How to study efficiently

[dudecoolname]

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I was wondering what methods you all used in order to make good grades im undergrad.

I recently checked out How to Become A Straight-A student by Cal NewPort

He mainly discussed time management tips, such as writing down "things to remember" and organizing a flexible to-do list on your daily calender. He also recomends setting specific times for scheduled activities...For a better summary go here:

http://eyj.blogspot.com/2006/12/book-how-to-become-straight-student.html

So For:

Straight A/B students: What methods are you using in order to do so well?


C students: Maybe the advice given on this thread will help get you on the right track.


Straight D/F students: http://www.truckschool.com/

 

[Tinkerbell22]

I was wondering what methods you all used in order to make good grades im undergrad.

I recently checked out How to Become A Straight-A student by Cal NewPort

He mainly discussed time management tips, such as writing down "things to remember" and organizing a flexible to-do list on your daily calender. He also recomends setting specific times for scheduled activities...For a better summary go here:

http://eyj.blogspot.com/2006/12/book-how-to-become-straight-student.html

So For:

Straight A/B students: What methods are you using in order to do so well?


C students: Maybe the advice given on this thread will help get you on the right track.


Straight D/F students: http://www.truckschool.com/

two words... academic planner.

i always buy one at the start of the school year (my undergrad sold their own, so it conveniently had all of our final exams dates/spring/fall breaks/etc) but any good planner works fine for me.

as far as studying efficiently, i guess it depends on the way the course is cut out, but for my core sciences for my degree i always read the text and made an outline of key sections while i carefully read, that way i could just keep going over the important stuff later on. that, and of course going over the actual lecture notes or power points provided by the professor.

 

[lauradiddle]

two words... academic planner.

THIS.

I worked during most of my undergrad, so I had to use one to keep track of my work schedule, exam dates, club dates, etc. It really helped me figure out how to manage my time well.

I'm no straight A student, but the classes I always did well in were the ones where I stayed on top of things and didn't try to cram last minute. Going over lecture notes and textbook readings the same day really does go a long way. Come exam time, learning all of that material was a lot less overwhelming.

Everyone's different though. I know people who crammed for every exam and did just fine.

Another two words: office hours. If you don't understand something, make an appt. to see your prof or TA about it. Sometimes all I needed was my professor to explain something a little differently for me to go from "wtf?" to "I totally get it!" Plus, if you're at a big school with several hundred people in your class, it's a great way for your professor to get to know you and potentially write a great LOR for you someday.

 

[phathead]

LMAO @ The Truck Driving School comment

I'm one of the unusual ones who don't like academic planners, at least in a traditional sense. Everything important is in my BlackBerry where I can set various reminders. Since my BB is connected to my hip 24/7, it works well for me.

I was a C student who progressed to an A student. The big difference in change was organization and an increased time studying.

I know some people who go over their notes daily. That doesn't work for me. I'll take detailed notes and keep up on the reading, but I don't actually start studying until a week or two before the test. Personally, I can't overdo the studying or I'll begin to screw myself. I take a lot of little breaks to give my mind a rest, and I go over things again and again until I start to memorize pages from my notes or the texts. I rely a lot on the textbook for studying, namely because I like to have all of my bases covered.

And I'm a HUGE fan of notecards. I've probably killed 20 trees just because of that. Whenever I have a test coming up, I always have at least some notecards with me so I can whip them out at any time and do a quick review.

That's what seems to work for me.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

LMAO @ The Truck Driving School comment

I'm one of the unusual ones who don't like academic planners, at least in a traditional sense. Everything important is in my BlackBerry where I can set various reminders. Since my BB is connected to my hip 24/7, it works well for me.

I was a C student who progressed to an A student. The big difference in change was organization and an increased time studying.

I know some people who go over their notes daily. That doesn't work for me. I'll take detailed notes and keep up on the reading, but I don't actually start studying until a week or two before the test. Personally, I can't overdo the studying or I'll begin to screw myself. I take a lot of little breaks to give my mind a rest, and I go over things again and again until I start to memorize pages from my notes or the texts. I rely a lot on the textbook for studying, namely because I like to have all of my bases covered.

And I'm a HUGE fan of notecards. I've probably killed 20 trees just because of that. Whenever I have a test coming up, I always have at least some notecards with me so I can whip them out at any time and do a quick review.

That's what seems to work for me.

Yeah... I definitely can't go over my notes every single day... that just doesn't work for me... it's all about economy of time... prioritize! as my manager used to yell at me when I was the only tech doing data entry, dispensing, cashier, etc.

 

[rxlea]

Livescribe pen!!!!!! LOL

Well, so says my gf. I will find out if it works for me come Fall.

I actually hate planners; it's just one more thing to carry. I'm an A student now (I wasn't always) but what changed for me was this:

1. I print out slides and take notes on them
2. If I know I will be reading the book, I take my book to class and write notes in it
3. Practice problems (for gen chem, math, etc.)
4. I spread out my studying over a long time rather than cramming
5. I tell my gf what I have learned. "Teaching" it to someone else REALLY helps.
6. If possible, relate the material to something interesting and "real life".

