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Center for Academic Success

Study Habits

Effective study habits are key to academic success. Habits are defined by Stephen Covey as "the intersection between knowledge, skill and desire (Covey 47)."

A list of Effective Study Habits:

Time Management: Discover time management tools that can help you!

Habit	Things to Think about
Follow Study Schedule (other than daily to do's or weekly schedule)	At what time will you study for each class? When will you complete homework? Are you using a tutor? Is the time indicated?
Use the Cornell Method of Note-taking	Created by Walter Pauk, this system of taking lecture notes has been proved to improve academic success. There are three components to this method: Cue: 1.5" on left side of paper to create recall questions Notes: 6" on middle section to write notes from lecture Summary: 2" on bottom to create a summary of what is learned on the page (put into your own words). To obtain paper already created in the Cornell Method Style* (lined or not lined) click here.*
Get to know your instructors	Introduce yourself after the first class period Stop by their office hours to confirm that you know the information
Pre-read your textbook before each class (this doesn't mean read thoroughly every night)	Read the objectives of chapter or topic covered in lecture the next day Read introduction and summary Read bold words and definitions Analyze the graphs, diagrams, and pictures
Read about the topic covered in class in your textbook	Compare your notes to your text Identify what is missing from your notes, or what is covered more in depth
Edit your notes every night after class	Rephrase complex ideas into your own words Finish any statement or word you didn't finish in class Write a summary of the notes in your own words (think concepts) at the bottom of the page. This will become a study guide for exams later on.
Review your lecture notes from each class every night	Right before bed, read your notes through. That will help the information find a place in your brain to settle.