Top Ten Study Skills

According to L.C. Tutors & PASS Leaders

• Time Management
• Note-Taking
• Reading
• Test Preparation

Time Management

1. Make a weekly or daily "to do" list
2. Use a calendar/planner
3. Get up early to get stuff done
4. Reward yourself when tasks are complete
5. Schedule “me” time
6. Read the syllabus – make plans from it
7. Prioritize what you need to do
8. Set aside “study” hours each day
9. Have a spot where all studying takes place
10. Make a study group
11. (Extra credit bonus item) Budget your time realistically

Note-Taking

1. Copy professor “board” notes and check web page
2. Paraphrase professor’s words
3. Take up as much space as needed
4. Review notes every night
5. Create your own abbreviations
6. Jot down any ideas that the professor repeats
7. Notice verbal cues - “Now this is important”
8. Highlight book
9. Write down all examples
10. Re-write notes after class

Reading

1. Read more than once
2. Highlight and take notes
3. Make margin notes
4. Don’t put off reading assignments (refer to Time Management)
5. Review after reading
6. Don’t read right before going to bed (and don’t read in bed)
7. Read and understand captions and figures
8. Make a glossary of terms
9. Pace yourself
10. Pay attention to key concepts and end of chapter reviews

Test Preparation

1. Make flashcards
2. Re-write/re-read notes (refer to Time Management)
3. Use PASS and other learning resources
4. Don’t cram
5. Reorganize your notes into categories
6. Know the test format
7. Get all of your questions answered
8. Verbalize/teach material to someone else
9. Be caught up on all work for that test
10. Identify your problem areas
11. (Extra credit bonus item) Take advantage of extra credit