When I first got to college, I didnt think a lot about studying there were plenty of other things to occupy my time. Besides, I coasted my way through high school without ever even trying I was even valedictorian. Why wouldnt college be the same way? Sadly, my first report card proved me very, very wrong.



I realized that theres a lot more to studying than just reading the book once or scanning some notes, and its taken me two years to come up with a system that I think works and I mean system. Studying is a technique. You have to do more than remember the information -- you need to learn it. College is not learning for its own sake. You are being prepared for life in the real world. And when you get out, youre going to be expected to remember everything that youve learned and to know it inside and out. Awesome.



Here are a few of my more important techniques.



Buy a planner. This is the most important thing you can do to help your study life. Ive found the ones with separate sections for assignments, studying, and extracurricular activities for each day work the best. That way you can look at each day and see whats due, what you need to study, and if anything is happening.



When you get your syllabi on the first day, go through your planner and write everything down. I write reading assignments on the day before, that way I know what I need to read in order to be prepared for class the next day. I also highlight all my test dates and assignment due dates so I dont forget.



Set aside a time every day after class to read everything for tomorrow and to go over your notes. Re-reading everything youve written helps improve retention drastically.



Take notes! If the professor talks to fast, meet with someone whos in your class and compare notes. If one of you missed something, theres a good chance your friend didnt.



When reading for class, dont be afraid to mark in your book. I go through and highlight all the main ideas and definitions. I also write questions and thoughts I have on the material in the margins. Its very important to actively engage with the material youre reading and not just read over the words while thinking of something else. Doing this helps with retention.



Study at a table at some place quiet like the library or a bookstore. This helps to minimize distractions.



Take your books to class with you. Often times the professor will refer to certain parts. It helps to underline these with a pen theyre probably important. Also, if your professor doesnt answer the questions you had in lecture, ask her! Class is much more enjoyable if you participate.



Just be careful not to get carried away with your study system. Ive found myself on more than one occasion developing a system of tabs for my literature book instead of actually reading the literature.



Brandon Strange is a philosophy and English senior.

hello there & you too