#efficient studying

I want to remind you that 3 hours is still quite a while if you prioritize your time!!! I study an average of 3 hours a day (of course, I study a lot on some days and sometimes not at all on occasion, but it averages to 3 a day). 

Here are some things to consider:

How many classes you have to study in. It all depends on what level of schooling you’re on. If you’re in college, you’ll probably have less classes, but more work. If you’re in high school, I know I have 7 classes a day, and I always have to pick which one needs the most attention. Keep in mind what classes you’re in and how many!

The type of classes you’re in. In a math or science class, formulas are more of your vocab than actual vocab or information. Flashcards are the greatest because, no matter what class you’re in, you’re able to get a good look at them and can call back up the picture of them in your head (which is good if you don’t have a word bank). I make a LOOOOOT of songs or acronyms for things I have to memorize. 

What is coming up? Prioritize around what tests are before others. If they’re on the same day, make study guides in advance and be referring back to it as you study. Take a picture of example problems in your book and keep a notepad with you to work them out and check your answer. This can be done ANYWHERE, especially if you’re stuck on public transportation or in line at the store. NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, you have that information. Screen-shot reminders or to-do lists, take pictures of homework. Write out to-do lists in free time and prioritize. I will make a post on making to-do lists soon!!!

When is it due? If you have a psychology test the day before an essay is due, study for the test first. Start working on essays early and in chunks to avoid the “I’VE GOT 3 PAGES LEFT ON AN ESSAY AND I’VE GOT A TEST TOMORROW FOR ANOTHER CLASS”. When you have a thought, start writing things down. When you find information, bookmark it. I keep a bookmark folder for school on my laptop. Really handy in Contemporary Issues article/debate time, French websites I find to practice with that I don’t currently have time for, TUMBLR REFERENCE POSTS. 

Make the most precise to-do list as you can. Having a to-do list that just says “do your homework for math” might not get anything from you, but when you write “Pg. 209 (3-72 multiples of 3)”, you’ll be more tempted to turn to the actual page. “Essay for English” might put you to sleep, but “Flow-Chart Outline for Creativity Essay” makes you vision it. 

Taking shorter breaks more often. Of course, when you’re able to work on homework for an hour and have a 30-40 minute break, you could afford to spend time on Tumblr. 3 hours, though? You might be checking into 5-10 minute breaks every 30 problems or 5 sources. Lots of 5 minute breaks will add up but won’t affect you nearly as much as a 40-minute halt will. 

There’s this massive poster on my Algebra 2 teacher’s door that I always hated. It was one of those stereotypical math teacher’s poster, but it said: “TIME IS PASSING. Are you?”

And I hated it, but I don’t now because, to put it simply, I wasn’t something that time was. It’s a massive wake-up call. Put all of your effort into huge tasks, but also really focus on the simple things. Get them out of the way as fast as possible. If you ever finish studying, you’re lying. There’s always something to be learning. 

BASICALLY, I’M SAYING THIS:

MAKE SPECIFIC TO-DO LISTS BASED OFF PRIORITY.

SET OUT TIME TO STUDY. ALWAYS HAVE A SET TIME TO STUDY. AS YOUR WEEK GOES ON, YOU WILL HAVE MORE OF AN IDEA OF WHEN YOU CAN DO THINGS, BUT ALWAYS MAKE TIME TO STUDY.

FOCUS ON WHEN THINGS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE TURNED IN OR ARE DUE. 

START WORKING ON ASSIGNMENTS EARLY.

DONE WITH YOUR MATH HOMEWORK EARLIER THAN YOUR SCHEDULED BREAK? DO MORE PROBLEMS. DON’T ARGUE WITH ME. DO MORE PROBLEMS. (I made this mistake on my past Physics test. I got an 89, but I’m pretty sure a bit more focusing on extra problems and actually taking time to write out a full response on worded problems based on concept would’ve taken me to a higher level of understanding.)

DON’T TRY TO USE THE ENTIRE RAINBOW. Have a few highlighters and colored pens. Don’t highlight everything. Take notes the first time you read something (after your skim/preview). 

MAKE SILLY SONGS AND ACRONYMS. It helps.

MAKE STUDY GUIDES AFTER TESTS TO HELP WITH CUMULATIVE MIDTERMS OR FINALS. 

KEEP ALL FORMULAS TOGETHER AND LABEL BY CHAPTER.

Stay positive and remember that you’re working as hard as you can! Stay as stressed as healthily possible (because stress is a good thing, but only in controlled bursts of energy).