First, Understand that Studying is Not the

Same as Doing Homework

Students believe that studying and doing homework are the same thing. However,
they should be approached as two very distinct, separate tasks. Homework
commonly consists of assignments that instructors assign to be completed at home
by students. The general purpose of homework assignments is to reinforce the
knowledge that you learn in the classroom. These assignments allow for extra
practice, so that you can refine your skills and knowledge in a particular area.

Studying, on the other hand, refers to the time students spend on their own to go
over material they learned in class. Many students think of studying as what they
do to prepare for an exam; however, it is best to set aside regular time to study to
be sure you understand all the concepts you are learning in class so you do not fall
behind. Studying includes making flashcards, taking detailed notes, making
outlines, and reading.
Learn how to study effectively
While college students are instructed in many disciplines, most are never really
taught how to study in college. As a college student, you should be able to develop
effective study skills so that you can study in a smarter way and be more successful
in your education.
Many students view studying as a daunting task, but if you leverage effective study
methods and tools, you will find studying is less time-consuming and more useful.
Continue reading to discover helpful study tips that will make your study time
more productive.
Tip #1: Choose a quiet place to study It is important that you find a quiet space
where you can do your studies. Find a place that is not distracting to you. For
example, if you are easily distracted you should not study near a television or in a
crowded location. Instead, choose a quiet room, a library, or a bookstore where
people study instead of socialize. Also, while many students choose to listen to
music as they study, this can also be a distraction. Assess your preferences and try
different settings to determine what study environment is ideal for you.
Tip #2: Set a specific time to study Just as you would for any other appointment
or commitment, mark a time in your calendar dedicated exclusively to study time.

Choose specific days and times that work best for you to study, and stick to your
commitment. It is also helpful to create a study timeline, and you will see how to
go about this in greater detail later on. Also, reward yourself with breaks. Grab a
cup of coffee or sit back and close your eyes for a minute if you need to clear your
mind.
Tip #3: Make sure you have all the study materials you need Be sure that you
have all the materials you need to study before you begin. Gather any textbooks,
notes, and flash cards you will need to help you study. Also, remember not to bring
things to study that you do not need or that can be distractions. Leave your cell
phone behind, or turn it on silent and place it in a bag. If you are using a computer
to study, do not get sidetracked by social media accounts or games. By bringing
only the materials you need, it will be easier to stay on task.
Tip #4: Keep a positive outlook about studying Many students dread studying,
perhaps because they arent doing it right or they feel it isnt helpful to their
success. Approach your study time with a positive outlook. Even if you are
tackling a challenging subject, staying positive will make your study time less
burdensome and will help you grasp the material. Take all the time you need to
learn a topic, and dont beat yourself up if you are having difficulty with the
subject matter. Also, take the time to learn what study methods suit you best. Youll
explore study methods in detail further on and learn important studying skills that
will make it easier to stay positive.
Tip #5: Do not procrastinate You have undoubtedly been warned about
procrastination, but you might not understand the reason why this practice is
detrimental. Not only does waiting until the last minute leave you with less time to
study, but it also puts you in a stressful situation in which it is difficult to recall the

material. Although cramming at the last minute can help you get a slightly higher
score on a single test, this method wont help you retain information for midterms
and final exams, let alone for use in your career after graduation. Also, remember
that is it more effective and less daunting to study for shorter periods of time but
more often than to study during one long, exhausting session.
Using this resource
The goal of this resource is to show you better methods of studying not only so that
you can achieve higher grades, but also so that you retain information and develop
strong work habits that employers are looking for in new graduates. Youll
discover some secrets about how to better manage your stress, how to save time by
taking only meaningful notes, how to create a study plan, and other studying tips
that will help you study smarter and harder. Continue browsing this guide to learn
how to study more effectively as a college student.

Create a Study Plan

What is a study plan?
A study plan is an organized schedule that students create that outlines study times
and learning goals. Just like with work or school schedules, college students should
develop a study schedule where they can block off days and times in their calendar
dedicated to studying. Creating a study plan not only helps you become more
organized, but it also holds you accountable for your own learning outcomes. If
you are an online student, a study plan is even more important in your success in
college, since you need to have self-discipline and determination to complete your
studies without the constant reminders of an instructor.
Why do I need a study plan?
A study plan is an effective way to help you navigate through your college
education in an organized way. Every student will develop a different study plan;
there is no correct study plan for everyone. When creating your personalized study
plan, you will need to do some self-evaluation of your current schedule and time
management. Find days when you have fewer personal commitments when you
can squeeze some study time. Remember, each student studies differently, so the
amount of time you need to study will differ from the time your classmates devote
to studying. Some students find that studying nightly for thirty minutes is more
realistic than studying a few times a week for a longer period of time.
Youll have to identify your learning goals for each study session in order to
maximize these scheduled study times. Determine why you are studying, and
develop a plan that can help you achieve those goals. Take into consideration

upcoming tests, your average in certain courses, and projects that you anticipate
will take more time than others.
Lastly, create a study plan that is reasonable. Although you must set aside enough
time in your schedule dedicated to your studies, blocking off five hours with no
break will set you up for failure. You can spend less time studying if you do it
correctly. For a detailed look at how to make a personalized study plan, explore the
step-by-step instructions below.
Use these four steps to create your study plan
Step #1: Create a time chart of your current activities. Creating a time chart
will allow you to see how you spend your time from day to day. For a one-week
period, take notes about your daily activities. Record things like when you are at
work, school, or home with family. Even note when you eat and sleep. Once you
have done this for a week, look for times that you can slip in an hour of dedicated
studying. This chart can be helpful for determining days and times that are
consistent each week that you can devote to studying.
Step #2: Develop a schedule Now that you have determined available days and
times for studying, make a mark in your planner or calendar. Use detailed notes to
block out times on your calendar so that you are reminded every time you look at
it. It is best to have a schedule written down so you dont forget. Seeing it written
down can make it seem more important, like a doctors appointment you cannot
miss. Also, it is helpful to write down which subject you plan to study, so you can
be sure devote enough time to each of your classes. For example, Mondays and
Thursdays can be set aside for studying math, while Tuesdays and Fridays can be
devoted to English.

