Since probably a lot of people using the forums have been to school/studied, perhaps it would be useful to compile some useful study tips or tricks

(I'm not sure if there is already a thread similar to this, sorry!)
(Also sorry for huge text wall!)


For me, I use a Chrome extension called "StayFocusd" to keep me from procrastinating (it works wonders, I swear).

Essentially, I put it on "nuclear mode" where it blocks a list of sites that I have inputted into it to block for a set amount of time. Of course there are ways to bypass the block i.e. using a different web browser or going into incognito mode but still, I don't go to such lengths just to procrastinate, so it works great for me!

Another thing I have found useful is studying whatever has been learned the day it is taught, as well as rewriting notes that were written quickly in class to refresh (although the second part might take a really long time...summarize, I heard that writing notes in the least words possible to get the message across is the best way).

Also, I used to be constantly stressed with schedules and remembering certain dates where I need to go to clubs/volunteer/programs/deadlines etc, but now I just use Google Calendar since it synchs my laptop and my phone's calendars, it has taken a huge weight off of my shoulders from worrying about missing a meeting etc. Also I have found it to be helpful by writing homework/assignments/test dates on the notes application on my laptop just so that I can see what is most urgent at a quick glance!

P.S. drinking water boosts your memory by a lot!! I used to just be super lazy to drink water but now whenever I study I try to drink water Although I do forget occasionally..it is something I am working on for sure.



If any of you have any other helpful info please feel free to add! Anything school/study/academic related is great!!!

Also sorry if anyone cringes @ me trying in school lol  

I know this probably sucks for most people but I cram everything in 15-20 minutes before class. If I have a test in my first class, I'll get there 20 minutes early and study nonstop until the professor is handing the tests out. That way it's fresh in my mind. I also like writing down a summary of the notes I've already taken (I type my notes).  

I get a checklist and/or the course outline and write notes on everything on there from the textbook/in-class notes/handouts and assessments. I then memorise that.  

Listening to music is a major one for people.

Listening to video game sound tracks can really help with studying and focus.

Game sound tracks are designed to sit in the background and inspire you as well as increase your concentration without interfering with your focus.  

to memorize sat vocab words i break the word apart and associate it with thing irl like.. for example - abate: to make less - norman bates bate the population less.. its stupid but it works super well  

I shut off my phone to keep me from being distracted.

The only problem is sometimes I'm doing work on my computer and that sorta negates the effect.  

Posted by Colin

Listening to music is a major one for people.

Listening to video game sound tracks can really help with studying and focus.

Game sound tracks are designed to sit in the background and inspire you as well as increase your concentration without interfering with your focus.

Totally, personally I prefer listening to classical music to focus on a lower volume however really anything without words is good, I think there was a study where studying while listening to music with words wasn't as effective as listening to music without words.

Oh also I just remembered, in the morning of an exam or test make sure to have a really nutritious breakfast! It should hit at least 3 food groups, and avoid simple carbs (white bread), and switch it for whole wheat for example. Eggs and nuts are really great food for your brain as well.

Additionally, studying for 10 minutes in the morning can really help for memory (if you're not a morning person, then maybe not), and looking over your notes as the last thing before you go to sleep also helps your brain retain information!


BTW test taking tip: Always look at how much each question is worth, and judge how much you should write for that question based on that (e.g., 2 mark question needs two examples or explanations)  

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/42/05/58/420558c9a034a623d6352aa0f8a682f5.jpg (Unsupported image host)

no but really; When Im studying for a test I keep it short. I only spend 30min at a time looking over notes once or going over textbook highlights. If Im writing a paper, Ill take 15min to get through my internet routine/distractions; then minimize everything thats irrelevant to school and spend 2ish hours to get through a couple pages.  

I study 5 pages advance everyday for 2 hours (Enough time to study every subject I have.) before sleeping, then wake up at 4 AM to scan the pages that you had studied the night then go to school then participate.

Here participation is graded and can carry your over all grade, My lowest is a B (Math) due to studying this way and once you get to the exams it would be easy enough since you had highlighted and read every pages, So you just scan for like 4 hours then sleep then go to school and take the exams.

I also take notes on a paper then scan them, I only right down keywords for the answer.
Example:
This Important Thing - random stuff insert here lalalala lol this is about an importan thing
then you would write down these:
This Important Thing - This is about an important thing.

Lol I just do what the honors in my class do to get a high score and it's working.
Also the thing that continues to drive me to do this is my over-thinking and rewards that are set for me in the future like a Good Job, Good Life, Good everything, Basically life goals.  

i have two which work super well.
So one is like when there isnt a set study time, and say if im messaging my gf or something ill say "once i get questions 1 and 2 done ill respond" and that means i get my ass into gear and learn it asap. Then i just repeat this for awhile and seems to work.

Next one is setting a block i want to achieve for eg Q 1-10 in 20mins, then i get to screw around for 10.

Usually i mix the 2 if i have time and just get through chunks pretty quickly.  

Cue cards with small bits of information on each card, and typing down all your notes again to refresh before a test/exam  

pro tip: if you feel like you're reading your school books and its just not absorbing in your head, seek help and get screened for ADHD. ADHD meds changed my life. you dont need adderall and all that stupid ****, 20mg ritalin is all ive ever had and it works.

i was in my mid 20s when i got prescribed the meds, wish i had them sooner.

back in high school i did manage to dedicated a full month to studying but i had to completely cut using the computer and had a strict schedule everyday. thats not normal. since then ive had pretty good study ethics thanks to me meds, without them i revert back to my old self and simply can't study.  

Just knowing the concept of the memory retention curve is useful. This page explains it decently:
http://elearninginfographics.com/mem...e-infographic/
This is the idea behind spaced repetition. The most basic form of this method is to roughly double the amount of time between each time you rehearse whatever you're trying to learn (5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, an hour etc). For knowledge stuff, "rehearse" means recalling it in your head, writing it down, w/e, and not checking the book unless you've forgotten it already. If for example you're trying to learn a new knot all you need to do is tie the knot without looking at instructions.
Anki is a useful application to help with that kind of stuff (available for various PC operating systems and as a mobile app). It's flashcards but with a spaced repetition algorithm to automatically give you good cards to rehearse.

A random thing I've had a lot of use for is to imagine explaining things to someone clueless (or a confused classmate). Because it's a natural way to rehearse, and also if you can explain it to your grandma you know you've understood it yourself.

For discipline I like to use the pomodoro technique, which basically means setting a timer to 25 minutes where you resolve not to distract yourself, followed by 5 minutes of forced break where distraction is allowed. It makes work less intimidating for me since it's just 25 minutes (often followed by more, just because of momentum). There's also a multitude of applications that do this, some of which also do statistics for you so you know how much time you spend doing actual work.  

Little and often always worked better for me, also breaking up the course into sections/chapters. 'Teaching' others in a group too works, u could teach ur friend one thing and they teach u another and so on.

Also, contrary to belief! Take lots of breaks! In an hour study for 45 mins and then have a 15 min break and so on, worked the best for me  

wing it

for myself studying for weeks or even days in advance never worked as I'd always forget it. Pigparty's suggestion was what got me through ALOT of my important tests, memorise **** when the time comes and pray you do well

But honestly this is terrible advice, for some people and it always just comes down to what benefits you the most as a learner