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If you have a big test coming up or just want to do well in class, studying is one of the best things you can do to boost your grade. Even though going over things you already learned might seem boring, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable with the material the more you review it. We’ll start by going over some tips on forming the best study habits and move on to techniques to learn and memorize information so you do your best in class!

3

Schedule time to study every day.

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  1. Find a time when you feel the most energetic and motivated to study so you’re able to focus a little better. If you can, try to plan the same time every day so you can get into a regular routine. Block out at least 1–2 hours of your day in a planner or on a calendar so you don’t forget to do it during the day.
    • For example, in your schedule you could write, “Read Chapter 2 for Chemistry and complete study guide,” or “Review Geometry problems in Chapter 4 for text on Friday.”
    • Stay organized and on top of all your coursework by writing it in a planner or setting reminders on your phone.
    • Make sure you leave room in your schedule to hang out with friends and relax so you don’t feel overwhelmed by your schoolwork.
    • Some people prefer digital planners while others prefer scheduling on paper—choose whichever option best motivates you.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 442 wikiHow readers and 62% agreed that their preferred way to organize study time is by making paper revision timetables . [Take Poll]
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5

Get rid of distractions.

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  1. It can be really tempting to check your Facebook or texts, but try to avoid it as best as you can while studying. Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” for the whole time you’re studying so you don’t get notifications. If you normally watch shows or browse the internet while you do schoolwork, shut off your TV and computer and focus on the work in front of you. [3]
    • If there’s background noise where you’re working, try putting in headphones and playing some calming instrumental music. Avoid music with lyrics since it’s more distracting.
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6

Form a study group.

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  1. Ask the other students that you’re in class with if they want to review with you. During your study sessions, make sure you stay focused on learning and going over the material. Try quizzing each other on core concepts, independently solving problems before comparing answers, or going over study guides. [4]
    • Try teaching the other people in your study group the concepts you’re learning. That way, they’ll be able to learn it easier and you commit more to memory. [5]
    • Give everyone in the group an opportunity to answer questions rather than saying them out loud right away. [6]
7

Focus on hard topics first.

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  1. It might sound like a good idea to save tough subjects for later, but you won’t feel as motivated to learn about them. Instead, choose the class or subject you have the most trouble with and work on it right away when you sit down to study. Go through the concepts you have the most trouble with before going onto the easier material.
    • For example, if you’re doing really well in math but are struggling in chemistry, start reviewing chemical formulas and your science textbook before working on your math problems.
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8

Skim the material before you dive in.

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  1. Before you start reading from a textbook, page through the chapter and write down the headings, look at the pictures, and read through any diagrams. Once you familiarize yourself with what the chapter is going over, ask yourself what you think the reading will cover and what you already know about it. That way, you get a better idea of the information that you need to remember as you read through it. [7]
    • For example, if a History reading is about the Civil War, you may already know that it was fought in the United States between the North and the South. You may ask yourself, “Who are the notable figures in the Civil War?” or “How did the Civil War start?”
9

Rewrite your notes in your own words.

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  1. Even if you took notes in class, the information may jump all over the place and not be cohesive. Go through all of the notes you’ve taken and pick out the information you think is most important. Rewrite the notes on a separate page or in a different notebook so all of the similar information is organized and easy to read. [8]
    • Reviewing information in your own words makes you think about it a little more so you’re able to pull out the most important information. [9]
    • You should also paraphrase notes you take from reading assignments as well since copying the text word for word won’t help you remember it as well. [10]
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10

Go over concepts multiple times.

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  1. Going over your notes once isn’t enough to remember the information long-term. When you’re studying, repeat the concept out loud or in writing at least 3 times during your study session so you’re more likely to remember it. The next time you study, review all of the information you’ve covered before to help keep it in your memory. [11]
    • For example, if you’re trying to remember words in Spanish, say them out loud at the start of your study session. Halfway through, try to say the words again with their translations without looking. Then at the end of your session, go over the words one more time.
    • Avoid only focusing on one concept or type of problem for your whole study session since it’s not as effective. For example, if you need to study multiplication problems, intermix them with other addition, subtraction, and division problems to work your brain even more. [12]
11

Practice with flashcards.

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  1. Write down study questions or concepts on one side of some index cards and put the answer on the back. Whenever you have some time to kill, pull out the flashcards and look through the questions. Try to answer them from memory before checking the right answer on the back.
    • Set aside the cards that you get wrong or have trouble answering so you can go back to your notes and textbooks and review the information.
    • Try putting more time in between when you study your flashcards. For example, if you consistently answer the questions right reviewing them every day, only go over them every other day. [13]
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13

Remember things with mnemonic devices.

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  1. If you have trouble memorizing tough concepts or lists, try abbreviating or making a sentence using the first letter of every item in the list. Since you’re focusing on visual and active images instead of a basic list, you’ll have to use more brainpower and remember it a lot easier. [15]
    • For example, you can remember the names of the Great Lakes with the acronym HOMES (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior).
    • As another example, the sentence “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge” can help you remember the 5 notes on a treble clef (E, G, B, D, and F).
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    Clothing that is comfortable and unlikely to bother you would be best. Avoid clothing with scratchy fabric or irritating labels. Ensure you wear clothing appropriate to the temperature of your study location, to avoid getting too warm or too cold.
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    There are some good tips in Increase Concentration While Studying .
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      Tips

      • Everyone feels motivated to study at a different time. Find a time that you feel good about studying and try to stick with it. [16]
      • Come into each study session with a positive attitude since it will help you feel better and retain information while you're going over tough concepts. [17]
      • Effective studying starts with paying attention in class. Make sure you take notes and do all of the assignments your teacher gives you so don’t fall behind.
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      Warnings

      • Avoid cramming right before a test since you won’t remember the information long-term. [18]
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      References

      1. Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
      2. Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
      3. https://www.usa.edu/blog/study-techniques/
      4. Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
      5. https://news.ua.edu/2018/04/dont-cram-for-the-exam-9-ways-to-study-effectively-for-finals/
      6. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psychology-teacher-network/introductory-psychology/study-better
      7. https://www.usa.edu/blog/study-techniques/
      8. https://psychcentral.com/lib/top-10-most-effective-study-habits#1
      9. Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Studying may feel daunting, but learning how to do it more effectively and efficiently can help you get better grades and retain your knowledge. Create some good study habits by scheduling your sessions, working in a comfortable spot, and avoiding distractions, like technology. If you’re studying from your class notes, write down the important ideas, concepts, names, and dates rather than attempt to record all of the information. Over the weekend, review your entire week’s worth of notes to reinforce the things you learned that week. You can also make flashcards with key names, dates, and concepts on them so you can quiz yourself throughout the day. If you don't like feeling chained to your desk, then use a mobile app to make flashcards or notes that you can take with you and work on any time, anywhere. To learn how to best study from your textbooks, keep reading!

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      • Zaigum H.

        Dec 10, 2023

        "This article really helpful to manage my time, minimize anxiety and give a plan to spend long time with my study."
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