college

INTENSE STUDY TIPS

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Boy oh boy…. I’m going to attempt to get all of my study tips from the past and present into this post.

I’ve been getting emails/tweets/questions asking for my secrets.
Before starting… there are a few “ground rules” I will lay out.
  1. I don’t have tips on how to be more motivated.  For me, there’s a set, clear list of things I have to do and there is a specifically defined time to doing them.  I either do them, or they don’t get done.  No motivation necessary.
  2. Everyone studies differently… this is just my personal way of staying organized and on top of things.
  3. If you are really really really struggling with studying (especially if you’re in college), try talking to someone from the school.  There is a probably a center for academic issues like this.  There may be an underlying issue preventing you from testing well.
Okay…… and off we go!  I’m going to break it up into three sections.
*****
ONE: In class, notetaking
My rule of thumb: Paying attention in class is HALF the battle.
If a professor uploads slides online before the class, download them and print them out beforehand.  Review them the night before so you can follow along better.
For classes in which intensive note taking is required, a laptop may be the best option.  Do not let yourself get distracted.  Download an application called SelfControl if need be.  It will block you from accessing certain websites (i.e. TheCollegePrepster.com, Facebook, Twitter, gmail, etc).  In large lectures, I find that recording the class with my laptop is good because when I review my notes, I can follow along and make sure I didn’t miss any important details.
I prefer taking notes long hand.  Depending on the class, I switch between lined paper and computer paper.  Lined paper is really good for outlining the class, especially if you are following along in a PowerPoint.  Computer paper makes notes for classes where the topics are more abstract (i.e. English or humanities).  In most cases, the classes are based on an overarching theme, which you can put in the middle of the page and draw literal tangents as the class progresses.
Use at least two pen colors.  Sometimes I whip out blue, black, red, and a pencil!  Use highlighters SPARINGLY when taking notes.  They’ll come in handy later when you’re studying, but right now, just focus on getting the information down.  (I date all of my handouts and notes and I will occasionally highlight the date if it’s a class reviewing for a test.)
*****
TWO: Homework
This is the section where most make the mistake.  “Well, the quiz isn’t until next week, I’ll do the reading then…”  But, of course, there is always more reading.
DO THE READINGS.
TAKE NOTES.
DO THE EXTRA PROBLEMS.
Here is my game plan for homework:
Every Friday, I crack open my binders and go through each syllabus.  Even if I don’t “think” I have something due the next week.  I always have something due.  On something other than a planner (I use a small Lilly notebook), write each thing that is due for the next week.  (Be sure to look one or two weeks into the future so you are aware of upcoming cases, reports, quizzes, or tests.)  This system will guarantee that there are no surprises!
Starting on Friday morning let’s me get a head start on the week.  I actually get pretty busy during the week between crew/Prep Talk/blogging/internship/classes… and I lose a lot of momentum homework wise after dinner.  It works out so much better for me if I knock ALL of my homework out of the way between Friday and Sunday.  I know that may not be feasible for everyone, but starting Monday morning with a completely checked off Syllabus notebook makes me feel so refreshed!
I use my planner to get an overall picture of the week.  Meeting times, dinners with friends, regattas, etc. are kept organized in the planner.
(this is old, from last year)
*****
THREE: The Big Exam (or test)…
That should probably read: The Big Exams (or tests)…
I don’t know why, but tests are ALWAYS scheduled for the same week.  I will have weeks on end with no tests and then BAM, three in a row.
Just like how I write out everything for homework, I write out everything that is being tested for each class.
You can see on the above picture, I have written out each chapter covered on the exam as well as the articles and PowerPoints.  Then, I see how many days before the exam and divvy up the chapters and PowerPoints and articles evenly.
The right page of the notebook is just the days of the study week and which days I planned to study what and how long.
Another example of writing out everything needed to accomplish full potential studying before midterms.
When it comes to the actual test… I am the first to admit that I have extreme anxiety.  I need to sit near a door as a potential escape route.  I have special accommodations so that I can take a test in the best possible environment.  I definitely still struggle, but there is a little bit of relief.  Also, earplugs= best invention ever.
*****
(bonus section)
FOUR: Tools of the Trade
Agenda
Small notebook
Pads of paper
Sticky notes (my collection here)
Pencil pouch stocked with pens, highlighters, pencils
Binders
Lined Paper (college ruled) and computer paper
Good Luck!!!!!!!
xoxo

PS Don’t forget to read my book The Freshman 50!


PPS You can BUY TEXTBOOKS on College Prep!!!!!

PPPS If you’re studying for a standardized test (like an AP Exam, the LSAT, etc.) consider purchasing a course from BenchPrep! Click here for one week FREE!!!

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135 Comments

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Reply
Stephanie

Hi. I'm a new follower. =)

I love this post! I am obsessed with school supplies, being organized and planning out my day/what I am going to study. Your planner and notepad are really cute too! Cute supplies definitely help you get through the sometimes grueling tasks of schoolwork.

