How much time should I allot to study?

[Warrenx]

Well here is my story:

I failed yet another midterm today; however, this actually spurred a period of introspection. I have not decided whether or not I want to genuinely pursue college, as I can always be an absurdist on an island. I have surmised though, while I am in limbo in this greater evaluation of utility, I thought I might as well apply myself to getting good grades in the meanwhile. So here goes...

For all of you college graduates out there (you know who you are), do you have any advice about how to go... about getting A's in non-gut-major classes (i.e. study habits, time allotment, etc.)? I believe my biggest problem is lying to myself saying that I know the material, and then locking up completely when I am in front of the exam. How does one tell if he/she actually knows the material, is there some generic way?

Thank you guys for any and all input.

Sorry for the syntax and grammar, distraught at the moment.

-Warren

[ThinkAnarchy]

Well, I'm not a graduate, but I had a lot of the same problems you discussed. I just re-enrolled in a different university for a different major which has helped me a lot. I actually see this piece of paper I'm working towards now, being able to get me a job.

As for the B.S. classes your required to take. I like to make flash cards and study until I can look at either side and say what is on the opposite side. Certain classes, like the sciences, I don't aim for perfection because I'm not at all good at them. I simply try and learn as much as possible and hope for the best. If that doesn't work ADD medicine helps, especially when you don't have ADD. 

[Davin]

I never studied, I learned enough for each course from doing the homework.

However if you're failing, then you are either not studying enough or need to find a different way to study. A study group can be very effective because not only are you reading and taking notes, but you should also be discussing what you're studying with your study group. Discussion helps you retain the information better. Even if you understand something, talk about it out loud with other people. Without a study group you can just chat it up with classmates, if you don't like that option then try to explain it to a friend or family member. If all else fails just dictate it to yourself in your own words as if you were explaining to someone else. The point is to create more than just reading and writing memory connections.

A few things to avoid while studying: drugs (alchohol, cigs, weed) and entertainment (music, TV, movies, videos). The brain does better at recovery if it's attempting to recover the memories under similar conditions when the information was learned (at least that's what I read somewhere a long time ago). So unless you're going to be sloshed and allowed to listen to music during the test, don't study pissed while listening to music.

[Stevil]

I would say it is important to assess your life and priorities. Life is a struggle when one is persuing something that one does not buy-into.

also bear in mind, it is a tough world out there. Money is necessary and education makes it easier to get some jobs.

[Whitney]

I believe my biggest problem is lying to myself saying that I know the material, and then locking up completely when I am in front of the exam.

You might have test anxiety.  I have done poorly on many tests where I knew the material due to blanking out during the exam.  The thing I've found that helps to prevent those blocks is the following:

1) Remain calm; practice deep breathing.
2) Eat a good healthy breakfast before the exam (or good lunch if in afternoon).
3) Do not stay up late studying; study smart, not late. NO PROCRASTINATING!
4) Use multiple memorization techniques:  Write it by hand, make flash cards, read it to yourself (out loud); record yourself reading it and listen to the recording...repeat all of this over and over again.

Also, no matter what you do get a degree in something that can help you get a job that you won't hate...you don't want to get stuck working at walmart due to not having a degree.  It would be better to get a degree then not use it than not get one and wish you had when you turn 40.

[Crow]

In the States is study the same as revision (recap what has been learn't) in the UK? or does it mean to learn course relevant information independently from the class?

If its the same as the UK's revision then i have never done so but have been through the education system to graduate level with top or high marks. The most important thing i figured out is you are required to show understanding in a specific way. I found this information in my university course handbook, but if you ask your tutor they should outline what you're required to show.

Don't over cook it, so many people just lock themselves away and tire themselves out becoming a jittering mess. Make sure you socialise and unwind allowing the information to absorbed rather than overloading yourself with information.

Probably the reason I never needed to revise was I made sure that I applied what I had learned to a real world application, if that wasn't possible I created a visual in my head that i could associate it with. Figure out how you learn and then use it .

[Asmodean]

I never studied, I learned enough for each course from doing the homework.

Interesting, that... Me, I've never done an honest piece of homework, learning mostly by listening to the teacher and later on researching myself.

[Davin]

I never studied, I learned enough for each course from doing the homework.

Interesting, that... Me, I've never done an honest piece of homework, learning mostly by listening to the teacher and later on researching myself.

I had a difficult time paying attention to the teachers because most of them were very boring, so I'd draw, design something or do homework. Never had any problems answering any questions asked of me. That and the homework was always a decent part of the grade (30-50%).

All the shit that I found not boring was hardly ever covered in the courses, so whenever I did research what I was interested in, it didn't help me in the course at all (and sometimes hurt). My fault for going for a programming degree.

[Bullowrker]

When I was young, and distractable, I went to college for a year and my dad told me I was a piece of #$!# and sent me off to work at a grocery store for two year.  It was a big "industrial grocery store", and for 8 hours a day, often 7-8 days in a row, I would collect the shopping carts in the lot and take them into the cart corral.  After two years my dad suggested I go back and give college a try.  I gradtuated in History, with honors, at 25.  Sometimes you have to know what your motivation is.

[Willow]

I would suggest you study in the morning, and in diverse ways.  I have coloured felt tips and Youtube as well as a good general textbook.  I need quiet and space.  No music, no tv, no study buddy.

I study about equal amount of time as I spend in class.
Willow.

[Crow]

When I was young, and distractable, I went to college for a year and my dad told me I was a piece of #$!# and sent me off to work at a grocery store for two year.  It was a big "industrial grocery store", and for 8 hours a day, often 7-8 days in a row, I would collect the shopping carts in the lot and take them into the cart corral.  After two years my dad suggested I go back and give college a try.  I gradtuated in History, with honors, at 25.  Sometimes you have to know what your motivation is.

This is a very good point, just because you may be at the age which is normal to go to college doesn't mean you have to. I would say that ruffly 55% of my course were students between the ages of 25 and 30 (a fair few older as well).

[darkcyd]

Well, my hypothesis is people will accell at what they love and if you don't love it, don't do it.

If you really loved these courses, you'd be smoking them. I went back to school after a 7 year break and blew curves through Organic chemistry and frequently took tests after having a few beers. I emmersed myself in the material and there simply was no stress because I LOVED it. Spend more time finding what you love and less time studying. You can succeed by being a well organized person but I question the final happiness afterwards.

[Geisthund]

I think it depends on the person..I dont study, and wing my classes and usually land A's, or B's if I really slack. Take the harder classes that you've failed online, perhaps, when you get into college..they tend to be easier..(in my experience).