Step #3: Determine your study goals At the beginning of each week, determine
why you need to study and what you plan to accomplish in each class. Do you
want to raise your average in a particular class in order to maintain a certain GPA?
Are you preparing for a big exam? For example, if you are studying for an
important midterm exam, alter your study plan two weeks prior to the test to
incorporate review of old tests and notes in your sessions. On the other hand, when
you dont have an upcoming test, use your study time to read ahead one chapter in
order to grasp the next lecture. You will need to tailor your study plan depending
on your weekly goals, so be sure to analyze what you plan to get out of each study
session. While it is tempting to skip your study session when there isnt a test
looming over your head, you will reduce your future test preparation time by
reading ahead and preparing for lectures.
Step #4: Stick to your schedule A study plan works best if it is followed on a
consistent basis. You should try to develop a study plan that you can follow for the
length of each semester of college. Since most students enroll in different classes
each semester, you will have to reevaluate your plan and fine-tune it each term.
Remember, the most important thing is sticking to your plan.
Strategize for effective follow-through
One way to ensure you follow through with your plan is to schedule time for other
activities. By achieving a balanced schedule, your mind will be more receptive
during time devoted to studying. If you schedule several long days in a row of
studying, you will get discouraged and will be tempted to give up. It is acceptable,
and even recommended, that you schedule time for nonacademic activities, such as
exercise, hobbies, and socializing with other students. When you are studying,
remember to take breaks in order to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Lastly, some students find it helpful to find a study partner. Studying with a
classmate allows for collaboration and discussion. When creating your study plan,
check with other students in your class to determine if you can coordinate study
sessions. However, if you tend to socialize more than study when you are around
others, stick to an independent study plan. If you do choose to study with a partner,
choose someone with whom you are likely to stay on task.
Leverage tools for creating a study plan
If keeping a paper and pen schedule is not helpful to you, consider other ways for
keeping your studies on track. Take advantage of study planner apps, like My
Study Planner, available for smart phones and tablets, which can help you manage
your study schedules. Websites like MyStudyLife.com are also helpful, allowing
you to create an account to better organize your study time with to-do lists and
calendars.

Manage Your Time

When it comes to studying, managing your time is of the upmost importance. You
should determine how much time spent studying is enough, which varies from
student to student and from one class to another. Continue reading to discover
helpful tips for better managing your time studying.
How much time should I spend studying?
The amount of time you should spend studying depends on how many classes you
are enrolled in, your personal study habits, and your educational goals. As a
general rule of thumb, most professors suggest that college students spend about
two hours studying per week for each credit hour they take. However, recent
studies have shown that most students only spend one hour studying per credit
hourjust half of what is recommended to be successful. Most college courses are
three to four credit hours, so this means that for each class you should spend about
six to eight hours studying. Full-time students should anticipate spending about 30
hours each week studying. To many students, this can seem overwhelming, but if
you manage your time correctly, your studying will become more productive and
will help you perform better in both traditional and online courses.
Can I study too much?
Yes! Keep in mind that while you should spend the appropriate amount of time
studying, going overboard is counterproductive. Students often mistakenly think
that if they spend an excessive amount of time studying they will be better
prepared. Long study sessions often become boring, and when your mind starts to
wander, this study time is wasted. Spending an entire day cramming before a big

exam is not the way to go. Learn how long you tend to concentrate on different
subjects so that you can schedule focused, effective study sessions.
How to manage your time effectively
In addition to assessing your ability to concentrate on certain tasks, youll need to
learn how to balance your personal life with your schoolwork. While college
students devote a significant amount of their time to attending class and studying
outside the classroom, they also have personal commitments like work, family, and
friends they need to take into consideration. Neglecting other aspects of your life
only works for so long; youll be more successful in the long run if you strike a
healthy balance that incorporates these other parts of life in your schedule. Take a
look at the following tips that can help you develop an integral time management
plan.
Tip #1: Make a detailed study schedule and write it down Instead of just
determining times to study in your head, make a subject-specific schedule and
mark your calendar so you can be reminded every time you look at it. You will be
more likely to follow through with your study plan if it is clearly marked on your
calendar. Include your schedule in your cell phone and set regular pop-up
reminders that you will have to close before sending your next text message.
Making a schedule and sticking to it will allow you to develop a routine that you
can easily follow. Remember, you will have to revise your study schedule each
semester to accommodate your class schedule and your other changing
commitments.
Tip #2: Prioritize your assignments Prioritizing your assignments is a good
way to ensure you spend the appropriate amount of time studying for each class or
subject. Devote more time to studying subjects that are new to you or those in

which your grade needs improvement. Also, remember to study the harder subjects
first so that you tackle them with a fresh mind. Additionally, you should organize
your studies with important tests or exams in mind. If an exam in one course has
been postponed, modify your study schedule to prioritize more immediate tests and
projects. However, dont neglect postponed tests altogether; take advantage of the
extra time to review material during short study times each day.
Tip #3: Prepare for temptation The best way to overcome the temptation to put
personal activities before studying is to anticipate these distractions. Attending
college and earning good grades is almost like a full-time job, so your studies will
have to take priority over socializing or other activities. You will inevitably
compromise at some point, but dont get discouraged. Rather, learn from your
mistakes, and look for patterns in the times you put off studying. By knowing your
weaknesses, youll be better prepared to resist temptation. Additionally, establish a
way to reward yourself with fun activities after you finish a study session. This will
give you the extra boost of energy to accomplish what you need to so you can
enjoy spending time with your friends and family.
Tip #4: Find a productive study environment Locating a productive
workspace where you can study is about more than just finding a quiet place. All
students have a place where they are able to stay on task and maximize their time.
Actually, some students find it ideal to study in a coffee shop or another place
where there is background noise. Part of choosing an optimal study space is
anticipating potential distractions in each place. Some students actually become
more distracted when they study alone because there is no accountability. If you
tend to stay on task when there are other students around who are devoting time
exclusively to studying, plan your time so that you can get to these places when
others are studying.

Tip #5: Stay organized Staying organized is critical to avoid wasting valuable
time as a college student. Since you will be enrolled in several classes at a time, it
is important that you organize your class and study materials in a way that makes it
easy to access them. Find an organization method that works for you, such as using
a separate binder or folder for each class. Also, when going into a study session,
make sure you have anything you need. You dont want to interrupt your study
session by searching your room for flash cards or notes. If you are taking online
courses, learn how to organize files in the most efficient way possible to avoid
wasting time sifting through your hard drive for course materials.

Take Effective Notes

Understand Why Taking Notes is Important

Taking notes is a great way to remember important concepts your professor emphasized in class.
Not only does taking notes help when preparing for an exam, but it also to forces you to listen
more carefully during lectures. Also, taking your own notes allows you to put concepts in your
own terms, making it easier for you to understand them.
Additionally, taking notes directly from what your professors are teaching can help you narrow
down the vast amount of material to key concepts youll need to study later on. Usually, what
your professor lectures about in class is what will show up on tests. Textbooks, on the other
hand, tend to have a wealth of information, some which does not apply directly to what your
professor is teaching. Pay close attention in class, as professors often give slight hints, or even
explicitly tell you what will be on a test. Quality notes also help you feel more organized and
prepared. Having a sense of organization will increase your confidence, which in turn will
enhance your performance on test day.
How to Take Effective Notes

There is no right or wrong way for students to take notes, but there are some helpful tips that can
make note taking more useful for studying later on. You can develop your own style of note
taking that is most effective for you. Browse the following tips to learn how you can take better
notes that can make studying more productive.
Tip #1: Be prepared for class Go to class prepared with anything youll need to take notes.
Have a notebook dedicated to taking notes only for that class. Remember to have extra pens and
pencils, and even highlighters so you can highlight important terms or concepts. Take a binder or
folder where you can organize your notes or any handouts you receive during class. Ask your
professor if you can set a tape recorder on your desk during class, so that you can revisit the
lecture later on to determine if there was any important information you missed in your notes.
Tip #2: Learn how to be a good listener To take effective notes, you need to have excellent
listening skills and good judgment. During class, focus only on the instructor. Try not to be
distracted by other students, and remember to turn your cell phone off. By anticipating and
eliminating distractions, you will be able to better direct your attention. Remember, you do not
need to write down everything your instructor says. It is your job to discern what is important
enough to take notes on. When your professor stresses a key concept, not only will it likely be on
the test as a direct question, but it could be the basis for solving several other questions on the
same test. If your professor writes content on the whiteboard, it is probably important enough to
jot down in your notes. Also, pay close attention to any charts or documents your professor
presents, and whenever your professor presents an unfamiliar term or fact, write it down. If you
are ever in doubt, it is probably a good idea to take a quick note.

