80 Study Tips for PA School

A while back on Instagram, I asked for your best study tips, and you guys delivered. I compiled them into a list so if you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just need a new study idea to get the juices flowing you’ll be able to refer back and find some inspiration. These are great study tips no matter if you are in undergrad or PA school. If you have another study tip to add, comment below to share with others! You may find some Amazon affiliate links in these tips!

1. Study in groups
2. Draw out material and make diagrams to visualize it
3. Rewrite notes on material you don’t understand
4. White boards!
5. Use colorful highlighters and pens
6. Quizlet
7. Study in the morning
8. Study after a workout to help clear your head
9. Study alone first
10. Make up mnemonics for material retention
11. Study in a library
12. Start studying before the night before the test
13. Make flashcards
14. Choose a location with no distractions
15. Talk concepts out
16. Make visual study guides with colors and pictures
17. Find videos on YouTube to explain things differently
18. Highlight your notes for important buzzwords
19. Take turns teaching the material to someone else
20. When you feel distracted write down what is distracting your mind on a piece of paper and then come back to it later
21. Write the material over and over
22. Practice taking exams in a setting that is similar to your actual testing environment
23. Take a break when you feel burnt out
24. Share your resources with your study group and see what they use
25. If you can’t get motivated, just start and then you’ll get momentum to keep going
26. Change up your environment to freshen your mind and keep from getting stale
27. Unplug from all distractions = phone off
28. Tell your friends and family the periods of time when you’ll be busy studying
29. Limit your time on social media to designated break times
30. Use “Focus Keeper” app on your phone or laptop to track your study session and tell you when it’s time for a break
31. Evaluate whether studying in groups is the best option for you
32. Snacks!
33. Find a quiet location
34. Take breaks every 20 minutes or so
35. Make a chart so you can compare similar topics
36. Use different color post-its to keep track of what you understand and what you need to review more
37. Block time in your planner for studying
38. Make sure you get good sleep
39. Eat healthy
40. Teach the material – even if it’s to an empty room
41. Use friends to keep you accountable
42. Record lectures and listen to them again
43. Review the material each night to keep up the workload
44. Focus on the material that you don’t know instead of covering what you’re familiar with
45. Go on a walk to exercise and think through the material
46. Listen to classical music
47. Make a summary sheet of the main topics
48. Listen to podcasts
49. Use the Pomodoro technique – set a timer and divide your work into intervals with small breaks in between
50. Make a last minute review sheet for the morning of the test to have a quick review
51. Study for a shorter amount of time, but more often
52. Actually pay attention in class instead of having to try to learn it afterwards
53. Keep snacks and drinks nearby
54. Drink lots of water
55. Drink a specific drink or chew a specific gum when studying and do the same thing before the exam to help you recall the material more effectively
56. Coffee!
57. Use Google Excel to keep track of important facts
58. Go over practice questions to practice applying your knowledge
59. Quiz each other
60. Take a nap if you are feeling tired
61. Make up your own questions as you study
62. Study at a stand up desk
63. Take mental health breaks
64. Buy cute study supplies so you want to use them
65. Remember why you’re studying. What’s the end goal?
66. Get rid of the computer or internet if it’s distracting you too much
67. Read about the topic before going to the class or lecture
68. Figure out your study methods and stick to them
69. If you’re bilingual, try to think about the material in another language and translate it so you are studying it twice
70. Use flash card apps if you don’t want to use index cards
71. Don’t give up!
72. If all else fails, cram.
73. Put candy on your notes so when you make it to the next section, you get a treat
74. Have confidence in yourself and your study skills
75. Go study outside to get some fresh air
76. Use Google docs to collaborate with others to make a study guide
77. Don’t study where you sleep
78. Link a difficult concept with an interesting story or life event
79. Use ear plugs
80. Don’t forget that you got this!