Essential Study Tips For College Students

Often most useful for lecture note-taking, the Cornell method uses keywords to make note organization and review easier. Cornell note-takers leave a 2.5-inch margin along the left-hand side of each page. After entering notes on the right side, note-takers take a moment to label significant ideas or sections by writing down a corresponding keyword next to them in the left-hand margin. This simple and efficient method makes it easy to highlight key concepts and ideas.

The Cornell method also skips a few lines between each point, leaving space for note-takers to return to the notes after class and complete phrases, sentences, and ideas. When reviewing for tests, users can cover up their notes and practice information recall using the keyword cues in the margin.

This method helps note-takers sort information from general to particular. General information starts at the left margin, and more specific information gets indented beneath the general points related to it. Some outline users just use dashes or bullet points, while others employ letters or numbers to show the different layers of specificity.

This popular method works well for humanities and social sciences subjects, but not as well for math or physics. Outlining organizes information effectively by recording content and showing relationships between the information. However, good outlines require thought and time during class, so other methods may work better for fast-paced lectures.

Visual note-taking methods such as graphs, tables, or thinking maps can help illustrate the relationships between various facts and ideas. Mapping requires concentration and critical thinking, since users must analyze information to determine its relationship to other data. For this reason, mapping often enhances active learning and conveys information to the viewer quickly.

This method works well for dense, organized lectures or for unpredictable lectures. After class, mappers can sort information further by adding color coding or symbols. Mapping sometimes does not fill well on regular-sized paper, but users may pair mapping with notecards.

Most schools maintain a writing center, which provides various writing services such as skills workshops, one-on-one tutoring, editing, and research help. Learners often bring new assignments for brainstorming or drafts for review.

Colleges often provide free tutoring services to learners seeking extra help outside of class. Tutors often specialize in particular disciplines and provide one-on-one help tailored to students' particular needs. Working with a tutor can help fill in gaps and address problem areas.

Students can bring specific questions and problems to their instructors, usually after class or during office hours. Faculty typically offer office hours at least once or twice per week. This individualized attention can add quality and direction to student learning.

Academic advisors help students pick a major, select classes, and meet graduation requirements. The advising department can also refer learners to various other applicable campus study aids, programs, and services.

Learners with special needs should register their disabilities with the disability office or resource center. These entities help students overcome various structural or attitudinal learning obstacles to full participation.