Tip #3: Learn how to take notes in a way that is helpful to you It is important that you
develop a note-taking method that suits your learning style and works best for you. This may
include using a notebook, flash cards, and even different colored pens to identify important
terms. You should also use abbreviations when taking notes as opposed to writing full sentences,
which is extremely time-consuming. You can even set up your own system for abbreviations and
symbols. Put concepts in your own words so that when you go back to study your notes you will
easily know what your instructor was discussing. Paraphrasing material is a great way to check
your understanding of core concepts.
Tip #5: Compare notes with other students Comparing notes with other students is an
effective, yet underutilized strategy. Many students only ask to see other students notes when
theyve missed a class. By comparing notes with others, you gain perspective and see what other
students in the class found to be salient information. Collaborating and discussing topics covered
in class not only helps you to better understand content for an upcoming test, but it also gives
you valuable insight about how other students have learned to succeed in classes taught by even
the most demanding professors. Get to know some of the best note takers and schedule a time
after class each week to compare notes. This is also an opportunity for you to test your command
of the material by attempting to explain it to others.
Tip #6: Review, edit, and organize your notes After class, it is a good idea to review your
notes and make any edits necessary. Oftentimes, notes become messy and disorganized because
you are trying to keep up with the professor during the lecture. It is worth the additional time to
rewrite your notes in a more organized way. Also, research any terms or concepts you didnt
completely understand during the lecture. Additionally, in order to protect the content youve
spent hours creating, youll need to keep your notes in an organized, safe place. Clearly label the
binder or folder you are using for each class. If you are taking notes on your laptop, create a
backup file on a zip drive in case your computer crashes the night before a test. Regardless of
whether you take handwritten or electronic notes, you should date your notes and reference any
chapters in your textbook that your notes correspond to for easy lookup later on.

Read Text Slowly Before and After Class

Most college students are bombarded with textbooks, and reading is often a chore they come to
dread. However, reading your textbooks does not need to be as difficult or time-consuming as
you think. The key is learning how to read the text more efficiently and effectively.
Steps on how to read a textbook

Youve probably never examined or analyzed the way you read your textbooks to know if you
are doing so in an effective manner. Take a look at the following steps that will help you absorb
and retain the information you are reading.
Step #1: Survey Before you dive in and read the material in depth, take a minute to survey the
material by briefly skimming through the chapters you plan on reading. A good starting point is
to read the title of the chapter and any headings or subheadings you see. Before you begin, look
to see if there is an outline or reference page at the beginning of the chapter. This breaks the
chapter down into sections where you can see what each has to offer. Also, look for words in
bold text, which reference important terms you should be aware of. You will also find it helpful
to read the chapters introductory paragraph, which provides insight as to what you will be
reading about. Also, read the summary at the end of the chapter, which outlines the most
important topics covered in the chapter.
Step #2: Question Formulate questions based on what you learned during the survey step. Ask
yourself what the most important topics or concepts in the chapter are. You may find that turning
each heading into a question is helpful. Develop questions like Who?, What?, When?, Where?,
Why?, and How?, which you can answer while you read.
Step #3: Read Once youve become familiar with what the chapter is going to cover, it is time
to start reading. Use what you discovered in step one to recognize any important terms or
concepts. It is also a good idea to underline or highlight any information you think is important
and that you would like to revisit later. Youll get the most out of lectures by reading the chapter
your professor is going to discuss in advance of the class. By reading ahead of time, you will be
more receptive and will have context for understanding challenging concepts. After class, focus
your reading on concepts your professor emphasized in class.
Step #4: Recite After you have finished reading the text, the next step is to recite the
information you learned. This is a good time to answer the questions you developed in step two.
Try to answer each question without referring to the textbook in order to test whether you really

absorbed the material. Once you feel you have a complete grasp of the material, repeat all the
major topics and terms to yourself. Putting the concepts you read into your own words helps with
memorization. Reciting the text is all about reviewing what you just read, so if you dont feel
confident that you can answer the questions you developed in step two, you should reread the
text.
Step #5: Record Now that you have a strong grasp on what youve read, it is time to take
some notes. Use a notebook and label the top of the page with the chapter number and title you
just read. Reflect on the questions you answered previously to determine what the most
important topics were. Make headings on your paper with each of these topics, and write down
any information you found important. Also, write down all the key terms in the chapter along
with their meaning. Some textbooks include a list of these terms at the end of each chapter.
Step #6: Review Now that youve read the material and taken notes, review everything youve
learned. Browse your notes to recall the important topics that were covered in the chapter. Try to
predict questions that your professor may put on an exam and practice how you would answer
them. Make sure you have a strong understanding of what you just read. If you feel confused or
do not understand a concept, use the page references you included in your notes to go back and
read about that concept. Also, this is a good time to look over your notes to make sure they are
thorough enough and contain all the important information you will have to study later. While
your notes should be brief, they should also be detailed enough to allow you to refresh your
memory of the most important concepts.
How to study with your textbook

Now that you know how to read a textbook thoroughly and effectively, you should know how to
use it for studying purposes. When it is time to study for an exam, you do not necessarily need to
go through all six steps above, but you should take the time to review core concepts in each
chapter. Many of the same tips you used prior to reading will be useful for test preparation. You
will find it helpful to reread the introductory paragraph and summary at the end of the chapter.
These give you a basic refresher about what information is included in the chapter. Revisit
headings, subheadings, and bolded terms. Also, maximize the work youve already done by
reviewing underlined or highlighted words that you marked while you were reading.

