Study Tips

  • Writing something out is the equivalent of reading it seven times
  • The Best Time to Study: 4 am-6 am 
  • Brain Function 100%: 6 am-7:30 pm
  • You are 50% more likely to remember something if you speak it out loud instead of simply reading it over and over.
  • Taking notes on the computer? Use a weird font. Studies have shown the uniqueness will make you remember them.
  • Struggling to remember a word?  Clench your fist.  This has been proven to increase brain activity.
  • Need to cite a quote from a book? Don't bother looking through every page to find it.  Simply type it into Google Books.  It will tell you the page number automatically.
  • If you are pulling an all-nighter, have a 15-20 minute nap just before the sun comes up, and your body will reset itself.
  • Being surrounded by the color yellow will help you stay focused.  Yellow decreases the production of melatonin, a hormone which makes you sleepy.
  • Eating chocolate while studying will help the brain retain new information more easily and has been directly linked to higher the scores.
  • You are more likely to remember something you have written in blue ink than something in black ink.
  • Study your notes within one day of taking them. Retention rates are 60% higher then.
  • When writing an essay, increase the size of periods from 12 to 14 can turn a 3 page paper into a 4 page one.
  • Writing down your worries before taking an exam has been proven to actually boost your test scores.
  • Your brain files new information while you are sleeping.  Study new material before going to bed, just not in the bed because you may fall asleep.
  • If you need to memorize something: read it 10 times, say it 10 times, and write it 2 times.
  • Study with books.  People who read enhanced e-books or study on computers remember fewer details than those who read print books.
  • Exercise. While studying, take a walk, ride a stationary bike, etc.  Studies show that light exercise is beneficial while studying and before a test.  The increase in blood flow can improve your memory and your mood on test day.
  • Study at a desk. It prevents you from getting sleepy, and it sets your mind to an active learning state.
  • Eat healthy food.  Research suggests that diets in high trans and saturated fats can negatively impact learning and memory.
  • Don't skip breakfast. On test day, eat food like eggs, oatmeal, fruits and nuts for breakfast.  Food that contains Vitamin B, antioxidants, and Omega 3 helps keep you alert and focused throughout the day.
  • Stay organized. Try color coding different subjects or color coding your study strategy, pink for Evaluate or blue for Question, for example.
  • Study actively.  Find creative ways to keep your mind active. Quiz yourself; ask yourself questions while reading.
  • Use a planner.  You can use two different planners, one to keep track of your assignments and exams and one to keep track of your to-do list and events.  Your life will be more organized, and thus 
  • It may sound absurd, but looking at pictures of cute baby animals has been proven to increase concentration and productivity by up to 44%.