Improve Your Productivity: Study Smarter not Harder
- Study in Short Bursts of 30 to 90 minutes, then take a long break.
- Plan your study sessions: what will you accomplish in the next study session?
- Motivate yourself with fun breaks: "I will finish this problem in 30 minutes and then go to the house coffee hour."
- Manage Procrastination by doing a little bit at a time. Feeling overwhelmed by work is the number one reason for procrastination!
- Plan to study between 18 and 22 hours per week in typical weeks.
- Study Consistently: 3 hours per day, broken into 90 minute study sessions, is more productive and efficient than a 15 hour binge on the weekend.
- Work on High Priority Tasks First!
Maintain Motivation
The academic year is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to take care of yourself so that you have the energy for spring final exams. Plan relaxation, exercise, social activities or a fun event to look forward to.
Keep a positive attitude: For example, plan to improve over the year rather than hoping to start out as a star student. Or, if you score lower than you would have like on an exam, pat yourself on the back for working hard and remember that you will improve over time.
Don't spend valuable energy scolding yourself over past efforts. Get organized now and focus on your current efforts.
