I think my studying definitely changed from high school to college. In high school, teachers
assign lots of “check up” assignments to make sure you understand the material -- through
things like homework, quizzes, practice tests, etc. In college, professors expect you to do
these things on your own, without being told to. I had to really figure out what worked and
what didn't study-wise in college on my own, because I really didn't have a study method in
high school. By the time the tests came around, I'd been working on the material so much
that I pretty much didn't need to additionally prepare for it. When I got to college, I realized
that after a professor was done talking about a subject, they moved on… no rehashing the
subject, no check up assignments, nothing. That was your job!
My overall study method: My overall study method includes a combination of reading and
creating consolidated notes. In most classes that have a strong textbook component and lots
of key terms and concepts, I usually make an outline of each chapter, highlighting main points
and chapter definitions. I make sure to also come up with examples for concepts, because
most teachers like when you can explain a concept with definitions -- it shows that you're
really grasping the material. I combine class notes in with these chapter outlines so that I
can have one main thing to study -- I don't have to go back to other notes or the textbook unless
absolutely necessary. It's important to also remember to do these outlines right after a
chapter is discussed -- most classes won't test you on material until they've covered at least
3 or 4 chapters, and creating outlines at the last minute is very time-consuming, so it's
always best to prepare for tests before you even know they're coming!
My test study method: When studying for tests, I always try to find a large space of time
in my schedule. I feel like I don't retain an adequate amount of information unless I actually
give myself the time to absorb and understand the material. If you rush yourself, you'll feel
more pressure and panic -- and panic usually never results in good test scores. I can also only
study when I'm fully comfortable -- so I always have to remember to eat before studying, and
get other small projects out of the way, so I don't think about them while studying. I never really
liked the library because I've never felt as comfortable there -- but I've also chosen roommates
who have comparable study habits to mine, so studying in my room was never really a problem;
I could always get my work done.
Studying definitely changes from subject to subject, and also for different test types. In some
classes, you know that teachers are more application-oriented… this could be anything from
explaining a concept with examples outside of the classroom to being able to create balance
sheets from a company that you didn't cover in class. This means that when you study, you
have to be able to relate the concepts to something bigger -- creating multiple scenarios for
certain topics, or doing additional mathematical problems outside of the ones completed in class
will help you be able to apply the concepts, because creating your own ways of defining and
computing ideas will ensure that you know the material. If you know your professor is this kind
of tester, however, you really need to prepare ahead of time, so if you don't know something,
you have time to meet with your professor and work out the kinks in your way of understanding
the concepts… because if you ask them right before the test, they probably won't like it, and it
won't give you time to absorb this new way of thinking about a concept -- because it's more than
just memorizing.
For classes that are more definition-oriented, of course it's never a bad thing to try to memorize,
but watch out for how professors' tests are formatted. If you know the exact definition, you're
good for matching, writing out the definition, or fill in the blank questions. However, be wary of
multiple-choice tests and memorization. Just straight memorizing won't give you the adequate
rationale to always pick the best answer. This is where application and definition collide; you
need to really understand the words outside of their textbook definitions in order to know
how to answer multiple-choice questions. Applications of definitions are very frequent on
most teachers' tests -- so make sure you know more than just the definitions, by studying
examples and creating your own!
My time management secret: Well, I am a very busy person -- I think that outside activities
are just as important to succeed in college as studying and staying strong academically -- so time
management has been a struggle for me. The most important thing to do is map out when tests are
throughout the semester, and always have your planner on you when going to meetings. It's always
important to volunteer for additional responsibilities and you always want to go to every event that
your organization is hosting, but you have to try your hardest to have at least one big block of free
time (at least 3-4 hours) before an exam. Most people are very understanding if you have exams
or projects due, but they won't be if you sign up for something and cancel at the last minute.
Stay organized, and make sure you have time to have fun, and to study!
How I deal with multiple projects/tests: This kind of goes along with time management.
If major exam dates and project dates were announced ahead of time, this means that professors
expect you to plan your work time accordingly. Make sure you record exam and project due dates
right when they come, and look ahead to see potential road blocks -- other exams/projects due
around the same time, and other major commitments. If you already see problems, communicate
this with your professor ahead of time -- they'd rather work with someone who is planning ahead
rather than just working on something at the last minute. Anticipate the multiple deadlines, and
prioritize your time studying according to the amount of time you think it will take to complete
each project or study, and when it's due. Leave yourself a few days of “wiggle room” before something
is due so you can tweak it to perfection, or if things just pile up too much, you won't feel so pressed
for time and end up doing a sub-par job.
My overall study method: I usually have a few massive study blocks. It's always easier for
me to concentrate on the subject material when I have more time to dedicate to it -- that way, I don't
feel rushed, and I feel like I can take a longer time focusing on certain topics that I don't grasp as easily.
How I've overcome an initial bad grade: I'd be lying if I ever said it didn't hurt -- it's very
discouraging when you get low grades. Fortunately for me, though, is that every bad grade I've gotten
on a test or paper has usually been directly correlated to how much time/effort I spent preparing for the
test. Whether it's not spending enough time studying or staying up too late the night before, or even
not eating before the test, I try to take low grades as a reason to do better on the next assignment.
