Study Tips

Go to all classes ­ not all knowledge is written in books.  Donít trust your buddy with your grade.  Take the initiative to determine your own success in your classes.  Besides, it is hard to ask for help from someone who doesnít see you very often, and who knows when you will need help?

Take careful notes

Never write down everything the professor says ­ listen for important things.  Ordinarily, everything written on the chalkboard is important, and certainly when you are told something is important, write it down.

Donít worry about spelling and other errors in your notes ­ the aim is speed and information.  After class is over, rewrite your notes.  You will be able to insert words you left out, fix hard to read spots, and make it all as clear as possible.  If you wait, a great deal of it may have gotten foggy.

Continually rereading notes is a waste of time ­ Rework your notes ­ paraphrase, reorganize, abbreviate, summarize, and diagram your notes.

Work to understand rather than memorize ­ spend 80% of your study time trying to understand your subjects

Use SQ3R ­ survey, question, read, recite, review

Take a short break every hour

Work on every single subject every day

Switch subjects often

Have a number of different places to study

Study at different times

If you have to memorize something, use several short study periods rather than one long study periods.

Think of school as a full-time job.

Plan on averaging one and half to three hours of preparation for each hour of class

Develop a system for organizing all your notes and papers.

Learn to study with a friend and take advantage of the tutoring sessions in the Academic Office.

Get enough sleep

See your counselor often

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