Developing Effective Study Skills

Time Management

• Write all assignment due dates, test dates and competition dates in your planner;
• Make a daily and weekly "things-to-do" list;
• Prioritize your lists and check the items once they are completed;
• Reserve some fixed daily periods for study.

Notetaking Tips

• Write down meaningful statements of thought. They can be short sentences, phrases or outlines of major points, but try not to write down everything;
• Keep a separate notebook for each class;
• Keep notes neat and well organized.

Study Skills

• Study in a place free from distractions;
• Study in a certain place at a scheduled time;
• Review each day's lecture as soon after class as possible.

Test-Taking Tips

• Prepare well in advance;
• Keep up day-to-day to avoid last minute cramming;
  
• Get a good night’s sleep–be rested and alert;
• Stop studying an hour or so before the test, relax and compose yourself;
• Know the time and place of the test and what you need to bring;
• Don't talk about the test with classmates immediately beforehand, if you know it raises your anxiety level;
• Read over the test and plan your approach;
• Ascertain point values per section, time limits for each section, which questions you'll start with, etc.;
• If needed, ask for clarification from the professor, teaching assistant or proctor.

Other Tips for Academic Success

ATTEND CLASS, develop strong relationships with instructors and classmates, ask questions and get help when you need it!

From: Student-Athlete Retention Program, USA Group, and Learning Support Services at the University of Massachusetts