What is the best way to study in college?

Chapter

First, Understand that Studying is Not the Same as Doing Homework
Learn the difference between homework and studying, as well as how to approach each of these tasks. Discover five tips for effective studying in college, and explore how factors such as environment and outlook can affect your success while studying.

2) Create a Study Plan

See why it is critical to develop a study plan in order to be successful in college. Learn four steps to creating a realistic, effective plan of study, and explore ways to ensure you follow through with your personalized plan.

3) Manage Your Time

Discover the recommended amount of study time per credit hour, and see if you have been investing enough time in each course. Find out how to avoid the mistake of studying too much, and explore five tips for effective time management.

4) Take Effective Notes
Learn how to save time and energy by using effective note-taking strategies for both traditional and online classes. Explore ways to exercise good judgment when deciding what to write down. You can maximize your productivity by leveraging these tips for organizing and taking class notes.

5) Read Text Slowly Before and After Class

Explore ways to read more efficiently and get the most out of your textbooks. Analyze these steps of effective reading to see if you have been reading correctly. Learn how to reduce your study time by using these tips for smarter reading.

6) Study Smart Before Exams

Discover proven tricks to help you recall information on test day. You’ll find methods that work for different kinds of courses and exams. By using these memorization tips, you’ll cut down on your test prep time for each course and will be more likely to recall important information that will serve you in future courses, as well.

7) Use Test-Taking Strategies on Exam Day

Learn how you can perform better on test day by following some simple test-taking tips. Explore ways to be physically and mentally prepared, as well as tips to gain points on various sections of your tests. See how posttest strategies can help you master material and boost your score on future exams.

8) Maintain Your Studies

See how you can retain and build on what you’ve learned in your courses. Don’t let your knowledge and hard work go to waste. Explore ways to preserve valuable course materials and remain abreast of developments in your field.

9) Manage Your Stress

Learn the different kinds of stress and the symptoms of detrimental stress. See how you can recognize your own common stress triggers. You can develop ways to create a buffer and be prepared both mentally and physically to handle stressful situations during your academic career.

10) Exercise Your Brain for Optimal Memory Training

Explore ways to enhance your ability to recall information. Your brain is a like a muscle that needs regular and varied exercise. Learn ways to stimulate various parts of your brain and keep your brain healthy to improve your academic performance

It is very simple:

1. Attend all lectures / classes - it here you will find out what are the most important aspects among all the 1000 of pages they ask you to read


2. Take proper notes in class - this will be your bible when studying for the exam


3. I am Swedish and did 2 yrs at Uni in Madrid - everything in Spanish. Since I did not get 100% in class I took notes - and rewrote everything with a dictionary at hand when I got home every day. The quality of these notes were so high even Spanish student wanted to "buy" them : )

College is an entirely different situation than high school. Classes consist of far fewer grades, but they are worth it when you are done. Some classes have only a midterm and final. This being said, it is important to stay caught up. Do not tell yourself, "I'll read the assignment later," because often times you merely end up cramming right before the test; research indicates that cramming is not the best (nor is it the worst) method of studying.

Review the lesson plan prior to class. Skim through the textbooks. Try to buy your textbooks a few weeks before the semester begins for a glimpse of your classes.

Take quick notes in class.

If you read the material before class you will have an idea of what doesn't make sense, and concentrate on your professor's explanation. Why are you buying the textbook for it to collect dust? They have textbooks and lab manuals for a purpose. You will be graded mostly on the book because this is mainly the bulk of the class. Professors are usually here to interpret and clarify the text, and sometimes give their opinion; you are to learn most of the material yourself.

Don't make notes on what's already in the book, it wastes your time and attention. Highlight the parts emphasized, and listen to the way your professor relates it to what you've already learned. Remember that the professor may be biased so if you tend to not agree with the professor, just stick to the facts.

If it's repeated more than twice it's going to be on the test.

Study for at least a total of an hour every day before the next class. For each lecture hour you should expect at least 1-3 hours needed for study- more if it's a challenging class. Studying could involve reading the book, checking out your notes, assignments, using the DVD with the book, browsing the web for information on your class, etc. Many colleges have online learning tools and assignment portals that help you learn your stuff.

Don't let social activities take priority before studying. If you have to be social, it is great to have a study group. More shy college students benefit with this.

Plan your breaks in the short and long term. If you must make the Saturday night party, know you'll have to spend the afternoon at the library. If you're spending the day hitting the books, plan an hour off at suppertime, and a treat for dessert.

Study groups help some remember material, and clarify difficult points and is a great way to have a social life in college at the same time as studying.

If your friends are in different courses plan on getting together for stress busting periods, especially during exam week. Midnight power walks make great memories.

If you are not the person to concentrate, try to lighten your load of classes. 12 credits is a good amount of credits to schedule for each semester. That will ensure up to 12-24 hours of studying, assuming that each class has at least 1 hour of studying per credit.

Always memorize bold vocabulary words in the textbook. These might not be covered by the professor because he'll assume that you're already reading the text. So beware, even things not lectured on may appear on the test

Pretend each test you take in college is going to be a make it or break it test for your job. This is not high school, where you can just get on the honor roll. The grades you get may affect the amount of money you get in your paycheck, or the chances of even getting a job in this economy.

My approach to studying in college is to have a good understanding of the concepts, be regular and attentive in classes, take notes. Revise each of the lessons of the class on the same day at home to solidify the understanding. Participate in class discussions and projects. Go with an intent to acquire knowledge and skills.