This week I wrote an article for the Review about the
importance of preparing for finals early. Now I’m going to offer you some tips
from my own study process and encourage you to develop your own! There are four
main parts to my study process and it relies heavily on my in class
note-taking.
Take good Notes in Class:
I depend on my notes to carry me through my process. If I’m
not taking good notes, my system just won’t be complete. But we are a bit over
halfway through the semester and you might be feeling a bit of burnout. I know
I am. Don’t allow the temptation to let your mind wander get the better of you.
Instead, focus your energy on your note-taking. It may not help the day get any
more interesting or go any faster…but it will help you pick up and absorb the
information presented.
Make a Copy of Your Notes:
This is the most essential part of my own routine. I take ‘chicken-scratch’
notes in class. They look super messy – no one would ever want to read them. In
class, I worry less about the look of my notes as I take them. Instead, I focus
on the information and make sure I have all the details I need. Then, each
night, I copy those notes down on a separate sheet of paper. I structure them
and color code them in a way that works for me. I’m a visual learner and I find
that color helps quite a bit. Colored pens are my best friends!
Develop a Schedule for Reading Your Notes:
Now it’s up to repetition to get the information ingrained in
your memory. Don’t let your notes sit idly by! Establish a routine and stick to
it. Schedule a time to go over your notes for each class. It could be once a
day, every other day, weekly, etc. It’s up to you how often you need to review
your notes. Prioritize the classes in which you need to brush up on your
knowledge and skills.
Practice Your Tests:
The best way to prepare for a test is to practice the test. If
your professor is kind enough to hand out a study guide, don’t let it go to waste!
Use it to practice! Write out your answers. Have a friend or roommate quiz you.
Time yourself. Also…look for gaps in what you know. It’s not in your notes? Ask
your professor!
By developing a study system that works for you and sticking
to it, you will be better equipped to handle finals week in December and you
will save yourself a load of stress!
Looking for more resources for study tips and help? Try
these links:
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