It's hard to not feel pressure to perform well on the next test, but you have to go into every test with
a clean slate and feel like you are doing your personal best -- and for me, whenever I feel like I did my
personal best, I've usually been happy with my results. Always remember, as well, if you do badly on
something and don't know why, it's a really good idea to talk to the professor about ways they
suggest you should prepare for the next assignment. Especially with projects, doing the bulk of them
ahead of time and continually checking in with your professor to make sure you're doing it right will
increase your chances of having a good result.
My strategies for written assignments: Always, always try to do it ahead of time! I
can't tell you I do that every time, but I've never been completely happy with finished products that
are completed the night before/the day the assignment is due. There's no way to really fit everything
you want to say in unless you prepare. What helps for me is usually making lists of things I want to
include in each paragraph. I do research on each of those main points, and eliminate or add to the
lists based on my findings. Then, I take my main paragraphs and write them out. By writing out the
main paragraphs, I have a good idea of what the main point of my paper's going to be (for the introduction
paragraph) and what conclusions I want to make at the very end. I cannot stress this enough though --
it's never ever a good idea to start a paper from scratch at the last minute! It'll only stress yourself out
more in the end, and stress is not something you should equate with any type of assignment -- the
more stress you put on yourself, the more you'll develop anxiety right before it's due and the more
you'll let your body be affected -- mentally and physically.
How I succeed in team projects: It's always a good idea to have open, honest communication
from the beginning with your teammates, especially on their work ethic on projects, how they usually do
on them, and what their strong and weak points are. If you keep open, honest communication, you'll
know exactly what to expect from each person. It's also important when working in a group to develop
a work timeline and smaller team due dates aside from due dates assigned in class. This will keep everyone
on the same track, and if someone starts to slack, it'll be easier to identify when they don't make the first
deadline versus when the project actually has to be turned in. Also, if multiple deadlines are used in your
group, designate someone who is really good with editing and organizing to put the project together and
continuously work on shaping the final product. If this person works on that throughout the time they
have to work on it, there won't be a last minute rush the night before to compile everything and make
sure nothing's missing -- if someone's constantly editing and checking to make sure everything's included,
if something isn't, they have more time to delegate someone else in the group to get that information
rather than scrambling for it at the last minute.
I would have to say one of my biggest successes was last semester, in
my Ethical Issues in Health Care class. I went in with a strong interest, which always helps when motivating
you to do work, but I did not realize how much work would actually be involved until I got in the class. We
had lots of chapters to read every week, and she always let the possibility of a pop quiz on the material
hang over our heads. Usually that's a pretty strong motivator, but I strove to do more. I read every assignment,
remembered to take notes on every topic, and kept all of my notes in a binder, making them easy to reference
when having class discussions. I was always able to contribute to class, so my professor and I had a very
positive relationship. My notes especially helped when it came time for the end of the semester exam -- it
was a take home final, where we had to apply every concept we studied over the semester and answer all
these very broad questions. It didn't take me nearly as long to finish it as everyone else because I worked
so hard on understanding every concept and making notes over the semester, and my final product was a
solid A in the course.
English, math, foreign language tips:
English: Always remember to work ahead of time -- and utilize writing centers! They will help edit your papers,
so if you finish papers in enough time, they'll be more than happy to work with you and give you constructive
criticism so you can get an A on every paper! If you don't give yourself that time to go over your work, you'll
never learn from how you did on past papers -- you'll keep making the same errors in your writing.
Math: Do more problems than assigned! Continuous practice on applications of equations will get you more
familiar with concepts, and tests that have questions you've never seen before won't be as scary.
Foreign language: Practice communication with friends! Straight memorization never works with foreign
languages, because it's all in the applications of the words and grammar. Study with friends, have dialogs in that
language, and figure out ways together on how to remember certain words.
How I stay motivated: I really think the best way to stay motivated is to find SOMETHING you
connect with in the class. If a subject material bores you, try to relate it to something else that excites you.
If you find something interesting about the subject matter, it will be much easier to retain information.
When you're struggling in a class, of course going to your professor is the first thing you should do.
Your professor may be better able to identify what you're struggling with... whether it's writing style,
inability to answer multiple choice questions, or studying techniques... and the professor will be able
to give you tips based on what they have personally experienced, and what he or she has seen
students do in the past. Another way to stay motivated, particularly in a situation where you're
struggling or just lack motivation in general is to find motivation through friends. If my friends and
I have big projects or tests in a week or two week span, we'll celebrate at the end of the week by
going to dinner or the mall. You can go a step further also and say that you won't do these activities
unless you achieve a certain grade. Something I usually do to justify doing some "retail therapy" is
that I won't buy something really nice for myself, like a nice dress or something, unless I achieve a
certain grade on a project or test. I try to limit those kind of purchases to whenever I have a reason to
celebrate, so it gets me in the mindset that if I did well on something, I'll get something nice in return.
Grades and chances of getting into good graduate schools are usually pretty good motivators, but
sometimes you just need an extra little push.
Here are my final words of wisdom for students who want to get better grades in college:
Buy a planner! It'll be the best way for you to manage your time -- and the best way to get good grades is to
learn how to manage your time. Also, try different ways of studying and completing projects your freshman
year -- one method won't ever work for everyone, so you have to find what you feel comfortable with and the
methods that help you retain the most information. There's no right or wrong way to learn information, you
just have to find the way that's right for you, and stick with it!
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