College Study Tips

As a college graduate, I remember my first semester of my undergraduate career as confusing. I didn't know what a syllabus was, I wasn't sure how to work my blackboard (a common site used by universities), and I hadn't developed real study skills yet. To be completely honest I didn't develop real study skills until my second year. I had to figure out what would work for me.

Because I began to become active on campus I would have to write out my schedule and fill in my free time with study time. I grew up in a (very loud) household with four other siblings so I already knew that I could not work in noise. Living on campus my room was filled with electronics. My television, laptop, and roommates radio was on at all times. Although I loved my roommate we had two different study habits. She could study with all electronics on, I realized that even when these electronics were on I still could not focus (at least not with my bed staring at me). My only option was to make my way to the library, and I would literally go daily. I found that not only was there peace in quiet, but everyone else was in there for the same reason as me. And that was to get work done. I loved the atmosphere, and seeing other students just like me making sure their work was getting done motivated me.

As a Christian, we often times find ourselves praying over our school work (which you should). But we have to ask ourselves if we are putting in the work that will bring good grades. You can't sit in front of a test that you did not study for and then pray to do good. It usually doesn't work like this. Life consist of sowing and reaping. In order to receive a good grade on a test we must first sow our time, we then will reap the reward of a good grade. So yes it is ok to pray over a test. Pray for wisdom, good memory, and favor! But be prepared to ask your self if you did the necessary work.

Now I am not saying that my way will work for you, but it's time for you as a college student to develop your own set of study skills and habits (if you haven't already). The Merriam-Webster's definition of Habit is - "a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance". So you will either develop a habit of not being prepared to study, or being prepared. The choice is yours...

Below listed is a few tips, found in an article, "College Study Tips for College Students"

Make a Study Guide
Whether or not your professor gives you a study guide for an exam, making a study guide is very helpful when studying for tests. Go through the textbook, notes, and any other material and write down any information that you think may be on the test such as important concepts, definitions, and formulas. Reading and writing the information will help you memorize it faster. If your professor gives you a study guide, make sure to cover all the points listed.

Make Flash Cards
Making flash cards can be a bit time consuming, but flash cards are helpful tools in remembering vocabulary, formulas, and key concepts. They are also easy to carry around with you so you can review them anytime.

Quiz Yourself
To ensure that you are prepared for your test, make a mock quiz to test how well you know the material. Write down a list of keywords or questions and make sure to leave room underneath each one. Then, pretend that you’re taking the test and write down as much as you can.

Set Time Goals
Setting time goals for yourself will help make sure that you stay on track especially when you have time constraints. You’re more likely to be productive if you have goals to achieve.

Below is the site where there are many more study tips, Many blessings as the end of the semester is near!

http://www.collegetips.com/college-classes/study-tips.php

Tamar Montuma

Quest/YAM Worship & Creative Arts Leader