Study Time

Hey all. Well, school has started again for most of us so I am going to be a nerd for a second and talk about studying. It is my biggest pet peeve (studying for college is impossible!) This is my first year so I don't think I'm quite used to the flow of things yet, but it is not like highschool at all. Those tests were over one chapter (which was like 15 pages long) so it was really easy to study the night before the test and pass with an A. College is so different. The profs were telling us that we only have 2 tests a semester, and each one is over 8 chapters!!! I almost died. Each chapter has about 50 pages, and it will be so hard to understand all that material for a test. Well, maybe this is just me but I was wondering if anyone else had this same problem when they started college. I would love to know how you studied for it (cheating seems like the only logical solution...I'm going to get me a seat by a smart person j/k). Anyway, hope everyone has a great year, and happy studying to all :-)

[ZetaAce]

Jamie- When I was in college, I used osmosis. Put your book and notes under your pillow and then go to sleep. The facts will magically absorb. Trust me, it works!

Ok, just kidding (well sortof). What I did for those class where it was only a handful of tests was to take my notes from the class and facts out of the book and organize them in to a quick and easy study guide for myself for later.

For example, take all of your class notes from chapter 1 and open to chapter 1 in your book. Now make new notes with all of the main points that you need to remember and jot down the page numbers that go in to detail about those points beside them, and also highlight or mark them in your lecture notes. (It's a little bit tedious, but it worked for me)

Above all else Stay Organized! It will make your life a lot easier come exam time. Good luck on your freshman year

ZetaAce

[Sexy Mocha]

Here's something that I always do.
Prior to the term beginning,in early August, I start calling the college book store to see if the professors have submitted the list of books that their going to be using (You'd be surprised just how early these lists/and books are in the store!). When I get the ok from the book store (the books are in) I go purchase all of my books and start reading them right then and there. (Yes! During the Summer break!) By the time classes actually resume, I have already gotten an incredible head start on the rest of the class. For instance, I'm taking a Eastern Europe class this fall...the required textbook is "Eastern Europe: From Stalinism to Pluralism". Needless to say, I knew nothing about this subject! Well, I am half way through this text now. When the class starts...I am going to impress the heck out of the professor with all that I've learned already! And, with this method...you're reading doesn't have to be rushed because you're cramming to read it, in addition to writing papers and studying for exams. Now, I don't know if this will work for you during your first few semesters, but it's guaranteed to work anytime after. (Trust me, I tutor students and I always tell them to focus on staying ahead and not just keeping up. That is... when it's possible for them to do it of course.) Not to mention, the professor is very impressed when you're the only one that can thorouglyand enthusiactically discuss the Yalta conference and the Truman documents on the first few days of class ....ok, ok, that's what I'VE learned so far from my books ! Anyway, you get the picture...just keep this in mind for future reference. Good luck and keep us posted!