Ithaca College

The next ten days are sure to be stressful for many students. However stressed you may feel, try to keep your mind functioning optimally so you can focus on the necessary projects and exams. Time is not a luxury, so make sure each day is used effectively and productively.

Here are seven tips to help you get the grade you want:

1. Take study breaks- Short breaks allow your brain to process and retain information. Be sure to only take a short break, otherwise it may be harder to get back into study mode. When you begin studying again, review the material you've already studied, then move along to new information.   
2. Get enough sleep- Students who get 7-8 hours of sleep at night are able to focus longer, are more alert, and retain more information than those who are sleep deprived. Keep your sleep schedule consistent and use proper sleep hygiene.
3. Quiz yourself- Write down a list of keywords or questions, leaving enough room under each for a response. Then, pretend you're taking the test and put away all notes to quiz your knowledge.
4. Create mnemonics (rules to aid memory)- Think of a silly saying to remember the first letter of each word you have to know- great for lists of words!
5. Make study guides- Go through the textbook, notes, power points, and any other material and write down any information you think may be on the exam, like key concepts and definitions.
6. Make flash cards- Although you may think making flash cards is time- consuming, they are helpful tools for remembering vocabulary, formulas, and key concepts. They're also portable so you can study on-the-go.
7. Set time goals- You're more likely to be productive if you set goals to achieve each night.

*For more information on stress and anxiety, visit the Center for Health Promotion website by clicking here. Also, check out tutoring available through Academic Enrichment Services on campus by clicking here.

Happy studying Ithaca! You can do it!

Submitted by: Maria Behrens '11