study- cram or everynight

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I study every night and every test I get the same grade 84. Sometimes I will get a A here and there but not a solid all the way through. I do all the readings,take notes,go over stuff every night. Then I here people say that they studied the night before a test and score a 96 or 98. It is getting kind of frustrating. I used to try to not worry about it and only worry about myself but its getting more and more difficult.

What do you all do studying- cram or every night?

Ok OK I am actually really sorry I asked this question. It was not intended to start a debate between everyone. To be honest before I read everyone's responses I thought the crammers were lazier and I see that I was wrong. Its just another learning style. I will say that I will do what I do best and thats study every night. I have 4 kids and a crazy schedule that does not allow for cramming because something might happen the night of the test, then where will I be. Thanks to everyone that answered my question and sorry for starting the debate. It is what it is, and I am what I am. I will work my hardest to do my best and thats all I can do. So if getting a 84 throughout gets me to the NCLEX then thats all I need. Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in Urgent Care.

This is what I do..

I read the chapters the weekend before and highlihgt important info. I then take LOTS of lecture notes in class. I then re-write my lecture notes to " cram" before the tests. This has gotten me A's so far( semester 3/4). I read the info, listen to the info, and write the info. It gives my brain 3 different places to retain it!

To each his own. We have all made it this far with our techniques, so I wouldn't say that any of them are wrong-whatever works for you:nurse:

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I'm am an "everyday studier". I just couldn't deal with the stress and anxiety of cramming right before a test. If I am really stressed I won't learn anything so studying a little everyday reduces that stress level and then I just review notes and the parts of the chapters that I highlighted before a test. I got an A in the fundamentals this way and so far I'm doing well in 2nd semester too.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

I found that if I could teach the lecture to another classmate, then I performed at my best and retained the information. Study groups were very helpful for me if they were small, two to three other people, and I could go through the lecture like the instructor. My study group partners found this beneficial as well...they enjoyed listening to me teach them and break things down from a student's point of view.

In addition to that, I HAD to cram the night before the test to relieve my anxiety, even if I studied alot all week. If I didn't spend the night before and morning of the test trying to absorb every last little tidbit of information, I would be too anxious to concentrate. It was purely psychological.

Study habits are unique to everyone. You have to find what works best for you. To start...I would recommend looking over your notes each day, even if you just skim the highlights. Attend a study group once before each test. And hit your notes hard core a day or two before the test and the morning of...then change your routine as you see fit until you find the perfect combination of studying.

Remember. Your short term goal is to pass the test. Your long term goal is to master the core content that will be applied in everyday practice.

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