Developing effective study skills is a key to success in college. Below are some effective strategies for learning well in college.

10 Tips to Passing | Reading Tips | Writing Tips | Test Taking Tips
Note Taking Tips | Memorizing | Time Management Tips
Study Skills Checklist | Website Links

Ten Tips to Passing Any Class

• Read for the answers to your questions.
• Write questions in the margins.
• Read in chunks.
• Concentrate on reading faster.
• Read for main ideas and supporting details.
• Mark main ideas and supporting details.
• Take notes.
• Try to predict what's next.
• Pause to recite.
• Reread difficult passages or chapters.
• Look up the definition of key words.
• Read critically.

AFTER READING

• Review what you read.
• Answer end of chapter questions.
• Reread the marked text.
• Read another book on the same subject.
• Discuss or teach what you have read.
• Seek assistance.

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Writing Tips
from Skip Downing, On Course

BEFORE WRITING

• Create a positive affirmation about writing.
• If you get to choose the topic pick one that interests you. Begin immediately.
• Create motivating focus questions.
• Seek answers to your questions in the library.
• Search for answers to your questions on the Internet.
• Ask other people to answer your questions.
• Carry and use 3x5 cards for notes.
• Brainstorm.
• Organize your thoughts by developing an outline.
  Incubate your ideas.

DURING WRITING

• Create a thesis that expresses your main ideas.
• Write a hook.
• Use transitions.
• Answer reader questions.
• Use 4 E's to generate specific and sufficient support.
• Cite sources.
• Write a satisfying conclusion.

AFTER WRITING

• Incubate your ideas again.
• Revise your writing.
• Edit carefully.
• FSU Writing Center

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Test Taking Tips
from Skip Downing, On Course

BEFORE THE TEST

• Create a positive affirmation.
• Find out what information will be covered on the test.
• Find out how you will be tested.
• Set a study schedule.
• Predict test questions.
• Visualize your success.
• Get to the exam room early and find a comfortable place.

DURING THE TEST

• Skim the test.
• Read and follow the directions carefully.
• Do easy questions first.
  

For multiple questions:

• Choose the longest answer.
• Choose middle answers.
• Read the question and try to answer it before you read the answers.
• Lightly cross out answers that you feel or know are incorrect.
• Choose qualified answers - often, most, generally. · Reject absolute answers
• Always, everyone, best, only, never. READ carefully some don't follow this rule.
• Use process of elimination. Two items with opposite meanings - one is likely to be correct.
• Read all the answers. If asked for best answer, all may be correct. Choose best.
• Read the question with each answer.
• If the answers are dates or numbers, you can usually rule out the lowest and highest answer.
• Answer each question if there is no penalty for guessing.
  
  For True/False questions:
• Answer questions you know first.
• If any part of the statement is false, it is all false.
• If the question contains qualifiers like: all, every, never, or always, the answer is probably false.
• If the question contains qualifiers like: some, a few, occassionally, or sometimes, the answer is probably true.

AFTER THE TEST

• Reward yourself.
• Get the correct answers to all questions you missed and study them.
• Review your exam to see what you can learn about yourself as a test taker.
  Seek Assistance.

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Note Taking Tips
from Skip Downing, On Course

* Record it or lose it.
* Take notes during each class.
* Date notes and keep course notes together.
* Read ahead.
* Record chalkboard items.
* Use abbreviations and keep a key.
* Sit in the front.
* Participate and stay alert.
* Create a positive affirmation.
* Use note-taking supplies to fit your style.
* Prepare a list of questions and listen for answers.
* Leave spaces to fill in where you get behind.
* Tape record the class.
* Organize information using outline method, concept map, or Cornell method.
* Record only important points by listening and looking for important cues.
* Do a data dump after class.
* Review frequently, revise and rehearse notes.

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Memorizing Tips
from Skip Downing, On Course

• Create a positive affirmation.
• Choose to remember.
• Post memory cards.
• Study over several short sessions.
• Organize information in a meaningful way.
• Create associations.
• Invent word acronyms.
• Invent sentence acronyms
• Assign a number.
• Connect with other material.
• Visualize.
• Create a concept map.
• Recite.
• Create and listen to audiotapes.
• Use several senses.
• Repeat, repeat…
• Revisit visualizations.
• Have others quiz you.
• Go to sleep.

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Time Management Tips

1. Keep a calendar.
2. Write a "to do" list everyday.
3. Write your "to do" list into your calendar.
4. Ask yourself what things do NOT need to be done...then don't do them.
5. Make the most of every spare moment.
6. Learn to say "NO!"
7. When you are on the phone, keep your calls short.
8. Wean yourself from TV.
9. Balance your study time with recreation time and rest time. Examine how you spend your time.
10. Prioritize and set goals based on importance.

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Study Skills Checklist

Click here to conduct an assessment of your study skills.

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Website Links
Study tips are abundant at the following website:

www.mindtools.com

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