This post is for all of the SLPs-to-be out there!

I am finishing up my 6th year of university and with those 6 years has come lots of experience studying for exams. Since exam time is commencing I have compiled a few of my best study hacks/tips.

Timers. As I mentioned in a previous post titled “3 Tips for Grad Students,” I love using timers when completing assignments. Another time when I use timers is when I am studying for exams and midterms. I am least productive when I attempt to study for hours on end with no break. I usually set a 30-minute timer, throw my phone across the room and use that entire 30 minutes to focus. Then when the time goes off, I will take a 5 minute beak where I walk around, look at my phone, go to the washroom, etc. If I feel like I am being really productive when the time goes I will continue studying until I start feeling like I need a break. Depending on your level of attention, a 20 or 15 minute timer may be more productive than a 30 minute timer. Whatever it is - make it work for your attention span. I find this really helps me hone in on what I am studying and allows me to be quite productive. Sometimes people like to use a time cube - find time cubes on amazon.ca or amazon.com.
Study Schedule. Make a study schedule. This is so helpful. On your planner or google calendar (I prefer a written planner), write down when your exams are and when you will be studying for each exam. Then make it even more specific - write down which lectures you will be studying on which days and which readings you will be focusing on. After making a day-to-day study schedule, I like to make an hour-to-hour schedule each morning for that specific day. This helps me stay on task and make sure there is room for working out and breaks. Find the type of planner I like on either amazon.ca or amazon.com.
Breaks. Part of the reason why the timer explained above is so helpful is because it implements breaks. It is unrealistic to try and study for 8 hours straight with no breaks and when you don’t do it you will feel discouraged. Therefore, make sure you implement breaks and ensure the breaks you choose to take aid in your productivity. For example, working out, going for a walk, eating a meal, doing a quick errand are all things that can help you feel prepared to get back to your work. I like moving my body during the break so when I get back to studying I will be ready to sit down for a while.
Alone versus Group Studying. Learn what exams are helpful for group studying and what exams aren’t. For example, exams with lots of memorization might require more alone-time studying while exams with more conceptual knowledge (e.g. hearing/audiology exams) may require more group studying. Group versus alone studying also changes depending on where you are at in learning the content. For example, I find that a day or two before the exam when I have learned all of the content, reviewing with a classmate can be really helpful. If you are more motivated when you study with a friend, then go to a silent library so you won’t get distracted.
Sleep. Make sure you get sleep! I personally have never done an “all nighter” for an exam, paper or midterm and I don’t plan on it. For your brain to function properly and at optimum performance, you need sleep. I like to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night - some people need more, some need less. Figure out how many hours of sleep is the best for you and stick to it. A sleep routine (going to bed and waking up at similar times each morning) can also help with productivity.
Start early. Try your best not to wait one day before studying. This never ends well. Not only will you retain less information but you cramming is unnecessary stress on your body during an already baseline stressful time. Making a study schedule will help you get started early on.

What study tips do you have?

-S

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