The Best Studying Tip Of Them All…

Your first test in college can be an intimidating event, and understandably so. You’re in the big leagues now, and those tests will make or break your college career, from an academic standpoint at least. While it feels like you face a daily deluge of tests, reading, and studying, you’ll face an equally impressive array of studying tips. Parents love to provide them, professors love to provide them, and even friends provide many too. All think they know the secret to studying and doing well in college, but no matter who’s providing the tips, keep in mind that what works for them may or may not work for you.

The single best studying tip in college is simply to find what works for you and to do it. That sounds simplistic, and it is, but it’s one tip that’s easy to forget amid all the others. Some will say you need to highlight material so it stands out in your memory; others advocate reviewing material immediately after class while it’s fresh; still others call for reading every chapter twice. There are so many study tips out there that trying to learn them all would be a course in itself.

Based on the work you did in high school, you’ll have a good idea of what works for you. So try some different techniques and find out what sticks. Whether you go the highlighter route or the recording-every-lecture-to-listen-while-you-sleep method, the quicker you can figure out what works for you, the better off you’ll be. There will be no shortage of studying in college, so figuring out the best method for you early provides a big advantage.

Knowing how to study is as important as knowing when to study. Certain times of the day are better study times than others, yet that all depends on what works for you. Of course, your class schedule will limit you as to what times you have, but stick with trying out mornings, afternoons, and at night. In truth, college life will have you studying whenever you can squeeze it in, and not merely at your convenience only. Still, if you’re a morning person and your classes don’t start until later, don’t waste that time. If you find studying relaxing—yes, it’s possible—plan on studying before bed and soak in the day’s material.

So go ahead and take in the waves of study tips coming your way. Just don’t plan on trying them all, and remember there will be no need to try them all. A couple good tips, tried and tested, will be all you need. It would be too stressful anyway to attempt to tackle the latest studying fads and tips, so don’t get tangled in it. So study your best when you study best. Sure it’s simple, but it’s the best study tip out there.