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I am taking the last prerequisites before applying for the BSN, so far I have done extremely well. The last courses are APII lab and lecture, Statistics, Womens studies, and Philosophy. For some reason I am having trouble focusing to study. I just transferred to a university from a community college and everyone here is so competitive, its not like community college. What has helped you to study and stay focused?
I try to study at a library or coffee shop (Starbucks has 50 cent refills, just saying haha), I get too distracted at home. I also study with friends ("Oh, you have a break at the same time I do? Sweet! Let's hit the library together!") that way I feel like I'm getting social time in when I'm actually studying! Also, music helps and keeping yourself organized!
Make sure to take breaks :) study 30-50 minutes and then take a 10 minute break. Turn off your phone, tv, etc and just focus on your material. I find that I can focus more when I'm studying at school rather than at home, so I'll try to do that as much as possible. Study groups help tremendously too.
This is currently my first semester as a pre-nurse going for my Associate's and after that I will be going for my Bachelor's to become an RN. I am very excited! My classes this semester include: English, Human Biology, Human Biology Lab, and College Experience ASD. I believe that all of the study tactics that everyone is posting are great methods to keeping focused and determined with their studies.
Personally, to keep myself focused, I try my hardest to shut out all distractions since it is extremely easy to put down the book you were studying and go do something that is either more important or even more worth your while. Another great way to keep focused is to read and take notes on everything your professor tells you to. Also, being prepared both mentally and physically for test and practicals will help you become successful and get the grades you require. These techniques are the most logical way to not fall behind. Any way to keep on track and go toward your dream profession is extremely important because you are spending so much money to become successful, why waste it?
I hate the silence of studying, but get distracted with lyrics of songs. I go to Spotify and listen to piano solos and let me tell you it is amazing. They even have piano playlists just for studying. It is like in elementary school when your teachers said classical music helps you focus and learn. Sure does!
I also keep snacks on hand such as peanuts, m&ms (my favorite), cereal that keeps me from crashing. I take a break about every hour with my roommate and we complain about everything then tell each other what we are learning.
Something else that I do that could hurt/help you is getting all your distractions over with before hand. Yes. Go on Facebook and read everything, check all your Instagram pics, spend 30 minutes on reddit/nursing. Since you are updated, there will be no reason to tempt yourself with these distractions upon studying.
iOS 7 comes with this feature to block numbers now. During my homework and studying sessions, I block my friends, boyfriend, and mom. If it is something important they can email me.
Hope this helps possibly a bit. Honestly everyone has to find what works best for them. I'm in my last semester of pre-reqs and my GPA is a 3.87. I found what works best for me :)
queserasera, RN
1 Article; 718 Posts
Does anyone use those website blockers for thier laptops/tablets. I know i had one a long time ago that blocks facebook, tumblr, quora, any other time wasters. I find I am spending more time on youtube that studying and I can't believe I'm saying that because I have been so focused in previous semester. I also just applied to my program of choice and have turned into a space case!