Let's say you are being tested over 4 chapters for your upcoming test. Here's how you can avoid cramming: 

Day 1: Study chapter 1; make notes, write definitions, do concept mapping, etc. Study for 1-2 hours. 

Day 2: Review chapter 1 and study chapter 2--just like you did for chapter 1. Review chapter 1 for 30 minutes, study chapter 2 for 1-2 hours. 

Day 3: Review chapters 1 & 2; study chapter 3. Review chapters 1 & 2 for 45 minutes. Study chapter 3 for 1-2 hours.

Day 4: Review Chapters 1,2,& 3; study chapter 4. Review chapters 1,2,& 3 for 1 hours. Study chapter 4 for 1-2 hours. 

Day 5: Review all chapters and then self-test. Review: 1 hour. Self test: 1 hour. 

Studies show that we tend to be more productive during the day. This also frees up your evenings for friends and extracurricular activities! 

• Tip: treat your days like your high school schedule, meaning try to "work" from 7:30-4. Use this time to study and complete homework when you aren't in class. 

Doing more work on the front end can reduce the amount of studying on the back end.

• Tip: Preview material, like slides, textbook chapters, etc. before class. Make notes, write questions, and then compare them to the slides. Review them after class. 

If you struggle with focusing for long periods of time . . . 

• Tip: Try the Pomodoro technique. Set a timer for 20-25 minutes & study/do homework. After the time is up, take a 5-10 min. break. Repeat this until your work is complete. 

Sometimes it's hard to study in our dorm because of the distraction of our TV, phone, roommate, etc. Here are some places on campus to study if your dorm doesn't work for you: 

If you need a little background noise:

• 4th floor of Mullins Library
• Flag Room/ Union Connections Lounge
• Any of the coffee shops on campus
• CORD study areas
• Multicultural Center (Union)

If you need complete quiet: 

• 3rd floor of Mullins Library
• Law Library 
• Study rooms in Mullins
• Honors College Lounge (Gearhart Hall)