STUDY TIPS FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS CPCC TRiO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES

STUDY TIPS FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS This workshop offers strategies for college success and explores the following: –Study Tips –Test Taking Strategies –Resources

STUDY TIPS Successful students have good study habits. They apply these habits to all of their classes. Work to develop any study habit you do not have.

TRY NOT TO DO TOO MUCH STUDYING AT ONE TIME If you try to do too much studying at one time, you will tire and your studying will not be very effective. Space the work you have to do over shorter periods of time. Taking short breaks will restore your mental energy.

PLAN SPECIFIC TIMES FOR STUDY Study time is any time you are doing something related to schoolwork. It can be completing assigned reading, working on a paper or project, or studying for a test. Schedule specific times throughout the week for your study time.

TRY TO STUDY AT THE SAME TIMES EACH DAY Studying at the same times each day establishes a routine that becomes a regular part of your life, just like sleeping and eating. When a scheduled study time comes up during the day, you will be mentally prepared to begin studying.

SET SPECIFIC GOALS FOR YOUR STUDY TIME Goals will help you stay focused and monitor your progress. Simply sitting down to study has little value. You must be very clear about what you want to accomplish during your study times.

START STUDYING WHEN PLANNED You may delay starting your studying because you don't like an assignment or think it is too hard. A delay in studying is called "procrastination." If you procrastinate for any reason, you will find it difficult to get everything done when you need to. You may rush to make up the time you wasted getting started, resulting in careless work and errors.

WORK ON THE ASSIGNMENT YOU FIND MOST DIFFICULT FIRST Your most difficult assignment will require the most effort. Start with your most difficult assignment since this is when you have the most mental energy.

REVIEW YOUR NOTES BEFORE BEGINNING AN ASSIGNMENT Reviewing your notes can help you make sure you are doing an assignment correctly. Also, your notes may include information that will help you complete an assignment.

TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE DURING STUDY TIMES Two study problems can occur if your friends call you during your study times. First, your work is interrupted. It is not that easy to get back to what you were doing. Second, your friends may talk about things that will distract you from what you need to do. Here's a simple idea - turn off your cell phone during your study times.

ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH AN ASSIGNMENT Call a classmate for help. This is a case where "two heads may be better than one." Seek tutorial assistance.

SCHEDULE WEEKLY REVIEW Yes, weekends should be fun time. But there is also time to do some review. This will help you be ready to go on Monday morning when another school week begins.

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES Preparation for your first test should begin after the first day of class; this includes: –Studying, –Completing homework assignments and –Reviewing study materials on a regular basis.

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES (CONT.) Budget your time, make sure you have sufficient time to study so that you are well prepared for the test. Go to review sessions. Pay attention to hints that the instructor may give about the test. Take notes and ask questions about items you may be confused about.

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES (CONT.) Ask the instructor to specify the areas that will be emphasized on the test. Make sure you go to the class early right before the test. It's another prime time for the instructor to give out more hints or further discuss the test.

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES (CONT.) Eat before a test. Having food in your stomach will give you energy and help you focus. Avoid heavy foods which can make you groggy.

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES (CONT.) Put the main ideas, information and formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed many times. This makes it easier to retain the key concepts that will be on the test. Go over any material from practice tests, homework, sample problems, review material, the textbook, class notes, etc,...

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES (CONT.) Go to the bathroom before walking into the exam room. You don't want to waste anytime worrying about your bodily needs during the test. Try to show up at least 5 minutes before the test will start. Don't try to pull an all- nighter. Get at least 3 hours of sleep before the test. Set your alarm and have a backup alarm set as well.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP… Don’t wait until its too late to ask for help. Take advantage of tutoring through the Student Support Services Tutoring Lab. Explore other campus resources such as the Academic Success Center. Ask your instructor for help.

RESOURCES Study Skills: The 10 Study Habits of Successful Students skills/en/studying/39/the-ten-study-habits-of- successful-students/ skills/en/studying/39/the-ten-study-habits-of- successful-students/ Test Taking Strategies

Acknowledgements Developed by Annette Teasdell, Summer 2009 Counselor, Student Support Services, as part of the Personal Development Workshop Series. Information used in this presentation was taken in part from the resources for improving your finances on the previous page.

THANKS!

A Service of Central Piedmont Community College