 

[RDuran]

Livescribe pen!!!!!! LOL

Well, so says my gf. I will find out if it works for me come Fall.

I actually hate planners; it's just one more thing to carry. I'm an A student now (I wasn't always) but what changed for me was this:

1. I print out slides and take notes on them
2. If I know I will be reading the book, I take my book to class and write notes in it
3. Practice problems (for gen chem, math, etc.)
4. I spread out my studying over a long time rather than cramming
5. I tell my gf what I have learned. "Teaching" it to someone else REALLY helps.
6. If possible, relate the material to something interesting and "real life".

well said 👍 this is exactly How I study and it has always worked well for me. The main lesson here is that you have to learn how to study....It takes a lot of practice and you ultimately have to find what works for you because what works for one person may not work for the next.

 

[dnguyen401]

Livescribe pen!!!!!! LOL

Well, so says my gf. I will find out if it works for me come Fall.

I actually hate planners; it's just one more thing to carry. I'm an A student now (I wasn't always) but what changed for me was this:

1. I print out slides and take notes on them
2. If I know I will be reading the book, I take my book to class and write notes in it
3. Practice problems (for gen chem, math, etc.)
4. I spread out my studying over a long time rather than cramming
5. I tell my gf what I have learned. "Teaching" it to someone else REALLY helps.
6. If possible, relate the material to something interesting and "real life".

I definitely agree with the teaching part. I always teach my gf about what I learn in class and this seems to really help. Outlining the textbook or rewriting my notes seems to always work out for me too.

I actually have a Livescribe pen and it seems to be helping me out A LOT. There are certain parts of lectures that I did not hear but the pen got to record it for me. 👍

 

[Project2015]

I learned how to learn, but since it has been a while... oops. 😳

 

[RDuran]

I learned how to learn, but since it has been a while... oops. 😳

I know...it's hard when you haven't been in school for a while and you are not used to the routine. It's really hard to get back into it! 🙂

 

[Ava999]

Livescribe pen!!!!!! LOL

Well, so says my gf. I will find out if it works for me come Fall.

I actually hate planners; it's just one more thing to carry. I'm an A student now (I wasn't always) but what changed for me was this:

1. I print out slides and take notes on them
2. If I know I will be reading the book, I take my book to class and write notes in it
3. Practice problems (for gen chem, math, etc.)
4. I spread out my studying over a long time rather than cramming
5. I tell my gf what I have learned. "Teaching" it to someone else REALLY helps.
6. If possible, relate the material to something interesting and "real life".

Thanks 🙂. I will be using these tips come Fall!

 

[delano2000]

Livescribe pen!!!!!! LOL

Well, so says my gf. I will find out if it works for me come Fall.

I actually hate planners; it's just one more thing to carry. I'm an A student now (I wasn't always) but what changed for me was this:

1. I print out slides and take notes on them
2. If I know I will be reading the book, I take my book to class and write notes in it
3. Practice problems (for gen chem, math, etc.)
4. I spread out my studying over a long time rather than cramming
5. I tell my gf what I have learned. "Teaching" it to someone else REALLY helps.
6. If possible, relate the material to something interesting and "real life".

You love advertising this product huh? I really hope the company that makes those livescribe pens, actually send you a check for advertisement.😛

 

[b1234]

Livescribe pen!!!!!! LOL

Well, so says my gf. I will find out if it works for me come Fall.

I actually hate planners; it's just one more thing to carry. I'm an A student now (I wasn't always) but what changed for me was this:

1. I print out slides and take notes on them
2. If I know I will be reading the book, I take my book to class and write notes in it
3. Practice problems (for gen chem, math, etc.)
4. I spread out my studying over a long time rather than cramming
5. I tell my gf what I have learned. "Teaching" it to someone else REALLY helps.
6. If possible, relate the material to something interesting and "real life".

I agree with 3 - 6 but for me I prefer to take my own notes and go over them, any handouts, and any texts separately.

 

[dudecoolname]

Yea doing practice problems for Math is what made me go from making a C in Precal I to making an A in Precal II. My teachers didnt give out homework AT ALL so I eventually had to assign my own homework problems.


Any tips for studying Biology specifically? Im taking a really hard professor next semester...he appearently gives no multiple choice on his exams

 

[RDuran]

Yea doing practice problems for Math is what made me go from making a C in Precal I to making an A in Precal II. My teachers didnt give out homework AT ALL so I eventually had to assign my own homework problems.


Any tips for studying Biology specifically? Im taking a really hard professor next semester...he appearently gives no multiple choice on his exams

Reading, re reading, and then reading some more....flashcards also worked well for me. Also be sure to tape lectures...it really comes in handy when rewriting your lecture notes. Good Luck!!! 🙂

 

[b1234]

Yea doing practice problems for Math is what made me go from making a C in Precal I to making an A in Precal II. My teachers didnt give out homework AT ALL so I eventually had to assign my own homework problems.


