Dr. Suhyun An, DC, MSN, NP-C, is a renowned Chiropractic practitioner, author, and speaker with a passion for education. She founded the Dr. Suhyun An Scholarship to provide financial assistance to dedicated students. This blog serves as an additional asset to support students working to further their education with weekly success tips and tools.
Studying may seem like a well understood and given aspect of college life. But upon entry to their Freshmen year, many students find that studying in college is vastly different from what they were used to in high school. Every professor and course you'll encounter in your college career will be a unique experience with varying degrees of difficulty and requirements. Here are five of our top study tips to help you be successful regardless of the course.
#1 Good Notes Will Reap Good Grades
Studies have found a direct correlation between active and consistent note taking students and high achieving grades. There are numerous ways for you to take notes whether using a traditional notebook, your computer, or a voice recorder. Depending on your professor's method of instruction, one of these may be preferable, However, we strongly encourage students to handwrite their notes as this has been proven to aid in the retention of information. Generally, we retain 20% of what we hear but 70% of what we write. So grab that pencil and take note. As a bonus tip, schedule time to review your notes - after all, that's what they're for.
#2 Don't Cram - Plan Your Studying
It can be very easy to become overwhelmed in college. As if classes aren't enough, there's also a buffet of clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities and organizations vying for your attention. Add to that having a social life and maintaining relationships with friends and family and it's easy to see how there can never seem to be enough time in the day. When all of these obligations are combined, falling behind in your studies and cramming at the last minute can become the norm. However, not only is cramming not good for your health, it also hinders your performance. When you cram the night before an exam, you retain less information and increase your anxiety - both of which negatively impact your ability to perform well.
#3 Make It A Game With Flashcards
Gamification is a highly implemented marketing and customer retention technique utilized by businesses around the world to make their products more "sticky". Gamification is the practice of making engagement fun, entertaining, or competitive. You can implement this process into your study program with flashcards by writing key words or phases on one side, and definitions on the other. Keep track of your progress or time yourself to see how quickly you can complete each set of cards. This tip is great for study groups as well for an added competitive touch.
#4 Join A Study Group
Speaking of study groups, whether big or small they're a time-tested strategy for college students. Study groups provide academic, mental, and emotional support for all of the members. Discussing subjects and problems out loud also aid in information retention. One of the greatest benefits of joining a study group is the added accountability that comes with working alongside a group of peers equally committed to academic excellence.
#5 Don't Skimp On Your Sleep
Sleep is imperative to your overall physical and mental health. While it can be tempting to stay up late and pull all-nighters sleep deprivation is highly detrimental to your academic performance and your health. Try to get a minimum of six hours of sleep per night. Power naps of approximately an hour may offer a pleasant short term recharge, but there's no replacement for a good night's rest!
If you're pursuing a career in the medical field, be sure to explore scholarship opportunities like the Dr. Suhyun An Scholarship for financial assistance. Without the concern of how they will pay for their college education, students are able to focus on their studies and perform better.