Howdy, Y’all! I recently graduated in May from Texas A&M University’s College of Architecture with Summa Cum Laude honors. I feel like if there is one thing I do well, it’s finding my resources and knowing how to study. That’s not the case for everyone. I wanted to be able to help others thrive in college, and give my tips on how to successfully study in college! Some of these tips for college may work for you, others may not. That’s why I am giving a plethora of different study tips for college so you can try some out and see which work for you and which don’t. So without further ado here are some 4.0 worthy tips for studying in college!
1. Use your Campus Resources:
It always amazed me how many people at Texas A&M had no idea about all the resources that were available to students. The first school I went to was an art school with hardly any resources. When I transferred to a big university, I was so excited to have different facilities at the tip of my fingers. If I ever wanted help with something, I figured the school was large enough there should be someone on campus who’d be able to help me. I’d just search ‘Texas A&M & (whatever I was looking for)’ and most of the time there was an office that could help me! A few examples at A&M include: Career Center (Help with resumes, portfolios, mock interviews, and networking), Academic Coaching (helps a student learn how they should study), and Tutoring through the success center. There were also financial resources and health resources. I would suggest searching and seeing if your school offers any similar resources.
2. Go to Office Hours:
Nothing can help you more in school than knowing your professors. Anytime I had a class I was struggling in, I would email the professor to schedule an appointment with them. This not only lets the professor know you care about the class, but you can ask them more questions you may not be able to in a large college class. If a professor knows how hard you have been working and trying to improve, they may just give you the benefit of the doubt when it comes to final grades.
3.Take Notes for You:
Take notes the way that works best for you. There are so many different ways to take notes (here is a link that goes in-depth about some of the more common ways) it is important to figure out which way you learn best. For me, it was using a bunch of different colors and drawing doodles or sayings that helped connect the material in my head. Try out several different methods until one just clicks for you!
4.Brain Dump:
Before taking any exam, I like to do a massive brain dump of all the information I know just off the top of my head. I will take a piece of paper, give myself two minutes and just right everything that I know about the material being tested. Science has actually shown that this helps with a students ability to learn and metacognition.
5.FlashCards:
Flashcards are my all-time favorite way to memorize stuff. I am a big fan of writing out cards if you aren’t covering a ton of material. I think writing helps it stay in your head better than typing since you have to pay more attention. However, if you are covering a lot of terms or material quizlet is your best friend! Time is a priority in college so sometimes you just gotta type up everything instead of writing.
6. Teach Someone Else:
It helps to explain the material you’re studying to someone else, that way you can see where you have gaps in knowledge and if you have a good grasp on the lesson. Doing this also functions as a quiz for yourself.
7. Study Groups:
Sometimes studying with other people from your class can really help you understand the information. Others may have picked up certain topics better or heard the professor say something you didn’t. Plus, some professors are super cool and let you take exams as a group ( Shout out to you Dr. Caffey). Additionally, maybe you know the information really well and teach it to someone else will just help cement it in your mind before the exam.
8. Take Hard Classes Over Summer:
If you know there are certain core classes you may struggle with more and you go to a University, I suggest taking those classes over the summer at your local community college. Community college classes tend to be smaller in size (so more 1- on-1 with the prof.) and a little less rigorous. I took all my math classes at community college and aced them.
9. Don’t Overstudy:
At some point, you have to stop studying. Over Studying is a real thing that gives you mental fatigue. You do not want that before an exam. Know when to put the books down and realize you’re either prepared or your not.
10. Take Care of Yourself:
Taking care of yourself so your brain has the energy and fuel it needs to perform is super important! So eat good food, sleep, and think positive! You got this!
Hopefully, these study tips for college can help you get that GPA you’re hoping for. Remember, your mentality about an exam or quiz is half the game. Positivity is ultimately what’s going to help you succeed in college!