10 Effective Study Strategies for College Students to Improve Academic Performance

1. Interleaving: Studying different concepts/topics in the same session. This allows you to really evaluate how much knowledge you are retaining and also gives your brain a break between subjects.

2. Chunking: Separate the material into manageable sections. Instead of studying all four chapters for your exam, try focusing on only one during each study session.

3. Study in multiple short but intentional sessions: Studying for three hours straight is just not productive. Instead, study in frequent small sessions. Multiple 15-30 minute sessions will do you far more good than a couple of 3-4 hour cram sessions.

4. Create and complete self-quizzes/mini-tests: Your instructor might not give you a study guide, but nothing is stopping you from creating your own. Create your own study guide using your notes. This also helps you as you will be reviewing as you create the study materials.

5. Review notes shortly after class, and rewrite/type them: Try to skim over your notes within 24 hours of class while the information is still fresh. Then, rewrite or type your notes. This is a great time to identify any gaps in your notes and ask your instructor or classmates.

6. Breakdown concepts and explain them to a friend or family member: You truly demonstrate understanding when you can teach someone else, so find a friend or family member and tell them about what you have learned.

7. Schedule a start and finish time for your study session: Setting clear start and end times for your study sessions helps to ensure you are not getting overtired.

8. Get Adequate Sleep: If you are not sleeping enough your brain will struggle to keep up.

9. Use pneumonics or numerical associations to remember: Pneumonics and songs can help with memorization. Look online for pneumonics for topics. You can also try using Chat GPT to create a pneumonic to help you study.

10. Reward yourself for completing the task/goal you set at the beginning of your session: Our brains like rewards, so when you accomplish your study session goal treat yourself by doing something you enjoy.