The amount of time, energy and focus studying consumes can seem unbearable, which is why some students tend to procrastinate.
According to Walter Pauk, author of “How to Study in College,” the first step to effective studying is setting goals and creating a schedule. Then categorize the goals as major or minor.
Major goals are the important achievements that you want to accomplish in the future, such as graduating from a prestigious university or acing a class.
Minor goals are short-term goals that pave the way to your major goals, such as completing a project or finishing one more chapter before bedtime.
Now that you have a long list of goals, devise a plan to help you achieve them.
“A time schedule is a game plan,” says Pauk.
The plan should “reflect all activities, from the moment you wake up to the time you pass out.”
Use hidden time slots to review class lectures while they are fresh in your mind.
Keeping concise notes to compliment your text book will save hours when you need to review the material before a quiz or an exam.
Studies indicate that when students write down and rephrase sentences in their own words, they retain information better.
Study during your prime time. It’s a lot easier to concentrate and memorize information when your brain is awake.
“Research has shown that each hour used for study during the day is equal to an hour and a half at night,” says Pauk.
Find your best study place. Your ability to focus and get work done largely depends on your environment.
Eliminate distractions. “Turn off the TV and all other electric devices,” says Jeffie Li, a math tutor.
Form study groups. In a study group, the members share and compare class notes, work on problems together and refine their understanding of key points.
Make sure you recruit genuinely interested people to your group. Don’t just invite study partners because they are your friends. The ideal size for a study group is four to six people.
The rest is up to you. Studying is a permanent skill, and doesn’t merely apply to school work.
Life is a constant learning experience, so learning how to study can help you for years to come.

TUTORIAL CENTERS
ON CAMPUS

by Annie Chen

MATH AND SCIENCE CENTER

The Math and Science Tutorial Center in Room S43 offers a comprehensive service using a variety of tutors specializing in different subjects.
“Without this program, I would be lost and confused,” says Mario Alvarido.
Using the Tutoring Center requires an application. “As long as you fill out the paper, you can come anytime [for drop-in tutoring],” said Laura Bell, supervisor of the Math and Science Tutoring Center. There is no restriction on the number of hours each student can receive tutoring.

TUTORIAL AND ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTER

The Tutorial and Academic Skills Center in Room L47 has two distinct progams. Academic Skills provides small groups with instructions on improving learning skills, such as how to deal with test anxiety and how to avoid procrastination.
The Tutorial Center provides individual or group tutoring in English and Social Studies -- mostly help with essay-writing. Student Huyen Huynh says his tutor explained concepts in a way that fostered a deeper understanding.
They recommend that students apply early in the quarter for tutoring, as it doesn’t take drop-in students.

5 TIPS TO HELP YOU STUDY

by Edna Chan

STUDY IN SHORT, FREQUENT SESSIONS

Concentration is more effective in short sprints than lengthy marathons. Your brain uses breaks to consolidate and recharge. You would perform better on your exams if you studied 20 minutes a day for six days rather than an hour for two days.

REVIEW THE SAME DAY

Reviewing after each lecture boosts information retension. It dosn’t necassarily mean you should retreat to the life of a bookworm, but simply grazing over your notes during dinner helps.

DON’T PUSH YOURSELF TOO HARD

If you are frustrated and desperate, take a five-minute break instead of pounding on the desk and mumbling under your breath. Don’t waste energy getting upset and angry at yourself.

DOODLEAWAY

Open a new page in your notebook and brainstorm diagrams, charts or creative images to help you remember the materials during the exam. Consider scanning your doodles and use them as your computer desktop.

QUIZ YOURSELF BEFORE RE-READING

This could be one of the most useful cramming tips for college students. Instead of dashing through pages over and over again, jot down learning objectives of the chapters and quiz yourself.
If you know the answer, good for you; if you don’t, you better review that section.