Effective Study Techniques for College Students
Your college exams are right around the corner — the only thing standing between you and some well-deserved time off. But we know it can feel overwhelming to study for so many tests — all simultaneously.
If you're seeking wisdom about studying for finals, we have some suggestions to help you ace those tests.
Consider this list of best study techniques as your ultimate guide for how to get through college most successfully.
1. Stop Multitasking
While you might consider yourself an excellent multitasker — maybe you're texting, talking to friends, doing your homework, studying, listening to music, and scrolling social media all at once — research has found that only 2.5% of people are so-called supertaskers with the ability to pull off multiple things at once well. For the rest of us, multitasking isn't really possible — nor is it successful.
"The more we multitask, the less we actually accomplish, because we slowly lose our ability to focus enough to learn," said neuropsychologist Dr. Cynthia Kubu in a Cleveland Clinic article.
What's more, another study found that college students who attempted to multitask actually took longer to do their homework and also had lower average grades in the end.
2. Eliminate Distractions and Try Time-Blocking
Since multitasking probably isn't going to be your best course of action, try to prevent divided attention and eliminate distractions while studying. The texting and the social media scroll may seem inconsequential, but with every interruption, you must use mental energy to refocus back on the task at hand. By using a time management app or focus timer, you can ensure optimal efficiency while tackling everything you need to study in snackable, doable intervals. There are many focus apps — available for free or a nominal fee — or check out Pomofocus, a popular time-blocking resource, which suggests 25-minute intervals and has other options.
3. Add Studying to Your Calendar
You probably have your finals schedules highlighted on your calendar. (If you don't, add them now!) But have you actually added studying to your calendar, too? Take time-blocking one step further by committing to study time as an appointment on your schedule. Dedicating this time allows you to commit to uninterrupted study sessions spaced throughout the semester. When you've already carved out time, there are fewer chances other things will get in the way or that you'll put it on the back burner until the last minute.
4. Don't Procrastinate
Waiting until the last minute or pulling an all-nighter to prepare for a big test may be tempting, but it's much better for your grades (and your sleep!) not to do the college cram session. Research has shown that the lost hours of sleep end up being counterproductive — in addition to promoting a more stressful mindset around studying.
5. Grab a Study Buddy
When it comes to studying, there's safety (and success) in numbers! With a classmate or friend as your study partner, you hold each other accountable to ensure studying doesn't fall to the wayside. Studying with another person or a small group might even help improve your understanding of the material when you are able to process it with others.
6. Get Wisdom from Others
Students who have previously taken your classes or recently graduated can impart their study tips and wisdom to you. Don't hesitate to ask others for advice and learn how to integrate some of their best practices into your final exam preparation. Check out these tips for persevering through finals and finishing strong.
7. Head to Your University's Tutoring or Writing Center
Many colleges offer free assistance to students who need tutoring in a specific subject. For example, DBU's writing center provides free tutoring to students who need writing assignment assistance. Tutoring and writing centers are an excellent resource if you're struggling with a particular subject ahead of finals week.
8. Find the Right Study Location
There's no one "right" answer to the proper study location, as it depends on where you work best. At DBU, there are multiple options to consider, like the DBU library, DBU Coffeehouse (caffeine kick included!), the Union, The Sellar, and study rooms in each dorm.
9. Test Yourself
Practicing the information you're studying can effectively ensure you're retaining it for that upcoming exam. If you're studying solo, consider creating flashcards and quizzing yourself on the material. If you're studying in a group, quiz each other. Quizlet is another resource to consider, which provides online and personalized notecards, learning games, and practice tests to prepare you for upcoming tests.
10. Take Breaks
Finally, remember to take regular brain breaks throughout each study session. Even just a five- or 10-minute reset can work wonders and improve your concentration. Take a quick walk, grab some food, chat with a friend, and then return to it!
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Try these 10 tips and see how they work for you. Once you understand the study styles that work best for you, you'll feel more equipped to get through college successfully and manage your time in school. Also, if you need to know when finals week is, you can view the complete academic calendar.
As you study, remember Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (ESV)
At the end of the day, our studying should be to glorify God as we pursue the things He has placed before us.
