10 Tips For Studying At College

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Studying can be considered an art.  There are many styles to studying - Some are fortunate just to show up for class and no study needed, while others must study intensely every night just to pull a C.  However, most everyone else falls in the middle of these two extremes.  This "standard" group needs to show up for class, complete the homework, and study for the exams, so there are clearly good study habits that every student should use.  

10 Tips for Studying At College

1.  Show up for class:  Sound so easy?  Many college students miss class frequently, sometimes because they over slept, had a bad night, or just feel like withdrawing.  When you miss a class, you loose out on opportunities such as taking notes, asking the professor questions, and connecting with more advanced students who can help to expand your knowledge on the subject. Showing up for class is very important and should be the number one key for success. 

2.  Always Complete Assignments:  Not completing the assignments means you miss out on learning the subject and practicing critical skills that you will need in order to pass your tests and future clases.  In addition, you lose points for late assignments or incompletions, which dramatically impacts your grade.

3.  Know the Expectations and Schedule of the Class:  Start with reading the class syllabus.  The syllabus is an outline of what to expect in the class, including what will be learned and when assignments are due or tests or exams are scheduled.  

4.  Keep a calendar:  Keeping track of your assignments, tests and projects will help you to remain organized.  Even if you only have 1 class, this study tip is very helpful.  In addition, if you have multiple classes, then this tip is necessary so that you do not lose points for a missing assignment of for getting a poor grade on a test.   

5.  Always Read What is Assigned: Don’t underestimate the importance of completing the required reading.  Reading is assigned to help you understand the lectures and materials, and it is also often used for the test and homework assignments.  Begin with reading the assigned material. Keep an appropriate pace with your reading so that the material gets read before the class or before the assignment is due.  This is often something that many people delay on completing, but don't be one to procrastinate.  Set a schedule on how much you will read per day or when you will read. 

6.  Use Other Resources:  Use the internet or a library to help find other reading materials to help you thoroughly understand the topic.  The internet is a wonderful resource to help find material that will assist you with feeling competent with the text-book materials that may be otherwise challenging to understand.  Wikipedia is actually a great place to find a summary of nearly every topic that is covered in a university.  However, do not rely on Wikipedia as an academic source for citation, and always refer to primary sources if you want to ensure complete accuracy of your reading on the subject.  Wikipedia is a great starting point for challenging-to-understand topics, but always stick with the materials provided by your professor or other primary sources for studying in preparation for your exams and for writing your papers.

7.  Use Notes to Create a Study Guide:  Taking notes helps you to remember the content presented in class, and if you use your notes to write a study guide, you will have placed the content into wording you understand, which means that you will have already demonstrated your knowledge of the subject on the first run - You read and re-wrote the material.  Next, you can study and memorize what you converted into the format that you understand most.  This will help you to master the content.

8.  Find a Buddy:  Know someone in each of your classes - They can help you with notes if you are absent and they can serve as a resource if you have questions about an assignment or a project, and you can reciprocate by helping them with your notes.  Pair with people in your group to study, and they can help you to study as well.  Having a study partner in class can help you with your academic success, and you will also have the opportunity to contribute to others.


9.  Create a Study Group: Since peers in your class are learning the same thing.  They are a great resource for studying groups.  If one is not established, start one of your own.  You will be amazed at how many other students would appreciate the support and peer help.   You can also ask the professor if he is teaching the same clas at another time and try to pair with students from that class.


10.  Use a tutor:  A tutor can help you to understand the material and encourage you to perform at your best, especially if you meet them 2 - 5 times per week.  Your tutor should be someone who has mastered the subject, so when looking for a tutor ask the following questions:  What grade did they receive in the class? Have they ever tutored before?  If they have tutored others in this subject, what is the success rate of their clients? What makes them an expert?  Interview at least 3 tutors to make sure the match is correct for your learning style.  

Studying is vital for any class, whether in a traditional school or online.  College can be difficult, because the material is harder, and more is expected of you than in High School.  These study tips will help you to be successful in your college career.  

- Kim B.