Study Tips

Studying can be a tedious task and sometimes even all but impossible with all the distractions surrounding us on a daily basis. Whether it's your friends, your family, or that uncontrollable need to know who makes it to the next round of American Idol we would all rather give in to things that are surely more pleasurable than a night of hitting the books (figuratively, or out of frustration). But like it or not, everyone has to study. Yes, even you! With exam season looming on the horizon here are 5 helpful tips to get you through that necessary evil.

1) Divide and sub-divide your study material.
When you break your study matter into manageable chunks, to be handled on a regular basis, it's far less daunting than tackling the entire subject matter head on, all in one go. Sure you could pull off the latter but not without consuming several pots of coffee and burning yourself out. Not to mention your retention of the material won't be anywhere near as good. Do yourself a favor and take it a little at a time.

2) Budget your time
Figure out how much time you have to study each topic (# of topics/time to study) and stick to it. If you haven't finished the topic within the allotted time, move on anyway and come back to it if you finish another topic early. Setting a schedule like this helps you keep up your pace and prevents you from answering half of your exam perfectly and staring blankly at the other half because you didn't even skim that topic yet.

3) Use your personal learning style
Everybody's brain works a little differently and processes information in different manners and at different speeds. Figure out if you're a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner and use that style to your advantage. Why try to make a square peg fit in a round hole? Do what works for you.

4) Note your Circadian rhythm
This idea continues on the note of doing things that work for you. A Circadian rhythm is your body's natural 24 hour cycle. When fleshing out your study schedule, try to take note of your body clock and the times of the day in which you feel most energetic and productive. Studying at these times is easier than willing yourself to study when your body is accustomed to shutting down. If you're naturally a morning person (or a night owl), then make plans to study at that time. 

5) Find a study buddy or two (or three)
When I say study buddy, I don't mean the cute boy/girl you've been mooning over in class. Whether it's a group of your close friends studying for the same exam, your AHEAD Interactive tutor, or even your roommate who isn't even taking the same subject, having someone who can egg you on (or at least share in your suffering) can really keep you going.


Even if you have all these tips, you won't be able to put them into practice unless you just bite the bullet and take the time to sit down and study. Don't worry about missing American Idol. It reruns too much for its own good anyway.


Everyone has their own tricks up their sleeve. What are your sure fire study tactics?