This article was co-authored by Nathan Fox, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Nathan Fox is an LSAT teacher, the co-host of the Thinking LSAT Podcast, and the co-founder of LSATdemon. Nathan is the author of six LSAT books including The Fox LSAT Logical Reasoning Encyclopedia. He scored a 179 on the February 2007 LSAT and holds a JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
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Being good at studying is a skill that anyone can learn, and that includes you! There are good study habits and there are bad study habits, and this article is going to show you how to ditch what’s not working and focus on strategies that will work and make a difference come test day. When you’re finished, you’ll know how to study smarter, not harder. Plus, you’ll have a few tricks up your sleeve for when you need that extra boost of motivation!
Things You Should Know
- To study productively, create a daily study schedule, organize your desk, backpack, and study materials, and rewrite your notes to make study guides.
- Study at a quiet desk or table and remove any distractions, like phones. Take short breaks, alternate subjects, or have a healthy snack to avoid fatigue.
- Attend your classes and ask your teacher or study group questions about your assigned reading, notes, or key concepts.
Steps
Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhich is the best time to study?Nathan Fox, JDNathan Fox is an LSAT teacher, the co-host of the Thinking LSAT Podcast, and the co-founder of LSATdemon. Nathan is the author of six LSAT books including The Fox LSAT Logical Reasoning Encyclopedia. He scored a 179 on the February 2007 LSAT and holds a JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Academic TutorTry to devote your best hour of the day to studying, whenever that is. It's different for everybody, but for most people, earlier in the day is better. For instance, you might need to set your alarm an hour earlier and study before work or school. However, you might also do well if you can block off an hour at lunch. -
QuestionHow can I motivate myself to study?Nathan Fox, JDNathan Fox is an LSAT teacher, the co-host of the Thinking LSAT Podcast, and the co-founder of LSATdemon. Nathan is the author of six LSAT books including The Fox LSAT Logical Reasoning Encyclopedia. He scored a 179 on the February 2007 LSAT and holds a JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Academic TutorThink about what's at stake if you do well on whatever it is you're studying for. That might just be a good grade or passing a class, but it also could be getting into a graduate program or getting a job. This should be a great motivator for studying. -
QuestionHow can I improve my memory for studying?Nathan Fox, JDNathan Fox is an LSAT teacher, the co-host of the Thinking LSAT Podcast, and the co-founder of LSATdemon. Nathan is the author of six LSAT books including The Fox LSAT Logical Reasoning Encyclopedia. He scored a 179 on the February 2007 LSAT and holds a JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Academic TutorMany exams are more about reading and logic than they are about memorization. In those cases, you really just need to take practice exams to get comfortable with the format. For other types of exams, the best thing to do is practice over and over so answering the questions almost becomes muscle memory.
Reader Videos
Tips
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Ask for help if you’re having trouble understanding the material.Thanks
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Reward yourself after a good study session by doing something you enjoy, like texting a friend, drawing, playing a video game, or reading a book.Thanks
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Be patient with yourself if you're trying to form new study habits. It might take time for you to get used to studying.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- If you find yourself getting distracted, keep a piece of paper next to you to jot down all your extra thoughts. This can help you get your thoughts out of your head and focus on your studies. Then, check your "Extra thoughts list" when you're done studying.
- Make a list of your study goals to help keep you on track. When you finish a goal, take a quick break and then carry on.
References
- ↑ https://usq.pressbooks.pub/academicsuccess/chapter/study-space/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/studying.html
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/concentration
- ↑ https://algonquincollege.libguides.com/studyskills/reading-with-purpose
- ↑ https://ace.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu296/files/Study_Strategies_by_Learning_Styles.pdf
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://health.cornell.edu/about/news/study-breaks-stress-busters
- ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/foods-that-help-our-brain-study
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart
- ↑ https://guides.centralpenn.edu/c.php?g=695569&p=4999857
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/studying.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/features/students-sleep.htm
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/studying.html
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart
- ↑ https://www.ua.edu/news/2018/04/dont-cram-for-the-exam-9-ways-to-study-effectively-for-finals/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201606/physical-activity-boosts-brain-power-and-cerebral-capacity
- ↑ https://science.ubc.ca/students/blog/study-groups
About This Article
To study well, find a quiet, bright place to study so you can focus without getting tired. Rewrite your notes as you review them so you remember the material better, and use flashcards to reinforce important information. At the end of each study session, test yourself by writing out sample questions or looking up questions online. Finally, if you can, set aside some time each day to study instead of cramming the night before your test. For more studying tips, like how to avoid getting distracted, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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"When I was in elementary school, I always had to cram because of too many lessons/subjects. Even in High School, in my country, you cannot choose which subjects you would take. You have to choose everything. I had to cram day by day until the last day of exams. But, now that I'm in middle school, I already knew how to balance my time between exams. I have to balance between studying my IPSLE and my Filipino exams. This article really helped me balance my time, as well as helping me pass."..." more