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!
Study in groups
Draw out material and make diagrams to visualize it
Rewrite notes on material you don’t understand
White boards!
Use colorful highlighters and pens
Study in the morning
Study after a workout to help clear your head
Study alone first
Make up mnemonics for material retention
Study in a library
Start studying before the night before the test
Make flashcards
Choose a location with no distractions
Talk concepts out
Make visual study guides with colors and pictures
Find videos on YouTube to explain things differently
Highlight your notes for important buzzwords
Take turns teaching the material to someone else
When you feel distracted write down what is distracting your mind on a piece of paper and then come back to it later
Write the material over and over
Practice taking exams in a setting that is similar to your actual testing environment
Take a break when you feel burnt out
Share your resources with your study group and see what they use
If you can’t get motivated, just start and then you’ll get momentum to keep going
Change up your environment to freshen your mind and keep from getting stale
Unplug from all distractions = phone off
Tell your friends and family the periods of time when you’ll be busy studying
Limit your time on social media to designated break times
Use “Focus Keeper” app on your phone or laptop to track your study session and tell you when it’s time for a break
Evaluate whether studying in groups is the best option for you
Snacks!
Find a quiet location
Take breaks every 20 minutes or so
Make a chart so you can compare similar topics
Use different color post-its to keep track of what you understand and what you need to review more
Block time in your planner for studying
Make sure you get good sleep
Eat healthy
Teach the material - even if it’s to an empty room
Use friends to keep you accountable
Record lectures and listen to them again
Review the material each night to keep up the workload
Focus on the material that you don’t know instead of covering what you’re familiar with
Go on a walk to exercise and think through the material
Listen to classical music
Make a summary sheet of the main topics
Listen to podcasts
Use the Pomodoro technique - set a timer and divide your work into intervals with small breaks in between
Make a last minute review sheet for the morning of the test to have a quick review
Study for a shorter amount of time, but more often
Actually pay attention in class instead of having to try to learn it afterwards
Keep snacks and drinks nearby
Drink lots of water
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
Coffee!
Use Google Excel to keep track of important facts
Go over practice questions to practice applying your knowledge
Quiz each other
Take a nap if you are feeling tired
Make up your own questions as you study
Study at a stand up desk
Take mental health breaks
Buy cute study supplies so you want to use them
Remember why you’re studying. What’s the end goal?
Get rid of the computer or internet if it’s distracting you too much
Read about the topic before going to the class or lecture
Figure out your study methods and stick to them
If you’re bilingual, try to think about the material in another language and translate it so you are studying it twice
Use flash card apps if you don’t want to use index cards
Don’t give up!
If all else fails, cram.
Put candy on your notes so when you make it to the next section, you get a treat
Have confidence in yourself and your study skills
Go study outside to get some fresh air
Use Google docs to collaborate with others to make a study guide
Don’t study where you sleep
Link a difficult concept with an interesting story or life event
Use ear plugs
Don’t forget that you got this!