Study Smart Before Exams

Many college students feel stressed and overwhelmed when a test or exam is approaching. By
studying for tests in a smarter way, you will save time and be prepared to ace your exams. In
addition to the reading and note-taking tips youve read about, you can take advantage of specific
tips to enhance your exam preparation. Below is a detailed list of common study methods college
students use to prepare for exams.
Explore common study methods

Image-word association This study method associates words with images. Some people
memorize best when they can visualize a word or concept in their head. Students who use this
method associate an unknown term or concept with something they already know. For example,
if a term in your textbook sounds like an object you already know, picture that object in your
head every time you say or read that word. Relating an unfamiliar term to a familiar image can
help you to remember it more easily.
Acronyms and mnemonic devices An acronym is a combination of letters that can be used to
help you memorize a term or concept. You can combine the first letter of each word of a
compound term or idea to spell a word that is easy to recall. For example, one of the most
common acronyms people use every day is ASAP, which stands for as soon as possible.
Acronyms are just one tool that students use to remember course material. In order to remember
the order of items in a series, some students create sayings that begin with the first letter of each
item in that series. A basic example is the saying that younger students use to remember which
order north, east, south, and west appear on a compass: Never Eat Soggy Worms. Notice how the
first letter of each term correlates with the order or direction on a compass. You can come up
with personal and creative ways to use mnemonic devices to study for a test. Create something
that is useful and easily memorable to you.
Hide-write-compare You probably remember this study method from when you were younger
and were learning how to spell. You probably looked at a word, covered it, tried to write it
correctly yourself, and then compared it with the correctly written word. While this seems like a
simple method often used at the elementary level, it is a useful studying tool at the college level.
For example, after you have read a chapter in your textbook and written down all the important
terms, you can test your knowledge to see if you remember them. Cover up the definition of each

term and try writing it again from memory. When finished, compare with the correct definition.
Writing something down repeatedly helps it stick in your mind better.
Story Telling Story telling is a helpful way to absorb information for many college students.
You may recall when you were younger how your parents told you a story about the meaning of
a holiday, or how your teacher told you the story of Christopher Columbus in grade school.
Youve probably never forgotten this information because it was taught to you through narrative
that you visualize in your head to this day. Tell yourself a story about an important person you
need to learn about for a test. For example, instead of looking at your textbook as full of boring
facts, turn that information into an exciting story with details that can help you remember. Tell
the story to yourself out loud, and to others if you find it helps. Many professors even choose to
teach using storytelling.
Analogy An analogy is the comparison of two or more things. You can use analogies to
compare and contrast specific terms or ideas. There are several kinds of analogies, including
parts to whole, such as a battery is to a flashlight as a keyboard is to a computer. Cause and effect
analogies are also common, such as smoking is to cancer as itching is to scratching. While you
can create your own analogies, one of the keys to smarter studying is recognizing analogies that
are already in the content you are studying. With practice, youll become more skilled at
recognizing patterns and analogies that help you digest course material.
Repetition Repetition is the most common study method students use. Repetition involves
reviewing information again and again until you have grasped the concept. Repetition can be
used in several ways. For example, you can create flash cards to master material that requires
rote memorization. When studying a foreign language, some students choose to repeat terms or
concepts aloud or write information down repeatedly. You should consider what way you learn
best to determine what style of repetition to use.
Determine when to use each study method

While the above methods have served many college students well, some of these tips will suit
you better than others. Try different methods for different kinds of courses, as your approach to a
science course will be quite different from your approach to a reading-intensive course in the
humanities. For example, you will find repetition helpful for an anatomy course, whereas
storytelling would be best to test your understanding in a history course. Discerning which
methods to use and when to use them will also be informed by your strengths and learning style.
You might learn or retain information better by looking and pictures or charts, whereas other
students benefit more from reciting terms aloud. Remember that there is no right or wrong way
to study. Form a comprehensive, yet flexible, study approach that takes into consideration your
course load and the ways in which you will be tested in each of your courses.

Use Test-Taking Strategies on Exam Day

Exam day has come, and you know you have prepared adequately, but you may still be anxious
when the time comes to actually take the exam. Dont be embarrassed. Many students feel
stressed, nervous, and worried when they have to demonstrate what theyve learned through an
exam.
The following tips will guide you through exam day. Remember that every exam is different.
This test-taking guide is written in a general sense, with an eye toward the typical college-level
exam.

Preparation for exam day

Avoid cramming the night before. You will retain more both on test day and afterwards
for comprehensive exams if you study regularly and at a reasonable pace. While a brief
review will help, avoid an exhaustive cramming session that leaves you facing the test
tired.

Prepare your equipment. You should have two or three pens or pencils with good
erasers, as well as books, note cards, or cheat sheets your instructor permits. If you are
taking a math or science test, bring a calculator with good batteries. Also, since you wont
be allowed to use your cell phone, bring a watch to keep track of time. Lastly, if allowed,
bring some chewing gum to deal with nervous tension.

Be physically ready. Your previous preparation can go to waste if you dont get a good
nights sleep before test day. You should also eat a healthy meal and be well hydrated
before the exam begins. Avoid overeating or consuming excessive caffeine before your
test. Also, use the restroom before the test begins, and if it is permitted, bring a bottle of
water.

Find out as much as you can about the exam before it begins. Find out details about
the format of the test. Ask your professor if you will have to write any essays. If essays
are your weak point, research potential essay topics and create an outline in order to save
time for other sections of the test. Also, remember to ask about the rules for test day. Will
you be permitted to go to the restroom during the test? Is there a strict time limit?

During the exam

Read the test directions closely. If you have questions, ask your instructor to clarify the
matter, either to you personally or to the entire class. Dont be embarrassed: your fellow
students will likely have the same questions. If other students ask questions, dont get so
engrossed in your test that you miss out on answers to their questions.

Remember to breathe. If you feel yourself panicking or stressing out, put down your
pencil and take several long, deep breaths. Do this several times throughout the test to
clear your mind and fill your blood with oxygen. Imagine yourself relaxing and visualize
a calm image.

Survey the test before beginning. Glance over the entire test and form a loose plan for
how you will spend your time. You do not need to closely inspect every question, but
your plan may be very different for a test with fifteen multiple-choice questions and six
essay questions than for one with ninety multiple-choice questions and one essay. If the
professor provides the point value of each question or section, focus on the sections with
the highest point value if you expect to be pressed for time. Briefly look at any bonus
questions, and answer those you know before spending time on complex, challenging
questions.

Read every question closely. Sometimes teachers will write questions that are
deliberately reversed from what you might expect in order to challenge you. If you feel
that a question is nonsensical, hard to understand, or contains typos, ask your instructor
for clarification; misprints and editing accidents can happen.

Strategize for multiple-choice and true/false questions. Read the question thoroughly,
and if it helps, solve the problem on scratch paper. If the answer is not immediately clear,
you may wish to skip it for the moment and solve problems that you know you can
handle quickly. For multiple-choice questions, rule out as many options as you can, and
make an educated guess. You wont get it right if you dont try. For true/false questions,
remember that absolute or near-absolute answers, such as those that use always or
never, are often false.

Look for key words in essay questions. Read the question thoroughly and be sure you
understand the specific topic, as well as what you are supposed to do with your essay.
Keywords include define, explain, and compare. Prepare a short outline on scratch
paper to organize your thoughts, and consider the time you have. Address the topic with a
direct response, and address all aspects of the question with specifics, not just general
statements. You should use technical vocabulary from the course correctly, but dont feel
you need to show off. Even if you and your teacher differ in perspective on a course
topic, you can write an informed answer that reflects you knowledge of different angles
on this topic.

Dont get distracted by other students taking the test. If they are being disruptive, ask
them to be quiet or inform the instructor. Avoid looking toward their papers. Dont feel
pressured if other students complete the test quickly and leave early; some students take

tests very quickly, and this has little bearing on their actual performance on those tests. If
you find yourself racing to finish and get it over with, be sure to review your answers
and check your work to spot mistakes or questions you overlooked.

