Study Smarter:
Working smarter to achieve academic success!
Have you ever heard the phrase, “work smarter, not harder?” The same applies to studying.
The key to success in studying involves developing skills and habits that will help you truly
study smarter. Here are some tips to help you study smarter:
Studying Smarter Tactics
1. Learn the 1:2 rule
• For every hour you spend in class, you should spend two hours outside of
class reading, studying, completing course assignments, etc. See chart below:
Course
Number of
credit hours
Study time (based on
1:2 rule)
Total hours per week for the
course (in and out of class)
AFYS 101
AEGL 101
AMTH 108
AGRY 101
ABIO 101
1
3
3
3
3
2
6
6
6
6
3
9
9
9
9
Total hours (in and out of class
= 39
Based on “Study Time Needed for Coursework” in Steve Piscitelli’s Study skills: Do I really need this stuff?
(2004).
2. Make plans
• Write the days and times you have classes, work, and other fixed obligations
in your planner.
• Next, see where you have time to study and plan study time.
• Plan studying to include the tasks you need to do—read, write flash cards,
review material, study with classmates, etc.
3. Study with the proper tools
Get the required tools for studying. For example, for reading you will need:
textbook, notebook (class notes, handouts, etc.), pen, pencil, and highlighter.
4. Get active
As you study, get active with your subject matter. Mark your textbook and notes,
and make flash cards to remember important dates, definitions, and concepts.
2012