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The Science of Learning: The Best Study/Test Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
Everyone struggles with studying at one point or another. Whether you’re cramming for that big biology test, stressing about an English pop quiz, or preparing for the SAT, these tips will help you establish study habits you won’t forget.
Multiple Choice
The most important technique to use while answering multiple-choice questions is the process of elimination: eliminate choices until you find the answer that makes the most sense. It’s easier to establish what is wrong rather than what is right. If you aren’t sure, move on to the next question and circle back later on.
In terms of stimulus-based questions, try not to read the question before reading the text it’s accompanied by. Look for the author’s purpose, exigence, and diction choices. Why are they writing this? What are they trying to say? Why should I care?
Written Responses
Similar principles apply to written responses in terms of how you should write. Before putting your pen to paper, ask yourself what your point is and why what you have to say matters.
*A tip for writing: write your response like the reader hasn’t read the question*
The strategy mentioned above will allow you to give context while also explicitly stating the prompt and what your stance is on it. The more context—the better the writing becomes.
Information Retention
Trying to cram information right before a major exam may sound daunting, but if you follow the 30-20-10 rule, you should be on the right track to ace your exam. 30 minutes should be spent studying/learning the information, 20 minutes should be spent on testing yourself on the info, and then 10 minutes should be dedicated to a short break.
Repeating this cycle will allow your brain to retain information without being overstimulating. As contradictory as it sounds, taking breaks is essential to learning information. Breaks in between studying allows the brain to not only rest but also sit with the material it just learned.
General Tips
- Answer a question in your head without looking at the choices first
- Don’t read anything too fast while studying or you may misinterpret
- Short, periodic study sessions > long, extended study sessions
- Get sleep before a major exam
An issue most students struggle with is overthinking test questions. The reality is that most of the time, the most obvious answer is the best answer. If you’re asked the color of an apple and you’re considering choosing blue over red, the answer will almost always end up being red. Overthinking leads to a breach of common sense.
The most important part of studying and testing is keeping yourself focused. Stress leads to loss of information in the brain, leading you to struggle with basic-knowledge questions.
Good luck studying!
Xaverian
Established in 1957, Xaverian is one of thirteen schools nationwide sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers.
