Q&A for How to Study Well

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  • Question
    Which is the best time to study?
    Nathan Fox, JD
    Academic Tutor
    Nathan Fox is an LSAT teacher, the co-host of the Thinking LSAT Podcast, and the co-founder of LSATdemon. Nathan is the author of six LSAT books including The Fox LSAT Logical Reasoning Encyclopedia. He scored a 179 on the February 2007 LSAT and holds a JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Try to devote your best hour of the day to studying, whenever that is. It's different for everybody, but for most people, earlier in the day is better. For instance, you might need to set your alarm an hour earlier and study before work or school. However, you might also do well if you can block off an hour at lunch.
  • Question
    How can I motivate myself to study?
    Nathan Fox, JD
    Academic Tutor
    Nathan Fox is an LSAT teacher, the co-host of the Thinking LSAT Podcast, and the co-founder of LSATdemon. Nathan is the author of six LSAT books including The Fox LSAT Logical Reasoning Encyclopedia. He scored a 179 on the February 2007 LSAT and holds a JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Think about what's at stake if you do well on whatever it is you're studying for. That might just be a good grade or passing a class, but it also could be getting into a graduate program or getting a job. This should be a great motivator for studying.
  • Question
    How can I improve my memory for studying?
    Nathan Fox, JD
    Academic Tutor
    Nathan Fox is an LSAT teacher, the co-host of the Thinking LSAT Podcast, and the co-founder of LSATdemon. Nathan is the author of six LSAT books including The Fox LSAT Logical Reasoning Encyclopedia. He scored a 179 on the February 2007 LSAT and holds a JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Many exams are more about reading and logic than they are about memorization. In those cases, you really just need to take practice exams to get comfortable with the format. For other types of exams, the best thing to do is practice over and over so answering the questions almost becomes muscle memory.
  • Question
    How do I stop feeling sleepy when I study?
    Community Answer
    Sit up straight in a brightly lit room. Avoid strenuous workouts and heavy meals before studying. When you start feeling sleepy, take a five or ten minute break for light exercise.
  • Question
    How many hours do I have to study for facing board exams?
    Community Answer
    You should study for at least four hours before facing a board exam. Best thing you can do is to make a time table and follow it strictly. Sit in a quiet room, keep a water bottle near to you, and just focus on studies. Put away mobiles and other devices so you can concentrate on our studies.
  • Question
    Should I study a topic before it is taught or after?
    Community Answer
    If you can, study your topic before it is taught -- once you read up on an area, you may get some idea and when you listen to your teacher, you will know about it and have different perspectives and understandings. Great for asking those deep and meaningful questions!
  • Question
    How can I be an active learner and the best student in my class?
    Community Answer
    To be an active learner in your class, pay attention and think critically. Ask the teacher questions and feel free to disagree with him/her - discussion is key to active learning. Stay away from class clowns. Don't worry about the other students, just be the best student you can be.
  • Question
    How do I choose which subject to study first?
    Community Answer
    Learn your most difficult subject first. If you are getting bored or frustrated, move on to another subject and come back to it.
  • Question
    I keep forgetting what I studied by the time the test comes around. How can I prevent this?
    Community Answer
    A full night's sleep is so important for memory that it's almost always worth more than the last couple hours of cramming. Reciting the material out loud and/or rewriting your notes can make a much stronger memory than silent reading. Since smell has a strong link to memory, some people swear by sniffing a perfume or other scent while studying, then sniffing it again just before the test.
  • Question
    What can I do if I suddenly get very low marks?
    NY Blossom
    Top Answerer
    Even the best of students slip up a few times. Don't beat yourself up for it. Commit to studying and working hard next time and you'll do fine.
  • Question
    How do I stay concentrated while I study?
    Community Answer
    Study in a location that you use only for work, whether that's a desk, a library, or a cafe. Distance yourself from TV, video games, mobiles, or friends who may distract you. If you're still distracted, work with a study group and/or block your access to certain websites .
  • Question
    I get very nervous before exams. What can I do about it?
    Community Answer
    Respect your nerves. They are giving you the sharp focus needed to stay focused and well prepared for the exams. Then, take a few deep breaths before the exam and affirm to yourself that you know the material and that you can do this. Some people like to carry a good luck charm or have something to snack on or drink before the exam starts; perhaps such a routine can work for you too.
  • Question
    How do I know what learning style I have between visual and auditory?
    Community Answer
    If you learn more by seeing examples or pictures, then you are a visual learner. If you learn better by hearing facts or examples, you would be an auditory learner.
  • Question
    I normally sleep at 10:00 pm and wake up at 3:30 am to study. Is this is a good time to concentrate on my studies, or am I breaking rest? I get ready for school at 7:00 am.
