Study Tips: Ten of the #1's 'Top Ten' Study Habits

Sound confusing? The title baffles me a little too. I did some research, looked at college admissions advice, and have reviewed hundreds of study tips from every type of school (School of Psych, Schools of Nursing, etc). I broke it down, and listed the top ten of all of the pieces of advice out there (made me a little spreadsheet to keep track!). Nurses Announcements Archive Article

Study Tips: Ten of the #1's 'Top Ten' Study Habits

Smartharvardadmissions.com (2015) cites three must-have skills in order to succeed in school. The first is to know and embrace your learning style. For example, some people need absolute quiet while others prefer studying in a loud area. Secondly, and almost unanimously agreed upon in every top ten is the need to take notes. Then review them immediately after class, and that night, and before class the next time you go. Finally, the last skill stated is to know how to make a schedule. Make a plan that is realistic. :geek:

You might be surprised on the consensus I found in my research. Some places had tips that are valuable, but did not make the tally for the best of the best tips. I will start from the least mentioned study tip that was agreed upon. There is actually a tie for BOTH ninth and tenth place. That being said, lets dive in, shall we?

What are the Best of the Best suggestions for study tips? Survey says ...

The number 10 study tip suggestion(s) is/are:

  • Use Flash Cards
  • Use Mnemonics
  • Reward Yourself for Hard Work
  • Set Realistic Goals
  • Study Every Day

The ties for number 9 are:

  • Attend All Classes (Oddly Enough...)
  • Complete Practice Exams/ Quizzes
  • Take Regular Breaks
  • Use Technology (Apps, Youtube, Etc).

Number 8

Eat healthy (brain food)

Number 7

  • Take notes
  • Review notes after class, that night, before next class, and weekly

Number 6

  • Ask questions in class
  • Visit with your professor
  • Talk with classmates

Number 5

Sleep between 6-8 hours at least every night

Number 4

Study at the same place / same time every day if possible

Number 3

  • Make your study area a place where you learn
  • Quiet?
  • Library
  • Loud?
  • Use music, etc.

Number 2

  • Study groups
  • Study with classmates that are serious and have the same goals of passing that you do!

And, the Number 1 Agreed Upon Study Tip Across the Board (Nearly):

  • Create a Schedule
  • Create a Calendar
  • Organize Your Semester!

Find what works for you. The more organized you are, the more you plan, the more you study, the more you will succeed. I hope that helps!!! Best of luck future nurses!!!

YOU CAN DO THIS! :nurse:


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Julie Reyes, DNP, RN

14 Articles   260 Posts

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synaptic

249 Posts

I agree with all of them but 4. if one studies in the same place without thinking (attempting to recall) information, when they sit for an exam, they may have difficulty recalling information due to lack of familiar cues. This is explained better in a few books I've read, (make it stick, A mind for numbers, etc)

Otherwise its a good list.

Julie Reyes, DNP, RN

14 Articles; 260 Posts

Specializes in pediatrics, occupational health.
I agree with all of them but 4. if one studies in the same place without thinking (attempting to recall) information, when they sit for an exam, they may have difficulty recalling information due to lack of familiar cues. This is explained better in a few books I've read, (make it stick, A mind for numbers, etc)

Otherwise its a good list.

I tend to agree with you too. I was always moving my study place - but that could have been because I got bored easily and needed new things to look at when I would stare off into space!

I am not even sure this is a realistic list either - I mean, what student nurse has the luxary of sleeping that much?! haha!

iSurvivor

29 Posts

I can't say my number 1 but it's helping me get A's so far. :-)

VicChic20

78 Posts

Specializes in Nurse's Aide.

I gotta say that I have made an effort and took 20-30 minutes of my time of creating a schedule for the semester. This is my last semester at a community college, and after the first class of each, I went home and sat down and created homemade calendars for each course, and wrote down important dates, assignments, and exams, etc. I am taking my first online class,too so that idea started it all because I wanted to be extremely prepared and organized. Having a visual for when things are due, and deciding when to do them has gotten tremendously easier. I can look at the calendars and sigh a breath of relief. I also put little boxes next to each assignment/quiz/exam and when I check them off, I know that it's complete. It is a nice feeling. This study tip I will carry with me for when/if I get into this LPN Nursing Program in January. Utilizing this will be very helpful.

Michelle1004

15 Posts

Thanks for the tips! Need all the help I can get!

Michelle1004

15 Posts

Thanks for the tips!