Tips for Last-Minute Studying
Have you ever read a chapter from your textbook, only to forget the information right away? Retaining the course material is hard enough already, but only having a couple of days to study for a midterm or final exam can be extremely stressful.
If you have ever found yourself in a situation where an exam is fast approaching, but you have yet to understand the course material, continue reading for a list of tips I’ve compiled to accelerate your learning and studying abilities.
1. Watch Online Videos
Speaking from personal experience, watching video tutorials on Youtube, Khan Academy, and Wizeprep have helped me in my courses tremendously.
When you do not understand an explanation from the textbook, searching up a video of the specific concept is very beneficial.
Watching videos that explain a specific concept, as opposed to a video that covers the whole course, allows you to tailor your learning and maximize your studying time.
2. Use Flashcards
If your course is very vocabulary or definition focused, creating flashcards may be a great study tool for you to use.
Those who prefer writing on paper can purchase a pack of 100+ index cards at the dollar store or any other retailer, and those who prefer the electronic method can use the app Quizlet.
Regardless, both mediums allow students to test their knowledge at anywhere, any time.
3. Teach It!
One of the best methods for studying is to teach the concept to someone else. This will allow you to gain an understanding of how well you know the topic and how much knowledge was retained from your studying.
As well, multiple studies have proven and praised the benefits of teaching others, as it reinforces learning and understanding to a greater extent compared to studying by oneself. Teaching others is an efficient method for your brain to learn the material fully.
4. Find a Study Buddy
If you are someone who is easily distracted, or enjoys the accompaniment of others when studying, finding a study buddy is perfect for you.
Find an individual who will motivate you to study and pay attention, while not being a distraction to you.
Relating to tip #3, you and your friend can take turns explaining concepts to each other, or testing the other person’s understanding of the topic.
5. Read the Textbook Chapter Review
After completing any of the tips mentioned above, you should have developed a foundation for the material. It is now the ideal time to read the textbook chapter review.
Not only does it provide a condensed summary of the material, but it also allows you to identify gaps in your knowledge. If you come across a point that you do not fully understand, read the corresponding textbook pages for a more comprehensive explanation.
This method allows you to browse through concepts you already know, and focus on the ones you do not fully comprehend.
6. Reward Yourself but Stay Disciplined
Studying can be an extremely energy draining task, so remember to reward yourself. After an hour or so of studying, do not forget to take a little break.
If you have been sitting for a long time, stretch it out, walk around, and even grab a snack to eat. This will give your brain a boost of energy while rewarding it with a much-needed break.
However, you should stay disciplined with the amount of time allotted for your study break. Avoid taking longer than a 15-minute break as this may disrupt your studying routine and habits.
All of these tips mentioned above will help accelerate your learning and retain the material better. While note-taking is a very beneficial studying method, I did not include it as part of my tips, as it can be time-consuming.
However, if you are an individual who usually studies through handwriting or typing out your notes, you may find my blog post on taking organized notes beneficial to you!
Trying to study effectively? Watch this video about how to take organized notes:
Need the best study resources customized to your university or your course:
Try the Wizeprep Study Pass that is a subscription with all the materials you might need to get the best grades you could ever want in the really tough courses designed to weed out students in tough programs.
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