Any tips for studying Biology specifically? Im taking a really hard professor next semester...he appearently gives no multiple choice on his exams

You need to be more specific...

 

[phathead]

Yea doing practice problems for Math is what made me go from making a C in Precal I to making an A in Precal II. My teachers didnt give out homework AT ALL so I eventually had to assign my own homework problems.


Any tips for studying Biology specifically? Im taking a really hard professor next semester...he appearently gives no multiple choice on his exams

Note cards

Know every term and be prepared. That's what I did.

 

[pinksparkly]

Any tips for studying Biology specifically? Im taking a really hard professor next semester...he appearently gives no multiple choice on his exams

If possible, draw things out on your notecards - that really helped me last semester for microbio. Structures, processes, etc. Color-code.

 

[Project2015]

I don't get how people have the time to be making notecards, rewriting notes, and all that... 😕

 

[dudecoolname]

You need to be more specific...

Im taking Bio. II next semester, im asking what I can do to better comprehend the concepts we will be learning.

 

[b1234]

Im taking Bio. II next semester, im asking what I can do to better comprehend the concepts we will be learning.

Bio2 doesn't tell me much. Intro/core bio sequences vary from school to school too much - need to know what general topics at least.

 

[ChemistWiz]

OP, dude. Cool name. 👍

 

[dudecoolname]

Bio2 doesn't tell me much. Intro/core bio sequences vary from school to school too much - need to know what general topics at least.

I see.

Well my catalog says: " Introduction to Biology II - Examination of the diversity, evolution, and ecology of living organisms."

doesnt sound TOO bad from the description, but im still worried about the professor

 

[roooney]

Work out problem after problem after problem. That is the way to make it sink in, no matter what the subject. That is a very tough question to answer when we really don't know any details about your background, etc...

I would not worry so much about efficiency as much as spending whatever the amount of time YOU need to understand something. If it takes you 10 times longer to get something, then so be it. Just make sure you spend that extra time. The only thing you should use to compare yourself to others is if you understand what is being talked about.

 

[b1234]

I see.

Well my catalog says: " Introduction to Biology II - Examination of the diversity, evolution, and ecology of living organisms."

doesnt sound TOO bad from the description, but im still worried about the professor

That will actually be mostly memorization and understanding of some basic concepts. I'd suggest do any textbook reading before the actual lecture, go over your notes regularly, ask questions/seek help as needed, and make sure you understand all the "important" concepts.

 

[ExpressMaiL]

I was wondering what methods you all used in order to make good grades im undergrad.

I recently checked out How to Become A Straight-A student by Cal NewPort

He mainly discussed time management tips, such as writing down "things to remember" and organizing a flexible to-do list on your daily calender. He also recomends setting specific times for scheduled activities...For a better summary go here:

http://eyj.blogspot.com/2006/12/book-how-to-become-straight-student.html

So For:

Straight A/B students: What methods are you using in order to do so well?


C students: Maybe the advice given on this thread will help get you on the right track.


Straight D/F students: http://www.truckschool.com/

I asked myself if I wanted to waste time and money by "earning" non-competitive grades or do something "productive" and get A's (which doesn't mean much anyways).

 

[RDuran]

Im taking Bio. II next semester, im asking what I can do to better comprehend the concepts we will be learning.

Don't even worry about this class...it's mostly memorization...this is the type of class where flashcards come in handy. It starts getting way more difficult when you take cell biology, physiology and genetics. Like I said in a previous post, just make sure you keep up on the reading, record lectures, and utilize flashcards and you will do fine.👍

 

[dudecoolname]

Don't even worry about this class...it's mostly memorization...this is the type of class where flashcards come in handy. It starts getting way more difficult when you take cell biology, physiology and genetics. Like I said in a previous post, just make sure you keep up on the reading, record lectures, and utilize flashcards and you will do fine.👍

Yea, Intro to Biology I dealt wih Cell biology andI found it to be pretty damn diffucult, granted I didnt study like I should have...but I just did not find it very interesting at all

This course description sounds like its more up my alley

 

[RDuran]

Yea, Intro to Biology I dealt wih Cell biology andI found it to be pretty damn diffucult, granted I didnt study like I should have...but I just did not find it very interesting at all

This course description sounds like its more up my alley

The college I went to had the BIO core in reverse which was plant, animal, then cell biology....at least you got the difficult class out of the way...the only other difficult class that stands in your way is physiology....but that class is interesting!!!

 

[jayce00]

I'd study like there is no tomorrow.
and i agree that Teaching really helps, I always had someone to teach. It really helped me realize whether if I knew a specific subject or not (then I go over that again).

 

[dudecoolname]

That will actually be mostly memorization and understanding of some basic concepts. I'd suggest do any textbook reading before the actual lecture, go over your notes regularly, ask questions/seek help as needed, and make sure you understand all the "important" concepts.

Yea turns out this class is easy lol, Cell biology was 1000% harder than this class.