After the exam

Once you have completed your test and double-checked it for mistakes, try not to dwell
on how it went. Even if you felt you did poorly, it is now beyond your control. Do
something that relaxes you, like playing a sport or listening to music, and go about your
routine otherwise.

If you receive your test paper back, look at where you made mistakes to determine your
strengths and weaknesses for future attempts. In particular, professors often provide
commentary on answers to essay questions if you have had problems presenting your
argument or recalling factual material. Save your tests to study for midterms and final
exams; even if the exact questions arent repeated, you can learn a lot from the way a
professor asks questions.

If your instructor has a test-review session, dont skip it. Reviewing the material will help
you learn and will enhance your performance on future tests. Sometimes, instructors even
award credit for errors they made (which may require you to be present). Some
professors allow you to revise your test for an improvement in score, and others award
bonus points simply for attending the posttest review session.

Maintain Your Studies

Although you will feel relieved when you step out of your final exam, which is one of the most
challenging parts of the class, your work doesnt stop there. You will have to keep your skills and
new knowledge updated and fresh so that you can make effective use of it later on. Whether
youve just studied accounting skills for your business management degree, details of kings and
empires for your graduate thesis in history, or computer programming methods for a computer
science course, keeping up with your studies will help you retain that knowledge so that you can
apply it in other courses and in your career.
Keep in mind as you read through this section that the content of some subjects is more constant
than that of others. For example, programming languages change regularly, and healthcare best
practices are continually updated, but anatomy and physiology terms and mathematical theorems
stay the same. For fields that are constantly evolving, you will have to be even more proactive to
stay up-to-date in your field.

Just after the exam

Save your textbooks. Unfortunately, the cost of textbooks makes it hard to hold on to
them. However, key reference manuals will be useful to you in the future, and you should
resist the urge to sell them back if you expect to stay in the field. In addition, many
courses, particularly in literature, require inexpensive copies of the texts being studied,
which may be worth more if you keep them handy than the small sum you would get for
resale. If you made notes in the margin of some of these classics, it would be wise to keep
these copies if you plan to pursue graduate studies or teach on these works in the future.

Hold on to your notebooks. Most courses will leave you with a collection of class notes,
lecture notes, and handouts, which may be more valuable than the textbook, since these
notes are the only record of what your professors emphasized during class. This may be
less important if you took electives that dont have direct bearing on further courses, but
many coursesparticularly when you are pursuing a major in a subject or a graduate
degreebuild on other courses. Keep these notes organized in a single place where you
can readily access them. Use a labeling system so that you can locate that critical piece of
information when you need it, whether its two semesters or ten years later.

Back up your data. Backing up data is important for any digital media that you recorded
during your courses, from tape-recordings to videos of lectures your instructor provided.
If youre working in digital media, graphic design or some other artistic field featuring a
lot of digitally based work, this is even more important, as you will likely need to
assemble a portfolio either to pursue graduate study or to use as your resum for artistic
jobs. Be sure to use durable media, and you should keep your disks and license keys for
software as well, as changes in drivers and display equipment can change your works
dramatically.

Next semester and next year

Stay in touch with your instructors and peers. You likely developed favorite teachers
and study partners, even if it was an informal arrangement based on having several
classes together. Instructors are a great resource for work and internship opportunities. At
the undergraduate level, they can introduce you to new programs, independent study, and
provide you with vital professional contacts if you intend to enter academia or pursue
graduate study. At the graduate level, they become even more vital, as they will likely
judge your academic work and provide you with guidance in your course selections and,
in many programs, your research. Your peers are also a useful resource, providing you
with perspective and possibly work opportunities when they need a reliable business
partner.

Join a professional organization. Most fields of study have a professional association of

experienced professionals and students pursuing a career in that discipline. These groups
often publish a journal, which you will receive as part of your membership package.
These journals discuss the state of employment in the field, whether it be teaching or
advanced-practice nursing. These journals will also provide you with academic insight
and allow you to stay on top of developing trends and knowledge, especially in fastmoving fields like information technology. Many professional organizations also offer

certification programs that give you a professional advantage; some of these you might
need in order to work in that field at all. The cost of a student membership in these groups
is usually a nominal fee of $50-$60 per year.

After graduation and going forward!

Pursue publishing opportunities. Even if you are working in a field not known for
many opportunities for research, professional associations welcome articles on their
topics of study. Throughout your career, you will gain new insight and unique
experiences that you can to pass on to others. The process of researching and writing
articles for publication is an excellent refresher on many of the basics of research
methodology and the writing style and conventions within your discipline. If the thought
of publishing in a professional journal is daunting, contact professionals interested in
similar research and ask about collaborating on research projects. By collaborating on
research with experienced professionals, you gain insight from their approach to research
and learn from their perspective on how the field is changing.

Pursue free online courses. A wide range of open courseware and massive open online
courses (MOOC) are available in many subjects, with more being offered every semester.
Enrolling in a MOOC will give you the opportunity to review your studies and to share
your experience with other students through online conversations. These opportunities to
teach other students serve as both a refresher and a test of your own mastery of course
content.

Manage Your Stress

Studying is stressful. Whether youre attending a high-tension medical program or pursuing an

online course, devoting your time and energy to learning is a complex process. Whats more,
studying can compete with work, family, and other activities for your limited amount of energy.
You will inevitably have times when you worry because something major comes up, such as a
research paper or a final exam.
Stress is an entirely natural process. It doesnt mean that you arent studying well or that youre
unable to process your course material. There is a positive kind of stress, eustress, which can
actually serve as motivation to continue working, but that is not the sort of stress that is
concerning. Distress, the negative kind of stress, is what causes problems and can affect your
academic performance. Fortunately, distress can be controlled. Although the following tips
cannot solve every tense moment, they will help minimize distress throughout your education.

Know the symptoms of stress

Know the difference between normal and harmful stress. Remember, stress is a
normal response, particularly to unpleasant surprises, scary incidents, and similar
moments. The problem arises when you experience very frequent acute episodes of
stress, or when it becomes a chronic, ongoing thing.

Learn the toll that stress takes on your body. Frequent acute stress often shows itself
with symptoms like recurring headaches, fatigue, insomnia or difficulty resting, and
indigestion. Chronic stress often shows itself with grinding teeth, forgetfulness,
overeating or excessive drinking, confusion, and other symptoms that may come to seem
like the natural state of things. Stress also weakens the immune system, leading to
frequent colds and infections. It leads to muscular tension and aches, hyperventilation,
and heart arrhythmia.

If these symptoms describe what you have been feeling, admit it to yourself. The first step to
handling your stress is recognizing it and admitting you need to deal with it.

First aid: What to do in the moment

You can begin to notice the symptoms of stress at any time. Even if you can handle what is on
your plate right now, one small additional trivial thing can send you over the edge. If you feel
yourself getting overwhelmed, use this advice to get an immediate handle on your stress levels.

Breathe deeply. This will reoxygenate your blood and help you take a few moments to
step back from a stressful situation. Lie down or sit up straight and put a hand on your
abdomen, just below the navel. Breathe in slowly through your nose until your lungs are
full. Hold the breath for a moment before exhaling. Repeating this several times should
get you calm enough to look at things more clearly.

