COLLEGE STUDY TIPS-METHODS, NOTES, APPS, OH MY!
School is back in full swing, which means that so are stressful exams and presentations. No matter the year of school you’re in, it is important to know what methods of studying work best for you. After graduating high school and then college, I have perfected some study tips that helped me get through exam season! Here are some helpful apps that have kept me organized, study methods and tips, and a tutorial on how I take notes on my iPad and more!!
tech:
I either write on paper, my iPad or my computer. I take notes on my computer when tests are open note, because you can use the “Command F” feature to search through your notes while taking your quiz to save time! If a class uses a lot of slides or diagrams, I found it super helpful to screenshot/copy the pictures of them onto my notes.
Tip #1: Physically writing notes is the most beneficial.
Tip #2: Different classes require different notes. This is dependent on professor’s note styles and how much reading you have to do for the class.
Tip #3: Quizlet is an amazing app to use for making online notecards, so you can study anywhere/anytime! You can also search on Quizlet, and there are likely pre-made flashcards for your class that someone else made!
Tip #4: Use Quizlet games to study.
Tip #5: Ask ChatGPT for test questions, have it make you a study guide/outline, or have it help you brainstorm writing ideas! It can also edit writing pieces.
Macbook Pro 2020 (not sold)
iPad Air (just got this one so I didn't talk about it in the video but i love it!!)
note-taking/study tips
Try to familiarize yourself with Google Chrome and Google Suites. Google Keep is one of my favorite to-do list/note-taking app and is so underrated! It is so easy to use. Google Calendar and Google Keep are convenient since they are compatible with phones and computers.
Tip #1: Download lecture slides and write directly on them using these apps down below.
Tip #2: Make sure to take breaks and change sceneries while studying.
Tip #3: Find places on campus to study.
Tip #4: You may be able to go into classrooms if your school leaves them open!
Notability: I love Notability because there are so many different paper and pen options which help me stay super organized.
Goodnotes: They have very unique features, one being an AI handwriting feature which mimics your handwriting. There are also different subscription tiers, meaning you can choose how complex you want your notes to be.
Freeform: Great for collages, to-do lists, or bullet journaling.
Registration tips
Registration is easily one of the most overwhelming parts of college, so I would recommend making an appointment with your advisor before registration begins! This is an easy way to figure out what classes/credits you are still needing, and how to stay on track with your degree plan.
Tip #1: Have multiple backup classes.
Tip #2: Check Rate My Professors. There will be classes that are not recommended by other students but are required for you to take, but it is nice to know what to expect/have an idea of how heavy your courseload will be before you take it.
Tip #3: Find past syllabi for each class. This is an easy way to find out about the test and attendance policy before you are in the class.
Tip #4: Plan to spread out harder classes. Try to avoid loading up on only challenging classes and instead try to balance them with some easier classes if possible.
Tip #5: You may be able to push back taking Gen Ed classes in order to get a better one.
Tip #6: Check to see if your school has a Chrome Extension that allows you to plan out your schedule. UT had one called “UT Registration Plus”.