There’s no way to be effective at studying without putting in the work. Below are tips, hacks, and ways to bear with the stress that comes with studying!

• Make a study guide

For me, a study guide is the most effective way to prepare for an upcoming quiz or test. Gathering and having all the information in one document makes it easier, rather than having to flip through scattered notes.

• Memorize and repeat

I find my studying productive when I memorize a section of my study guide, write it down on my iPad or type it on a google document, and reinforce by doing it a couple more times.

• Quizlet

Quizlet is a great app for studying – especially material that may have a lot of vocabulary. It’s a free online study application that allows students to study information via learning tools and games. According to quizlet.com – “90% of students who use Quizlet report higher grades.”

• Sinclair Library

Sinclair Library was my go to spot when studying for upcoming quizzes or tests. It’s near campus center, you’re able to bring food and eat in there, and they stay open throughout the night. I remember when I studied there, I would make it a goal of not going home until I reached a desired spot in my study guide.

• Study groups

Reach out to other students in your class or people you know who are taking the same class, and organize a group study session! For one of my classes, we reviewed the study guide together, went over any questions we had, and even got to know more about each other. In the end, this method proved effective because we all got good scores on that test!

• Start early

I would try to start studying the quiz/test material 2-3 days out. The first and second day would give me time to put the knowledge into my brain, and by the third day I could just zoom through the study guide repetitively! The feeling of starting early and getting the material solid in my memory is such a relief, as I could also focus on balancing my other homework assignments too.