Do something comforting. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Do you feel a headache coming
on? Briefly changing scenery by walking to the water fountain or stepping out on the
balcony will help you refocus. Whats more, by taking a clear step to make your situation
better, however small it may be, you tell your body and brain that things are under
control. Eat a healthy snack or drink water or tea rather than strong beverages or junk
food.

Use breaks to optimize productivity. If your specific task is something you can put
down for a short while, do so. When youre stressed out, you often arent doing your best
work anyway. Even with time-critical tasks such as exams, you will be better served by
taking a minute to ease yourself than by working yourself to a grinding halt by trying to
push through to the end.

The long term: Understand yourself and take control

Stress usually follows patterns and cycles. By observing yourself and learning those cycles, you
gain valuable information you need to train yourself to handle stress better. After youve dealt
with your immediate situation, use these tips to build your own stress management plan.

Look for your stress signs and stressors. You will find you have certain physical cues
that tell you when youre getting stressed, even if you dont feel like youre stressed. If a
tense headache or a tightness in your shoulders are your cues, take those signs as a
warning. Whatever youre doing is stressing you, and you should calm yourself however
you can. Watch for patterns to determine what academic subjects or tasks tend to bring on
these symptoms.

Chunk tasks. Huge tasks can be broken down into many smaller parts, which are much
easier to tackle individually. A 15-page paper becomes less terrifying when you see it as
three pages per day, then five pages of editing per day. You will also feel more
accomplished when you complete numerous small tasks, rather than making a tiny bit of
progress on a large one.

Avoid procrastinating. Breaking up tasks wont do you much good if you keep
everything for the last minute. Resolve to spend a certain amount of time on your studies,
and stick to that time. During that period, study and work on your class projects, and
dont be afraid to put them down afterwards. Studies show that regular, relaxed study
helps you learn and recall more than last-minute cramming.

Dont be afraid to say no. You can and should keep up with your nonacademic
responsibilities, but you arent under an obligation to help everyone who asks. You need
time and mental space to study successfully; if this means skipping an event or turning
down a request to work extra, you should feel free to do so.

Take care of your health. Stress is a physical reaction, and by building up your health,
youll be able to handle it better. Be sure to eat regular nutritious meals with a minimum
of junk food, especially when studying. If you dont get regular exercise, start now.
Although it seems counterintuitive, exercise will actually give you more energy. Also,
reduce or quit your bad habits, such as smoking or staying up late, as these habits drain
your energy and make studying an uphill battle.

Exercise Your Brain for Optimal Memory Training

Your memory is central to your studying; it is, after all, where all of your knowledge goes.
However, the brain is often poorly understood, and a little focused brain exercise can greatly
improve your memory power, allowing you to do better in your studies as well as in other areas
of your life.

Thoughts and sensory impressions (such as hearing a lecture) briefly pass through sensory
memory before they reach your short-term or working memory, which is where you hold
things briefly in mind. A good example of this is remembering phone numbers or e-mail
addresses. Information in your short-term memory is permanently encoded in your long-term
memory, where it becomes part of your general store of knowledge, although your ability to
recall that information varies.

Exercise your working memory

Break down long items into smaller pieces. When youre faced with a complex piece of
information, try to break it down into small portions. Your short-term memory can hold
between four and seven separate things at once. By leveraging this chunking technique,
you can make each item carry more useful information. An example of this is found in
telephone numbers: 5551234567 is difficult to remember at a glance, but by breaking it
down into several pieces, such as 555-123-4567, you will be able to remember it long
enough to write it down or store it in permanent memory.

Play games that focus on handling information quickly and correctly. There are
learning games online designed specifically to help you train your memory. Utilize
several different kinds of games in order to exercise and develop various parts of the
brain. Naturally, these games shouldnt be used to put off your studying, but they are a
fun way to relieve stress and train your memory at the same time. Many of these memory
games are free online and have been proven to increase memory.

Provide yourself with different forms of stimulation throughout the day. Read a
book, even if just a few pages. Stimulate your sense of smell by stopping to smell the
flowers. Try different foods and spend some time looking at a natural landscape. Take
time for regular social interaction with others. Listen to music; although any kind of
music can provide auditory stimulation, some studies suggest classical is best. By
reacting to all of these stimulations, your brain will stay flexible, which aids working
memory.

Keep a handle on your stress levels, using the advice from the previous chapter.
Stress is literally toxic to memory; the chemicals your body produces under stress
interfere directly with the process of transferring information from short-term to longterm memory. Protect your brain by learning how to minimize the release of these stress
chemicals.

Working out your recall

Practice active listening during class. You should listen attentively and write down
summaries of the teachers concepts, ideas, and facts that are introduced, as well as
connections that occur to you from other reading. By taking notes actively, instead of
trying to write down everything that was said verbatim, you engage your memory and
mind much more deeply. One effective association technique is to include a small

personal note in your notebook for each class; something as insignificant as noting the
weather, what you had for lunch, or what tie the instructor wore can spark a fuller recall
of the entire lecture.

When you study your notes, introduce various review techniques. Dont just read the
text or your notes: Read them aloud. Consider rewriting them by hand if you usually use
a laptop or tablet to take notes, or vice versa. If you are given sample exam questions,
write out sample outlines or answers by hand while studying instead of just reading the
subjects covered. These methods provide you with both repetition and variety;
remembering the subject in connection with different acts will create more associations
that will enhance your ability to recall information.

Make meaningful use of flash cards. Prepare flash cards on the subject you want to
memorize, with the name (word, picture, concept) on one side and the answer on the
other. Just writing them out is good practice, but dont stop there. After shuffling them, go
through them and quiz yourself. Put cards that you get wrong in stack A, and the ones
you get right in stack B. Review stack A every day, moving the cards you get right to
stack B. Review stack B every week, putting the ones you get wrong in stack A. This is a
powerful tool when you need to learn factual information, like vocabulary terms, foreign
languages, and historical events and dates.

Study regularly and oftenbut not always for long periods. Studying frequently will
help you build long-term memories you can easily recall, as well as give you a positive,
regular habit that builds your work ethic. What builds learning is regular repetition, more
than sheer hours studied. Of course, you will need to study enough to cover the material
in the class, but research indicates youll get more out of an hour a day over the course of
a week than you would from five hours of intensive study.

Keep your brain fueled. Despite only weighing a few pounds, your brain uses about a
quarter of your bodys energy, which means thinking is hard work. Eat regularly, and try
to focus on protein and vegetables; fish, green leafy vegetables, and pinto and kidney
beans are especially beneficial. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, lentils, and
brown rice give you sustained energy, as well. While you shouldnt over-indulge, studies
indicate that a little caffeine (especially coffee and green tea) or alcohol (particularly red
wine) can help your long-term brain health, too.