Reply
Elyse

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Reply
Megans Pointe

I've been following your blog for a little while, but I love this post. Like so many above me… I too love being organized. I also sit down on Fridays and plan my week ahead… Sometimes even Thursday if I get too antsy! 🙂 I love finding fellow organizers out there! 🙂

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austenprepster

Amazing post CP!
I love the organizational tips and I feel the same way. I'm now looking for a SelfControl program for my PC.
Good Luck to everyone studying.

janeaustenprepster.tumblr.com

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The City Boy

these are great tips. I completely agree with earplugs…they are the only way i actually get to sleep!!

I have so many classes this semester where professor just dont inform you of anything because the syllabus is like their bible, so writing everything down is a must

Reply
Annisa Walda

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Sarah

I have found that studyblue.com, if it has your school/classes, is a great help. I also have a mac and I record my classes, but studyblue allows other students to upload their notes so I can be SURE I didn't miss anything (don't use it as a crutch though!–some Profs change their syl's). I also love the program Schoolhouse (available for Macs on the MacApp store, google for Windows), it is amazing!!!!

Reply
Carole

Love your assortment of notebooks, agenda, and Post-Its (I need to find some fun ones; I can't live w/out my Post-Its)

Reply
ashleyb

Love this! I'm obsessed with cute organization, note pads, planners, and post-its! I would die each semester without all of those things.

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Grace

Your notebooks are super cute! But I have to agree with you on taking notes on the readings. It made a world of difference on the Odyssey quizzes I took.

Reply
Pearls and the 410

Great post. You should post on where to get really cute orginzation tools. I've looked everywhere for a really cute planner, and got stuck with a little black one because I couldn't find one. <3

Reply
Emily

I think I've just found my new favorite website! I am obsessed with all things organization. I am constantly looking for new things to organize! I am out of school right now due to an unknown physical illness(it's killing me, perfectionist wise because I have no idea when I'll get better or when I can start school work again), and all of this is really inspiring to do whatever I can to get better, or at least be able to start up school work again.

Thank you! Now it is time to invest in some planners(to write down all my doctor appointments, etc) and completely indulge myself in your website!

XOXO, Emily

Reply
Hannah M.

If you don't mind me asking, what's your major? I didn't see anything posted on it and I saw that you're taking some of the same classes I am. I'm a Business Major with a concentration in Business Management.

Reply
Blair

I love organization and pretty notebooks too! I have a Coach planner that I am absolutely obsessed with, but for regular notebooks, I tend to just take pretty paper and cover my own. I actually wrote a whole post about how much I love them, you can see it here: http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2011/02/pretty-pretty-notebooks.html

But like you, I love writing everything I have to do, but I tend to write in out on a legal pad and in four sections: Homework, House, Errands, Projects. Do you make to do lists as well?

~Blair

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Morgan

oh my gosh if I were that organized I would feel like I could do anything in the whole world! it's awe-inspiring

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Meagan

This is awesome. I'm an incoming college freshman, and I've been worried about how I was going to organize all of my studying and such. I'm really excited (even though I'm staying home until I get my AA — scholarships just don't give enough anymore) to start college and I'm glad I can start it off right, now! I may not be the least bit preppy (I'm more of a metal head, myself), but I'm finding your blog intriguing. Keep it up!

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Maia

This is amazing, and it is almost a relief to see that someone else at a higher level of education (I'm only a senior in High School) has anxiety issues with tests especially. During a really rough point last year, I had to take tests in a separate room, and always sat by the door. Very comforting to me 🙂

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Samantha Boyd

I am just seeing this from Pinterest, and after obviously repinning I made it to Walgreens and bought a planner. I start my new class the first week of August and get my syllabus next week. I have already plugged in everything to finish out my class now which I only have a week and half left. Super helpful. Thank you!

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Jen

This absolutely fantastic! I definitely could not get through the year without my Post-Its but I also organize everything by color so I know what goes with what – thanks so much! 🙂

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Shannon

I just ordered the Erin Condren Life Planner for school…cannot WAIT for it to get here!! I adore getting ready for a new school year 🙂

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Yesenia Ruelas

I'm entering into my sophomore year in high school, and I wish that I had had these tips last year when I took AP Human Geography! Would have saved me so many stressful tears and failed tests! 🙂

Reply
sillybillyxo

this post just gave me a boner. i swear you and i would be best friends. i wish i knew someone else as anal as i am IRL! well great post and cute writing

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School System Occupational Therapist in Virginia

My daughter is so similar to you! Now that she's out of college, working and helping friends with after work events all the time her calendar continues to look almost exactly like yours–down to the intents! You should have seen her spreadsheets for each part of her DIY wedding–eek! K.

