Study Methods 101

Studying for different subjects requires different methods. It can be hard to keep track of which ways are the most effective for retaining material in each class, so here's the skinny on all things studying!

FLASH CARDS

Best for: Classes that require memorization

Memorizing a large chunk of material is often more difficult than it seems, but flash cards make it easy to learn. First, by writing each of the flashcards, you begin the study process by transferring information from brain to paper. They are easy to take on the go - perfect for studying in between classes, while walking back and forth to your dorm, and even bringing with you to the dining hall or meetings.

DEFINITIONS

Best for: Classes that require memorization

Another option similar to flashcards is writing out definitions. I did this for my psychology class, which was highly based in definitions and studies. Before each exam, I would read through my notes and write down any word, theme, or study that could be defined. Then at the end, I went back and wrote in the definitions, first completing all that I knew off the top of my head. Any terms that I didn't know I looked up again. I read these definitions before bed the night before each exam, and it really helped!

FLOW CHARTS + DIAGRAMS

Best for: Classes that rely on cause and effect

In a class such as history, much of what you'll need to know depends on cause and effect relationships. When one thing happens, what comes next? Making flow charts and other diagrams to help guide the process from one event to the next can help you remember the events. Once again, writing all this down will reinforce the concepts in your brain, and you will have a nice visual to draw on to remember the order in which events occurred.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS

Best for: Math and science classes, and those derived from the subjects (such as econ!)

For number or equation based classes, pull out your textbook and find some practice problems in each chapter. Lots of textbooks provide answers to the odd-numbered questions, or you can use a website like Chegg to check your answers for each problem (just make sure you complete the problem on your own first before consulting an online answer guide!). Classes like calculus, chemistry, and microeconomics require lots of repetitive practice, but like they say, practice makes perfect!

CHEAT SHEETS

Best for: Classes that have an overwhelming amount of information; classes that allow cheat sheets on exams

Some professors will let you bring a cheat sheet into the test to help you out with important information. I had one business class last year which contained so much information, the TA actually suggested that we copy every single bolded term from all the powerponits (when each test contained 5 powerpoints of information and each was 70+ slides, that was a lot of info!). My cheat sheets were filled front and back and I could barely read my handwriting, but I kept it organized by highlighting different terms in different colors - definitions in one color, names in another, etc. By writing all this information down, when it came to test time I would remember whether or not I had written a particular word down; all I had to do was search for that word on my sheet and I had my answer! Although time consuming, these cheat sheets are exceptionally helpful!!

This was my cheat sheet for the final exam in the business class I mentioned above! While it looks crazy, there was actually a method to all the madness!

READING + NOTES

Best for: Classes with essay exams

Some classes will have essays on the exams instead of problems or questions. Usually, these are English classes or classes that had a lot of reading assignments during the semester. For these classes, study by taking notes on the readings and organizing your thoughts pre-exam. Find popular themes in the reading and discuss how the themes are presented. Draw connections between multiple readings just in case the professor asks for a comparison essay. And always include a few important quotes in your notes to refer back to when writing. If you like, you can even write a basic outline for an essay, that way you just have to elaborate on the points you already have memorized when exam time comes!

STUDY SHEETS

Best for: All types of classes

Study sheets can help organize your thoughts and the course material by topic, section, or chapter. These are nice because when you write them out, you'll focus on the most important points and not waste time on information that is not as pertinent for exams. I like to make my study sheets with bright, colorful markers and pens so that things not only stay organized, but catch my attention and help me remember material better. You can even make similar sheets for other things too - like the one I made as a study schedule during finals!

RETEACHING

Best for: All types of classes

I learned back in 8th grade from one of my teachers that one of the most effective ways to study and retain information is to repeat or reteach it to someone else. When another student asks you a question and you can explain the answer, you are reinforcing the material in their head as well as your own. Sometimes I'll make my friends listen to things that I need to study, or go on and on to my mom about certain topics. It seems silly but it really does work - the things that I've been able to teach other people stick in my head the most! I totally suggest giving this a try!!!

PRACTICE EXAMS

Best for: All types of classes

Different from practice questions, practice exams have much more structure. Usually given out by the professor or TA, practice exams are frequently old test exams that have the same types of questions you will be asked. You may even get old exams from a friend who took the class before you. The best way to tackle these is to take it as if it were real. Head to the library or a spot where you can be 100% alone, set a timer and get going. No notes, textbooks, or breaks. Take this exam as if it were the real deal. Try to do one or two of these before exams, two or three before finals. Just don't cram them all into one day or one sitting. Spread them out over the week before your exam and you'll be prepared for what the real exam should feel like.

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For more study tips, check out the last post I wrote about how to study effectively. Along with these study methods, it is suggested that studying be spread over a more short intervals than one long cramming session. This article provides more information on the topic, as well as methods that students use to study, but actually are disadvantageous.