    Community Answer
    You're only getting 5.5 hours of sleep! That's not nearly enough, especially for a child or teenager. If you're a child, you should get 9-11 hours of sleep. If you're a teenager, you should get 8-10 hours. Most people study after school, not before school, so you might want to consider doing that, then going to bed at 10:00 and just getting up at 7:00 am. Getting enough sleep will make studying much easier and more efficient, and will improve everything about your life. Also, it helps to sleep after studying rather than before, because sleep helps consolidate memory and makes things more likely to stick.
  • Question
    Is it a good thing if I study all over the night?
    Community Answer
    No, it isn't. Your sleep is an important part of creating both the short- and long-term memory of what you've studied. If you lack sleep, you will not retain the information, thereby making the study pointless. If you're a night owl, adjust to study later and rise later if it's possible but most school and college schedules won't allow for that, so you'll just have to align your sleeping with what works.
  • Question
    I can't set up a study group to study with -- what should I do?
    Community Answer
    if you can't make a study group, you can communicate with your teachers and your parents about the topic. Or, speak to siblings or a friend.
  • Question
    What should I do if I follow all these things but don't do it perfectly?
    Community Answer
    No need to worry! Different people have different studying styles. Not all styles are mentioned in this article, so find your own style and be creative. Otherwise, devoting more time for a certain subject you are having a hard time with might help. Above all, it's okay if you don't preform perfectly on each test. Many people go through bad times.
  • Question
    Is the internet useful for studying?
    Meghna Naskar
    Community Answer
    It is useful sometimes when you need extra information or a concept is not clear to you, but be careful. The internet is full of possible distractions like games, social media, etc. If you don't feel like you can resist these temptations, limit your internet usage to the absolutely necessary.
  • Question
    My mom asks me to cram. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Tell her the consequences that might happen then. Ask your teacher to speak with her.
  • Question
    How can I study for long time?
    Community Answer
    Get Motivated.You have to believe that if you study well you will have a better life.Take breaks after studying for an hour or two. Reward yourself when you get good grades and try to keep on track.
  • Question
    If I want to study with sounds, can I do it? I am not getting disturbed.
    Community Answer
    Sure, whatever works for you. Some people work better in silence, others work better with a little noise. As long as it isn't distracting you.
  • Question
    What can I do if I feel sleepy during class hours?
    Community Answer
    Sleep well at night so you will be fresh in the morning, and wash your face with water. Eat breakfast to ensure your body wakes up and begins its processes. If you are still sleepy, drink a protein drink between classes to give you usable, healthy energy.
  • Question
    What can I do if I can't concentrate when sitting in my assigned seat?
    Community Answer
    Where you sit shouldn't matter, rather your concentration, interest level, and other distractions that are around you all make a big difference. If you think you could concentrate better in a different seat, just explain it to your teacher, and request a new seat.
  • Question
    I study regularly, but when it comes time for exams, I forget what I studied. What can I do to remember better for the exams?
    Community Answer
    It's quite possible that you forget because you are anxious or nervous or have mixed emotions. Remind yourself to begin with that you've done the work and thus, it's all in your brain. Think positively about your abilities and don't over worry it. You might find reading How to Study So You Can Remember Everything helpful.
  • Question
    How do I stop noise in the other room or at least get the people to be quiet?
    Community Answer
    Calm yourself, then speak to the other people. Let them know that you're studying and that it would be appreciated if they could make a little less noise as it is interfering with your concentration. Many people will be understanding but some people can be difficult on purpose and get even louder. In that case, find another spot to study in; your studies are more important than scoring a point or fighting about it.
  • Question
    My exams are a week away and I have not even started to study because I lack the motivation. Even if I force myself to study my body just resists it. What should I do?
    NY Blossom
    Top Answerer
    Think of the good grades you'll get and reward yourself for studying. When you're just sitting around, make yourself read your notes for a few minutes. Try studying with a friend or with others online. Try to incorporate your knowledge into daily life.
  • Question
    I get so sleepy when I take a book in my hand. What do I do for that?
    Community Answer
    Go to a brightly lit room. You can take down notes or read the book out loud. You can wash your face with cold water to keep you awake. If you are really sleepy, read the half of the page that you need to read, then take a nap for no longer than 20 minutes, and finish your reading. Don't forget to remember what you read!
  • Question
    I am not able to study because there is always someone in my room. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Listen to classical music in your headphones or go study somewhere quiet, like the library.
  • Question
    What are effective ways to study?
    Community Answer
    Leave your phone or other stuff behind and just focus on your studies.
  • Question
    How should I study as a visual learner?
    Community Answer
    You could draw pictures of what you need to memorize, or create bright, colorful flash cards that will stick in your memory more easily.
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