Study Skills
DOs, DON’Ts, and Everything
Else You Need to Know to Be
Academically Successful In
College
UMKC Counseling Center
Getting Ready to Study
• Know what the requirements are for
EVERY class for the WHOLE semester
• Keep a calendar of due dates – and
CHECK IT FREQUENTLY
• Plan regular study time into your
schedule
Getting Ready to Study
• Prepare a quiet study space, free from
distractions
• Expect to study 3-4 or more hours a
week for each class
• Know your learning style – auditory,
visual, tactile
Reading Your Textbook
• DO read assigned readings before class
• DON’T get behind on readings and
assignments
• Use ACTIVE READING
– Mark up your book (you paid for it!)
– Check out headings, first sentences,
boldface words, section summaries
– Test yourself with review questions
Reading Your Textbook, continued
• Divide up the assignment
• Test your understanding at the end of
each section
• Take breaks
• Reward yourself
Taking Good Notes
• Get to class early; review notes from last class
• DO sit in near the front of the room to
minimize distractions
• Date and title the lectures
• If the instructor provides power point slides,
still take your own notes
• DON’T try to write everything down – use
active listening to discern the main points and
supporting information
Taking Good Notes, continued
• Try to use your own words to capture
concepts; this is not about memorizing what
the instructor said
• If you don’t get it all, leave a space, then ask
the instructor or another student after class
• ASK QUESTIONS!!!
• DO review your notes after class and make a
note of concepts you don’t understand; check
these against the text or with the instructor
Studying for Exams
• DON’T wait to study until test time
• DON’T assume the instructor will tell you
what’s going to be on the test
• DO assume that any information from the text
or lecture is fair game
• DO join a study group
Studying For Exams, continued
• Know what kind of test it is – multiple choice,
problems, essay, etc.
• Test your knowledge using the kind of
questions that will be on the test
• Anxious? Eliminate irrational fears about testtaking. Seek help if needed.
For More Help…
Center for Academic Development
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
www.umkc.edu/cad
235-1174
Writing Center
http://cas.umkc.edu/writingcenter/
235-1146
Counseling Center
www.umkc.edu/chtc/counseling
235-1635