College Tip #2 - Overstudy if you can.
This tip is definitely something that Iâve seen a lot in the studyblr community, but thatâs because it really helps, and it applies to students of any school level too!! ăŸ(ă^â^)ïŸ
I canât even count on my hand how many times overstudying has saved me on tests, especially in college. I had a professor who NEVER put the content we discussed in our tests, and instead went for the next lessons. I learned my lesson after nearly flunking the first test to study as much as I could for the following lessons as well.Â
If you can, make yourself some mock tests. This is understandably difficult if youâre pressed for time, but I promise it really helps! Sometimes trying to get into the mind of your professor helps predict what may come out on the test, and sometimes what happens is that the actual test is easier than how youâre reviewing yourself. Some of my tried-and-tested tips for mock tests include:
Identification. Pretty self-explanatory! Write down definitions and leave a blank before it for the answer. If there are cycles or processes, put down the number of stages & put blanks after to fill in later!
Almost-essays. What I mean is, ask yourself the âwhys,â âhows,â and âwhat ifsâ to certain events or processes. A lot of essay questions revolve around these things, at least in my experience. If the essays are much more objective with solid answers, identification will help with that.Â
Compare & Contrast. This helps a whole lot with different, but similar, terms and events! Make a Venn diagram or table, identify two similar terms or events (ex. monarchy vs oligarchy or WW1 vs WW2), and list down facts about them that will differentiate them, as well as what they have in common.Â
These arenât the only methods you can use, but they are some of the more basic! If your professor has given you tests before, try and see the patterns he/she favors when it comes to giving them. Are there lots of true or false questions? Essays? Multiple choice? Knowing how your professor gives tests helps you study smart, but try not to limit yourself to just that! You never know when theyâll throw a curveballs.Â
Overstudying also pays off for recitations, as overstudying can help you gain an edge in class discussions since youâve read the material in advance. And even more so, overstudying helps give a boost of confidence.Â
Emphasis on the if you can part though, because while being over-prepared is a very good thing, never push yourself too hard! Your mental, emotional, & physical health are most important! Burnout is never, ever a good thing, so take breaks if you need to.Â
Ahhh test season is over, but I figured Iâd still post this since itâs one of the things Iâm much more familiar with as someone whoâs been doing this since 3rd grade, though my thanks go to my mom for starting me off! I still hope it helps when the times comes!! â
~(â Ïââż)