Reply
monkeysluvdani

how did you get so organized! i almost feel like inventing this plan had to have taken a lot of work in itself! did you have parents that were super organized when you were a kid? like did they help you come up with this?

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trinatutors

Such a great post! I recently made my own and two days in to school, it's already such a big help! I'll be sure to mention this to the kids I tutor 🙂

Reply
Nicotron

There are some great tips here, ones that I found useful. Another tool that I use is a program called Evernote that syncs between my phone and my laptop which I use to keep my to-do lists and assignment schedules. I find that I'm often without my agenda or notebook but I almost always have my phone nearby.

Reply
Ash

I love the insight you offer! With my third year in college, I definitely think I do a good chuck of the tips you offered, but there is some ideas that I would have never thought of. For one, the idea of recording lectures a following along is probably something I should do more of, because it really does help. My favorite tip for note-taking would probably be the idea of lined vs computer paper depending on the class. I know some of my classes it is easier to use the typical outline setup, but for classes like my philosophy class, the computer paper idea would help out a lot! Also, great tip about avoiding highlighters. I definitely need to work on that. Thank you for the advice!

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Brittany Craighead

This post has several helpful tips that I am hoping to try and incorporate to my study habits. One thing I find difficult when making a set schedule like this is that I get overwhelmed looking at everything I have to do. I realize all thing things going on so sometimes I'll just put it off and distract myself so I don't have to think about it. I have recently learned in my class about the "Pomodoro Technique" which is helpful for if you do get distracted there is time set aside for it. Here have posted a link that can explain it a little bit more. I also use STUDYBLUE like several others, which helps me a lot because I don't have the greatest handwriting to make my own flashcards and notes. It's great to have everything online so I don't have to worry about losing anything. They also have an app for smartphones that is handy on the way to class or in my spare time. Keep working hard everyone!

http://www.pomodorotechnique.com
http://www.studyblue.com

Reply
Grace Lee

Just discovered your blog and so far I'm loving it. Your blog has now become my bible/holy grail. Thank you for writing this post. It'll help me so much in the near future even though school's almost over.

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Unknown

Thank you so much, I'm feeling so much better about my exams! I am not a college student, but this has helped a lot.

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Study Pods

Thanks so much for this post! I always get so overwhelmed with studying! In addition to my planner (which is like a bible) I also use http://www.studypods.com to store my files and then I can share them with friends and collaborate on projects.

Reply
Erika

Carly…. I'm just another one of your fans. But I wanted to let you know that I return to this blog post countless times for motivational purposes. Thanks for posting! I have you bookmarked!

Erika

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Liz Richardson

Okay coming from someone who hates to read, and was working full-time, while going to school full-time..I took a study skills class, found I was an audio learner. So i can't take notes and listen. So I just listened in class. I also found if I read my books and recorded them, then played them back while I followed along, I retained much more. I also played back the book in my car on the way to the midterm or final. In my brain I could hear my own voice stating the answer to the question! Went from a hard earned "C" in Econ to an "A" on the next midterm with a breeze!

Reply
Izzy

Some of this is useful. But I HAD to laugh when you said you do all your hmk on the weekends…there is no way I could knock it all out in 2 days. Not sure what your major is, but with my own major it would be impossible for anyone to wait until the weekend. I do 3-4 hours of reading/hmk everyday, even if it means getting up earlier (I find that I am more productive in the morning as well).

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Shonda sandoval

I sat in front so I wouldn't doodle, created my own shorthand bc i write big and dont spell well and would go home and rewrite notes 'pretty' & in full words. Im a kinesthetic and visual learner..and have an attention deficit. I was a psych student so I would write all things about Freud in blue, all about Erickson in green, & so forth. That way when testing I could picture the words and knew by the color of my mental image which theorist it pertained to. Would rewrite notes a couple of times & they would commit to memory. Also used a planner, two backpacks (one for mon/wed classes & other for tues/thurs classes). 3 x5 notecards on a spiral with small bits of info & prompts front & back. Commuted some and woukd record reading my notes and play on thw ride.

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Susan Jackson

Thanks for being real with your study tips – it's so true that everyone has a different way that they learn, and it's important to figure out how your brain works. I agree strongly with Shonda's comment – sitting in front worked well for me, and even though I'm a doodler, that doesn't work with rapid-fire college slideshows. My biggest regret from college was not doing the daily reading – that makes a HUGE difference.

Sue | http://www.helpgettingintocollege.com/ivy-league.html

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Lilian Brennan

These are great tips. 🙂 Thank you for sharing. I personally do not like to take notes with pencil because it fades. It probably wouldn't matter in a single semester much, but I take a lot of math and science classes. My notes from earlier classes are useful in later ones.

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Emily

I just wanted to thank you for these study tips; I’ve used them all through high school and now in college, and they’re definitely making be a better student and helping me get that 4.0 GPA! The syllabus review and homework over the weekend thing is seriously genius, it’s making me weeks way less stressful! Thank you!

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