1. Study Skills for Success
Maria Batty
Dunwoody LTC
August 2018

2. The #1 Secret to College Success . . .

3. Go. To. class!! (Always get professor’s permission before recording!)
Take notes, even if you are recording the lecture
(Always get professor’s permission before recording!)
You don’t get ripped just by paying the gym membership. You have to go.

4. Write down key words and ideas, not whole sentences.
What to take down?
If professor writes it on the board,
you write it in your notes.
Watch professor’s expressions and
body language during lecture—
they also signal what professor
considers important.

5. Taking notes helps you stay engaged—don’t zone out!!

6. After class
Review notes and fill in information that you might not remember or understand later.
The sooner, the better,
while still fresh in your mind!

7. Homework: Reading Be an active reader Passive reading leads to
Read on paper—easier on the eyes

8. Active Reading Tips:
Don’t use a highlighter

9. This is not helpful!

10. Read – Keep your questions in mind as you read each section
Talk to yourself as you read to stay engaged
SQ3R
Survey – Look over title, boldface headings and subheadings, and graphics such as charts and maps for an overview of what you will be reading
Question – Turn each boldface heading into questions you think will be answered
Read – Keep your questions in mind as you read each section
Recite – After you read, recite each question for the section and try to answer it from memory. Write down your answers.
Review – Go back over your questions and make sure you can still answer them.

11. Simpler than SQ3R: Take notes while you read, paragraph by paragraph
Simpler than SQ3R: Take notes while you read, paragraph by paragraph. Write down
Dates, definitions, or similar specific information, plus
At least one sentence that sums up that paragraph.

12. When you need to study for a test or review your research for a paper, it’s easier to go through your notes than back through the whole original reading.
If you want, use the highlighter on
your notes to make things easier to find.

13. Be realistic about how much you can get done in one sitting
Be realistic about how much you can get done in one sitting. If you have to read 50 pages by next week, break it up into 3 or 4 sessions.
Don’t leave it until the night before!!

14. To prep for tests, midterms, and finals…
… Don’t wait until the night before!!

15. Gather info about the test
Where and when? Which test is first? How will you allocate your study time?
What kind? Essay, multiple choice, short answer?
What material? Do you need to memorize formulas, or can you carry them in?
How much material? Since day one, or since the last test?

16. Start reviewing your notes now!
Recite from the notes you took in class and while reading—saying them out loud makes a difference!
Avoids a marathon cram session
Strengthens the memory trace for the material

17. B- Use old tests and assignments as study aids
Previous years’ tests may be online—use them as practice questions.
Review your old tests and make sure you understand whatever you got wrong then.
Did you misread the question?
Can you answer it now?
Look at the comments on previous assignments to understand your professor’s preferences.
Main ideas or details?
Creativity or memorization? B-

18. As test dates approach…
While reviewing your notes, make summary sheets or flash cards of the most important material (“Learned” or “Got It”) and of material you still don’t understand (“To Learn” or “Gotta Get It”).
Review sheets and cards rather than full notes; especially recite “Gotta Get It” material until you can move it to the “Got It” pile.
Try acronyms and mnemonics to help memorize lists:
Order of Operations--PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/ Division, Addition/Subtraction) or “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally”
Order of Planets—“My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Noodles”
For essay tests, try to sketch out main point outlines for possible questions.

19. If you have to cram…
Review and recite from your notes, if you have any.
Read chapter summaries, headings, and sidebars, taking notes as you go.
Recite new vocabulary.
Review charts and diagrams.
REST!

20. The day of … Get plenty of rest the night before.
Have your materials already gathered: pens, pencils, erasers; books, notes, calculators (if allowed).
Get up early, and leave early, so you’re not rushing or stressing out in traffic.
Eat something!

21. Test-Taking Tips Survey the test: How many questions? What kinds?
Write down the halfway time and halfway question number.
Write down any lists you have memorized for quick reference later.
Read directions carefully: If you’re not penalized for wrong answers, don’t leave any blanks.
Answer easy questions first, BUT watch your numbering!!

22. Test-Taking Tips cont’d
For matching: Read all the items before you start matching
For multiple choice:
Try to recall the answer before reading the choices
Pay close attention to “NOT” or “EXCEPT” in the question
More than one answer might be correct, so don’t jump on the first one—read them all!
Use all the time allotted:
Go back and try the unanswered questions again
Proofread your writing

23. Finally… Read your syllabus! Check iCollege regularly!
Keep up with s from your professors and fellow students!
Organize study groups
Keep each other on track
Divvy up and share the work, if all group members are reliable and conscientious