factors of study habit

Study Habit
Already Do
Plan to Do
Not Interested
Study every day.

Create a quiet place at home to study.

Turn off the phone, TV, and other devices that may disturb you when studying.

Listen to soft music or other white noise.

Study in a way that suits your learning style.

Take regular breaks, like 5 minutes every half hour.

Study early (don't wait until the last minute).

Study the hardest things first and then move on to easier ones.

Spend the most time on things that you find most difficult.

Ask for help if you are struggling with something.

Take notes as you study, using your own words to simplify complex concepts.

Organize your notes in a notebook or folder.

Look at your notes on a regular basis.

Make connections between the topics you are studying and the topics you have already mastered.

Take practice tests, so you don't panic when it's time for the real test.

Keep track of your study progress using an online program or notebook.

Give yourself a pat on the back after a good study session.

Quiz yourself about what you just studied.

Which Study Habits Can You Improve?
Before you can improve your study habits, you have to identify the strengths and weaknesses in your current study habits.
Indicate where you stand for each study habit. Then click the "What Can I Do?" button to see some ways in which you can improve your study habits.
What's Your Learning Style?
Have you ever wondered why you do better in some classes than others? It may depend on your individual learning style. Your learning style influences the way you understand information and solve problems.
There are three primary learning styles:
Visual
Auditory
Tactile
What Kind of Student Are You?
Download Worksheet (PDF)
Indicate how each statement best describes you. Then click the "Show Me the Results" button to see how you rank. Aspects
Mostly True
Sometimes True
Not True
I care about doing well in school.

I try my best in school each day.

I do my homework.

I understand things that I have read.

I have the things I need for class.

I get along well with my teachers.

I take good notes in class.

I am good at taking tests.

I ask and answer questions in class.

I am happy with my grades.

How Strong Is Your Character?
When admissions counselors or employers review your application, your activities and interests give them a glimpse into your character. The stronger your character, the more attractive you are as a potential candidate. Your character is the sum of all the qualities that make you who you are: your values, your thoughts, your words, your actions.
Select some of the positive character traits below that you either have now or would like to have. Then click the "Show Me the Results" button to see how you rank and get some tips for building stronger character.
Start Over
I am or want to be:
Assertive/A Leader
Diligent
Motivated
Caring/Compassionate
Disciplined
Observant
Communicative
Enthusiastic
Optimistic
Community Focused
Fair/Impartial
Patient
Confident
Focused
Resourceful
Cooperative/A Team Player
Generous
Respectful
Courageous
Honest
Responsible
Courteous/Polite
Humble
Sincere
Creative
Kind/Considerate
Tolerant
Dependable/Reliable
Loyal
Trustworthy
Students grapple with many issues in their lives, and because of all of the competing things for your attention, it’s hard to concentrate on studying. And yet if you’re in school, you have to do at least a little studying in order to progress from year to year. The key to effective studying isn’t cramming or studying longer, but studying smarter. You can begin studying smarter with these ten proven and effective study habits.
1. How you approach studying matters
Too many people look at studying as a necessary task, not an enjoyment or opportunity to learn. That’s fine, but researchers have found that how you approach something matters almost as much as what you do. Being in the right mindset is important in order to study smarter.
Sometimes you can’t “force” yourself to be in the right mindset, and it is during such times you should simply avoid studying. If you’re distracted by a relationship issue, an upcoming game, or finishing an important project, then studying is just going to be an exercise in frustration. Come back to it when you’re not focused (or obsessed!) by something else going on in your life.
Way to help improve your study mindset:
Aim to think positively when you study, and remind yourself of your skills and abilities.
Avoid catastrophic thinking. Instead of thinking, “I’m a mess, I’ll never have enough time to study for this exam,” look at it like, “I may be a little late to study as much as I’d like, but since I’m doing it now, I’ll get most of it done.”
Avoid absolute thinking. Instead of thinking “I always mess things up,” the more objective view is, “I didn’t do so well that time, what can I do to improve?”
Avoid comparing yourself with others, because you usually just end up feeling bad about yourself.
2. Where you study is important
A lot of people make the mistake of studying in a place that really isn’t conducive to concentrating. A place with a lot of distractions makes for a poor study area. If you try and study in your dorm room, for instance, you may find the computer, TV, or a roommate more interesting than the reading material you’re trying to digest.
The library, a nook in a student lounge or study hall, or a quiet coffee house are good places to check out. Make sure to choose the quiet areas in these places, not the loud, central gathering areas. Investigate multiple places on-campus and off-campus, don’t just pick the first one your find as “good enough” for your needs and habits. Finding an ideal study place is important, because it’s one you can reliably count on for the next few years.
3. Bring everything you need, nothing you don’t
Unfortunately, when you find an ideal place to study, sometimes people bring things they don’t need. For instance, while it may seem ideal to type notes into a computer to refer back to later, computers are a powerful distraction for many people because they can do so many different things. Playing games, going online, IM’ing, surfing the Web, and answering emails are all wonderful distractions that have nothing to do with studying. So ask yourself whether you really need a computer to take notes, or whether you can make do with the old-fashioned paper and pen or pencil.
Don’t forget the things you need to study for the class, exam or paper you’re focusing on for the study session. Nothing is more time-consuming and wasteful than having to run back and forth regularly because you forget an important book, paper, or some other resource you need to be successful. If you study best with your favorite music playing, make sure your iPod is with you.