Do practice questions while studying

Many students think that studying starts with the "reviewing and memorizing phase" before moving on to the "testing phase". But studies have actually shown that doing practice tests while you review and memorize improves test performance more than just spending more time studying.

Why does it work?
Taking practice tests forces you to deliberately recall information, a method called retrieval practice or the testing effect. When included in the study phase, this study hack strengthens your brain's networks and significantly improves long-term memory.

Study multiple related topics at the same time

Most of you have been taught since elementary school to review a topic thoroughly before moving on. As you go through practice questions for a chapter, you may feel a sense of mastery as you get into the groove of repeatedly applying the same concepts.

But your exams are going to have different types of problems covering a lot of different topics. That's why this study hack, known as interleaving, helps you develop a skill more important than you'd think: choosing the correct concepts and strategies to solve a problem. It will require more effort but you have to put in the hard work to see the results.

Why does it work?
Interleaving teaches you to think critically about what concepts and solutions you have to use for each question. It forces you to actively retrieve your knowledge and figure out how to apply it, ultimately improving your long-term memory.

Create your own practice questions

This study hack can prepare you for what to expect on the day of your real test. By thinking through what your instructor may ask, you will review the key concepts and terms you need to know. You'd be amazed at how close your test will match the real one.

If you enjoy studying with your friends, you can trade these questions with each other for extra practice!

Make sure to take the test without checking your notes or textbook. Give partial answers when you're unsure and set a time limit. Creating a real test environment will give you a more accurate sense of your preparedness.

Why does it work?
When you just highlight, re-read, or copy, you are not deeply thinking through the material. As a result, you will only remember the content for a very short time. Evidence shows that deeply processing what you learn will help store it in long-term memory.

Draw!

Yes, d-r-a-w. It has been proven to be very effective way to deeply process information, as opposed to just highlighting, copying, or re-reading. You don't even have to be good at drawing to use this study hack. Even just creating concept maps, infographics, or comic strips (if you're feeling fancy) can do wonders for your memory.

Why does it work?
A Canadian study found that drawing is one of the most powerful memory tools because it gives your brain multiple ways to think about the material. As a result, you make a lot of meaningful connections with the material and process new information in-depth, which can increase recall by almost double.

Find examples in your own life for the concepts you’re studying

The best way to remember information is to make it personally meaningful. When you just highlight, re-read, or copy, you are not deeply thinking through the material. As a result, you will only remember the content for a very short time. Evidence shows that deeply processing what you learn will help store it in long-term memory.

Next time you study, take notes in your own words and ask yourself: "How does this apply to my own life?"

Why does it work?
Deep processing methods like this lets you link new information with what you already know, a strategy called elaborative rehearsal. Research has shown that developing associations is more effective than creating new memories.

Teach someone what you learned

"While we teach, we learn," said the Roman philosopher Seneca. Scientists today call this the protégé effect. To teach others, you yourself must fully understand and internalize the information. It always requires you to actively retrieve information instead of passively re-studying by highlighting, re-reading, or copying.

Why does it work?
When you just highlight, re-read, or copy, you are not deeply thinking through the material. As a result, you will only remember the content for a very short time. Evidence shows that deeply processing what you learn will help store it in long-term memory as you make meaningful connections with the information.

Self-test to identify any knowledge gap trends

If you ask your friends to predict their score before taking an exam, they will most likely make predictions that are higher than their actual score. That is because many students don't recognize their knowledge gaps and know which study strategies are more effective for their situation.

When you do practice tests, take note of what you get wrong. This way, you can find any trends in areas you may still be struggling with and figure out the best way to strengthen them.

Why does it work?
Metacognition means "thinking about thinking". It helps you be self-aware about about your learning. Evidence suggests that having poor metacognitive skills can actually cause poor performance because you don’t choose the right study methods and don’t gauge how long they need to study for.