Appendix: Top Ten Resources

1. hack my study Having nothing to do with computer crime, this site provides you with
a series of guides on how to do vital tasks better, as well as advice on how to deal with
problems like Internet browsing during study, in unique ways. For instance, to deal with

Internet-based procrastination, the site provides a tutorial on how to temporarily block

yourself from accessing websites that will waste your time.
2. Study Stack This site is an archive of user-created flash cards on a huge range of
topics, which you can browse and use to self-quiz through your browser. Medical and
language vocabulary are well represented, as are drills for standardized tests like the
LSAT. You can also create your own flash cards on any topic you like and share it with
the world.
3. Quizlet Find quick quizzes on all sorts of subjects from literature vocabulary to
German food adjectives, as well as vital resources such as nursing abbreviations for the
NCLEX. With over 20 million quiz sets and the option to easily and quickly create your
own sets, this site is a great way to do some quick study.
4. MIT Open Courseware This site provides access to the study material behind most of
the courses taught at MIT, including full, free online introductions to dozens of subjects,
as well as study guides and video lectures. There is no cost or obligation, and it can help
you review or learn more about subjects that interest you.
5. Information Literacy Introduce yourself to the skills you need to successfully navigate
the increasingly deep ocean of information at everyones fingertips. These skills are often
neglected in schools and taken for granted by those who have gained them. Youll learn
about how best to locate, evaluate, and productively share information and resources with
others.
6. Project Gutenberg Named for the inventor of movable-type printing in the West, this
website collects public domain books and makes them available in a variety of digital
formats, including audio books. This site can be vital if your course assigns an unusual or
rare text, or if you just want to save some money in your literature courses.
7. Shakespeare Online This site includes the complete works of William Shakespeare,
including his sonnets, along with selections of quotes, analysis of his plots and themes,
and all the additional Shakespeare information you can imagine. Shakespeares influence
on English-language writing and culture is profound, and much of the information is
interesting in its own right.
8. ULifeline This resource guides you in how to handle stress and mental difficulties you
may run into during your college experience. It includes information on how to keep
yourself well and how to check yourself for signs of disorders, as well as information on
campus-based resources for help. There are even special sections for student athletes and
veterans.
9. Purplemath If you havent been able to get a handle on math, this site gives you a huge
number of conversationally written self-study lessons in different topics from college
algebra to trigonometry. You will also get advice on how to avoid trick questions, along
with resources for free online tutoring.

10. CliffsNotes These famous publishers of literary study guides provide comprehensive
guides to all sorts of topics, complete with self-review questions and other specialized
assistance. Their greatest strength is in literature guides, but material can be found on all
sorts of college subjects, particularly at the introductory level.

Appendix: Other Study Tips

AcademicTips.org This site is a clearinghouse for all sorts of helpful tips for college
students, encompassing studying, taking effective notes, taking tests successfully, and writing
quality scholarship application essays.
How To Study This site, presented in infographic form, includes plenty of tips, tricks, and
factoids on studying, such as night owls low GPA and the problems with music while studying.
Develop Good Study Habits For College Part of wikiHow, an online guide to many skills,
this resource provides thirteen steps to forming good study habits, including concepts like
scheduling your breaks and partying.
9 Awesome Study Tips for College Students Collected from the New York Times, this list
of tips challenges some conventional ideas (dont over-study; tests can actually help you learn)
while endorsing others (flashcards are great).
ACT Test: How to Study for the Science Test This guide is intended for high school-level
or other aspiring college students worrying about the ACTs science exam. It provides advice on
making use of practice tests for self-assessment.
Ten Study Methods that Work Chadron State College provides this site that lists ten ways
to study that are confirmed by research, including information on study environment and
memory.
Fixed-Schedule Productivity This site provides a guide on how to set your number of
hours spent working and studying. Youll also find advice on how to accomplish what you need
to during that period.
How to Study for Computer Science Exams This resource combines tips and thoughtful
discussion from computer science instructors and others on preparing for computer science tests.
Building an Autopilot Schedule This resource provides a discussion on how to structure
your mechanical studying parts, like regular review of notes or reading a chapter of a book,
into a low-stress routine.
Accomplish More by Doing Less This article discusses how Albert Einstein sat down and
figured out relativity by focusing on what was important. Learn how to a carry out a five-step
productivity purge.
How to study for college science classes This resource is provided by the University of
Washington Oshkosh and is based entirely on the observed behaviors of successful students. This
guide advises you to treat science courses like learning a foreign language and tells you how to
be successful in college science courses.
General Advice on Academic Essay Writing From the University of Toronto, this
resource guides you through the not-always-obvious path of writing a successful academic essay.
Self-Help Math Study Skills This resource from Texas A&M University guides you
toward preparing for your coursework, getting help when you need it, and keeping up with your
instructor.

 How to Organize and Conduct Effective Study Groups This guide helps you lead a
study group so all of you get the most possible out of the experience.
Reading Comprehension This guide from Penn State is useful if youve ever read a
textbook chapter and then realized you had no idea what youd just read. Youll learn how to
read more quickly and how to tackle challenging books.
Concept Mapping This guide introduces you to the effective studying method of concept
mapping, whereby you connect the broad ideas of your subject with a guided doodle.
Critical Reading vs. Critical Thinking These two similar-sounding skills are both
essential to studying, but arent the same thing. This guide helps you build your skills in both.
23 Science-Backed Study Tips to Ace a Test This guide will help you if your problem is
performance on tests; it derives its advice from scientific studies on problems in psychology and
learning.
Note Taking This guide introduces you to the ins and outs of note taking, which can be a
subtle art. Even if you have experience, you will find new tips and tricks here.

Appendix: Best Student Credit Cards & Financial Advice

Top Credit Cards for Students

Why should college students get credit cards
Getting their first credit card is a big step for a college student. While credit cards represent a
serious responsibility, they are also very useful. Having a credit card teaches budgeting and
money management. Credit cards also allow students to establish credit history, which will be
necessary when renting an apartment, buying a car, lowering car insurance rates, employment at
some companies, and buying a home.
Thanks to the Credit CARD Act of 2009, it is also safer for college students to get a credit card.
Terms and conditions for credit cards must be transparent, and card issuers cannot raise interest
rates on existing balances or allow a student to exceed the limit so that the issuer can impose an
overlimit fee.
Still, there are some concerns parents should consider before allowing college students to get
their own credit cards. Below well look at some of the issues that are involved, so parents and
students alike can make an informed decision.
How do college students qualify for credit cards?
Under the Credit Card Act of 2009, students under 21 must either have proof of a job that earns
enough to pay the charges on a credit card or they must have a co-signer who is willing to open a
joint credit card account with them. Students also need to have a credit history, which can be
difficult for a first-time credit card application.

Co-signing on a student credit card

Parents with good credit can co-sign on a credit card. Having a co-signer allows the student to
build their own credit history and learn good principles of money management without having to
shoulder 100% of the responsibility of holding a credit card. Both parties on a co-signed card can
benefit from responsible use of a card as the credit history is reported for both individuals.
However, co-signing comes with risks. If the student (or the parent!) cannot manage the account
responsibly by making payments on time, it can harm the credit rating for both individuals. The
parent will also be responsible for all debts and faces penalties and higher interest rates if the
card goes into default.
What are some of the downsides to students having credit cards?
College students leave school with $3000 or more in credit card debt, often on top of student
loan debt that currently averages $35,000 per student.
With so much potential debt in their future, its important that a student with a credit card
understands how to manage their account.

