Stop Cramming and Start Studying: Study Strategies that Work

Cramming before an exam is a bad habit that could be harmful to your grades.

Below are a few study strategies that will help you do well on an exam, instead of doing “so-so” or the dreaded: “I don’t even want to talk about it,” that can often result from cramming for an exam.

• Create a study schedule. Begin a study regime a few weeks prior to a quiz/exam. Don’t overwhelm yourself with the task of trying to learn eight chapters in eight hours. Pace yourself and allow yourself time to learn and absorb the information.
• Alternate study time with break time. Try studying for 30 minutes then take a 10-minute break. By alternating your time, you’ll be more alert and able to refocus when you resume studying after a short break.
• Avoid sleep-inducing study environments such as your bed, couch or some other place where you’re likely to fall asleep. If you find yourself yawning just looking at your textbook, try taking your study session to a public place – like a coffee shop – where you’re bound to be more alert and aware of your surroundings. *If you are exhausted, it’s a good idea to put studying to bed and continue studying the next day.
• Study the more difficult material first. Even if it means waking up earlier than usual, morning hours seem to have far less distractions than those of the evening. Use this time to study the material you find most difficult, that way you can provide yourself time to understand the information, then briefly review it that same evening. Save the material you’re most comfortable with for review at the end of your study session.
• Know the story behind the facts. You’re likely to remember the season finale of your favorite TV show because you know the storyline and you understand it. Knowing the story of facts behind the study material will help you learn and retain the information.
• Study with a friend or group. Have a roommate or friend quiz you on the material that you’ve covered.
• Flash cards are also a great way to quiz yourself and are much more convenient to tote around instead of your notes and textbooks.
• Visit your professor and G/T.A. Some of the best study tips can come from your instructor or G/T.A. Make use of office hours; don’t wait until the end of the semester to pay them a visit.

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