Preparation Before Study

Use these study tips to improve your grades and SAT score. By preparing yourself to study, you will understand and learn more. You can spend less time studying, by learning more efficiently.

Your Mind

Relax. A calmer state will help you concentrate better and learn material faster. Try mental imagery or progressive muscle relaxation.

Compartmentalize. If you have lots of concerns on your mind, jot them down on a paper quickly,
so that you won’t forget about it, and then put that paper away. You can deal with it later once you are done with your study period.

Get enough sleep at night. It varies from person to person, but usually most people need 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. You can tell for yourself, that if you are feeling tired you won’t be able to pay attention very well in class and your eyes glaze over and you get sleepy when reading.

Feed your brain. It’s hard to concentrate if you’ve skipped a meal or felt the crash after loading up on sugary or starchy snacks. Make sure to eat a hearty breakfast and lunch that includes some protein with low saturated fat, vegetables, and whole grains. If you must diet, cut out the after dinner snacks as your body doesn’t need as many calories when you are sleeping as you do during the day. Avoid sugary cereals, white bread, white rice, or too much fruit juice, as these can cause a sugar spike and crash. Instead try high protein, low sugar cereals (e.g. made by GoLean and Kashi). It tastes great to top your cereal or yogurt with fresh fruit such as banana, strawberries, or blueberries. Whole wheat toast or brown rice are also good options.

Your Environment

Organize your study area. Lay out pencils, eraser, paper, books, and everything you need before you begin to study.

Get rid of distractions. Turn off the tv and put your phone on vibrate. A quiet room is best for many people, but sometimes it helps to play some background music.

The Time

Plan a weekly schedule when you will study. A weekly schedule will help make it a habit. Once it’s routine, your mind wants you to do it, and it will be easier to start studying.

Study when you have energy. Try to schedule harder tasks when you have more energy. For example, if math is your worst subject, but you are most alert at 3pm, then study it then. Typically, the worst times to study are just before going to sleep or after meals.

Review. It is most effective to review material the SAME day you learned it.

The Homework

Prioritize. Assignments that are important or due soon must be done first.

Divide and conquer. Break large projects into smaller tasks.