your assignments and when they are due. Dedicate a certain amount of time each day to working on that assignment. This will keep you on top of things, prevent cramming, and also help you to avoid procrastination.
Yes...the moment you’ve been dreading...I’m going to tell you to put your phone away during study times. Put it in another room. Turn in off. Throw it out the window. Whatever you need to do to give it your all during your designated study times.
AVOID DISTRACTIONS
REMEMBER TO TAKE BREAKS
Brains need breaks too! For every 50-90 minutes of work you do, take a 15-20 minute break. This will actually increase your productivity and decrease burnout. Set a timer. Some break ideas are: take a walk, clean your room, call a friend, color, make a healthy snack, etc.
PRACTICE INTERLEAVING
Interleaving is just a fancy word for studying multiple different subjects in one sitting. Your brain will remember material better and make more connections between classes if you study multiple subjects in a day, rather than just doing math homework for hours until you feel like a pro. It might not feel great at first and it takes some getting used to, but try this method out and see how you do. Learning should feel hard!
ASK FOR HELP
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Your teachers want you to succeed! If you don't understand a concept, ask for help early on. Stay after class, send an email, or ask if your teacher can meet with you for some help outside of class. If you have a friend who is doing well in the class, ask them to try and explain it. Plus, you can always reach out to Amanda and Izabella (the two medical students writing these tips for you) for help in classes and beyond!
It can be harder to focus when your space is cluttered and disorganized. Find a way to file your notes and try to keep a designated space for pens, pencils, books, etc. A clean space makes for a clean and happy mind.
KEEP YOUR AREA ORGANIZED
MAKE A PLAN
Before you start studying, write out what you want to accomplish that day. Make a schedule for how long you will focus on each topic so that you can hold yourself accountable and know what you need to get done. Check things off as you do them, it will feel GOOD.
DEVELOP YOUR ROUTINE
Some people are most productive at 5 AM, others at 11 PM. There is no right or wrong time to study, find out when you work best and stick to that routine as best as you can. Whatever study time works for you, make sure you’re still getting those 7-9 hours of sleep!
TEN
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
This might be the most important tip. You are your own biggest obstacle. Work hard, trust your abilities, and give it your best. Before exams, try meditating for a few minutes (it has actually been shown to improve exam scores!).