Its tempting to use a credit card as a way to spend beyond their means.

Reward points make it easier to justify unnecessary purchases.

Many cards, especially student credit cards, require low minimum payments. This
encourages smaller payments, thereby accruing interest.

Convenience checks and cash advances make accessing cash easy. Credit cards arent the
same as debit cardsall that money has to be paid back later.

How can college students use credit cards wisely?

They should pay the balance every month, and not accrue charges beyond their means to
repay in a single month.

They should have a part-time or full-time job so that they can pay the balance themselves.

Start with one card with a low limit until the student demonstrates consistent repayment
and sound financial judgement.

The student needs to understand their billing statement and all charges, including the
APR. This also includes the penalties for late or nonpayment. If they travel for study
abroad or vacation, students should also be familiar with the foreign currency transaction
fees for purchases made abroad.

If they have a rewards card, they should be encouraged to use to card to make regular
everyday purchases, so the rewards will work to their advantage. They should not make
purchases just to accrue reward points.

They need to learn that credit cards are not a means of instant gratification.

Top financial advice for college students

Dont be tempted to open a credit card just because they give you a free t-shirt, stuffed animal,
or large pizza. Thats advice from Forbes.com, and is echoed by Moneycrashers.com when they
point out that freshmen should never sign up for a student credit card on a whim.
Meanwhile, Dailyfinance.com reminds us that credit cards arent free money, and you need to
keep track of your spending. Keep track of your spending using tools such as the ones
recommended by Fastweb.com: FinAids Student Budget Calculator or the calculator provided
by Mint.com.

Where students can get their first credit card

Major credit card companies
Most major credit card issuers (Discover, Citibank, etc.) have student credit card options, and
they often have special rates and incentives for students to sign up. Be careful, however, as some
cards may have high interest rates.
Banks
If a student already has a bank account and maintains a regular balance without overdrafts, their
bank may also be a good option for a credit card.
Retail stores
Many retailers offer their own credit cards. The downsides include high interest rates and the
cards can only be used in their stores. However, that limitation can also make them a good first
card, and successful management of a store card can lead to a major credit card later.
Secured credit cards
Secured cards are credit cards that are available to individuals with no (or poor) credit history.
With these, you must make a deposit to the issuer against the credit limit of the card, and then
you use the card as usual. Often if you make all of your payments for a year, the card can be
converted into a regular credit card.
Student Credit Cards we recommend

Discover it for Students Good Grades Rewards

Citi ThankYou Preferred Card for College Students

Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card

Journey Student Rewards from Capital One

State Farm Student Visa

U.S. Bank College Visa Card

Upromise World MasterCard

Appendix: Best Study Apps and Gadgets to Help Your College Grades
Top Study Apps and Gadgets for College Students

Being a college student requires you to juggle many different things. You have to keep track of
your class schedule and homework assignments. Youve just gotten a credit card and you need to
manage your finances. At test time, it would be really handy to have a way to study effectively,
and when the next papers due, youll need a way to find research and keep track of information,
not to mention actually get the paper itself finished on time. And of course, with Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, Reddit and other online distractions, it can be a hassle to get your work done.
Fortunately, there are a number of tools and gadgets that can help you organize your life,
improve your productivity and study habits, and even give you a hand at test time. Below we
review some great tools that will give your studies a boost!
Gadgets
Neo smartpen N2
The Neo Smartpen is a stylus that allows you to write using a pen on special paper. Sensors
within the tip of the pen digitize whatever you write and translate the writing into plain text, and
saves your drawings as images. You can sync your notes with Evernote.
Kingston DataTraveler Micro 3.1
As a student, your digital files are critical to your life, and its a good idea to save important data
and papers in multiple places. To help with this, the Kingston DataTraveler Micro 3.1 is a tiny
metal flash/thumbdrive that you can hang on your keychain so you always have it with you. It
comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage sizes.

Kensington KP400 Switchable Keyboard

Today we all have multiple devices: phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops. Wouldnt it
be great if you had one keyboard that could work with all of them? The Kensington KP400
Switchable Keyboard does exactly that. Connecting with bluetooth, the Kensington KP400 offers
a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad, bringing together the best worlds of functionality
and comfort. Adding to its convenience, it can be powered by batteries or a USB port.
Apps for Time Management & Study Skills
Focus Booster
Keep track of how much time youre spending on productive projectsand how much time you
spend on social mediawith this desktop app. It also provides a timer to make sure you take
regular breaks. (Mac OS, Windows)
iStudiez Pro
Get organized with an online schedule planner that keeps track of all of your classes and
assignments. Once you have iStudiezPro you wont ever forget you have an upcoming quiz or
paper! (iOS, Android, Mac OS)
StudyBlue
Flashcards have never been easier (really!). With StudyBlue you can browse thousands of
uploaded flashcard decks in every conceivable subject and you can also make your own.
Whether youre trying to memorize vocabulary, equations, or the periodic table, StudyBlue has
you covered. (iOS, Android, web)
Finances
Mint
Youre a busy student and the last thing you want to do is spend extra time dealing with your
bills and bank statements. Never fear, the free app from Mint.com allows you to connect all of
your bank accounts, credit cards, and bills so you can manage your money and keep track of
your balance. (iOS, Android, web)
Scholly: Scholarship Search
Scholly makes the process of researching and applying for scholarships easier than ever before.
With the Scholly app you can find scholarships you qualify for, and then track deadlines and

applications. Scholly will even lend a hand when it comes time to write those pesky scholarship
application essays. (iOS, Android)
Papers & Homework
Evernote
There are notes apps, and then theres Evernote. You can take notes on your computer, phone or
tablet and everything syncs flawlessly. You can clip articles or snippets from the internet from
your computer or send a link from the Facebook app directly to your Evernote folders.
Organizing notes is super easy with a folder system, and global search makes finding things a
snap. (iOS, Android, desktop, web)
Dragon Anywhere
Write papers faster by dictation! Dragon Anywhere allows you to use your phone or tablet to
write your rough drafts by speaking into your phones microphone. While you will still have to
edit the work afterwards, it can help you avoid the blank page paralysis! Combine it with
Evernote and you can automatically sync your new creations to your computer. (iOS, Android)
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha is a scientific search engine that does your thinking for you. A great place to
search for data or calculations, it also provides academic apps for students. Check out their
Course Assistant apps in subjects such as Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Discrete Mathematics,
Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Statistics and moreall designed to help you ace your next
class! (iOS, Android)
EasyBib: Citation Generator
Use EasyBib on your computer or mobile device to grab citations for research. They have
billions of citations and you can simply type in a book title or scan book barcodes with your
phones camera. You can choose from a variety of citation formats, including APA, MLA,
Chicago style, and many others. (iOS, Android)
Duolingo
Studying a foreign language? Then you wont want to miss out on Duolingo, a free app to help
you master your language and begin speaking it in no time. Duolingo allows you to level up as
you progress, turning an often difficult process into a game, and makes it fun to learn and share
your new skills with your friends. (iOS, Android, Windows phone)