We’ve asked science majors from universities all over the country to share their no-fail tips for studying success. From the first day to finals, use these tips to help you study smarter.
1) Calendarize the syllabus
The first thing one should do after registering for their class is look at the syllabus. I like using a spreadsheet like Google sheets or Excel to list out all the assignments and quizzes/exams. This lets me know far in advance the average number of assignments I have a week. Plus, I can put the exams in a calendar and track the amount of studying I have to do. - Melanie Perez, Florida International University
Learn more about how to increase productivity and organization when you’re in college.
2) Practice active recall
On some random Tuesday during my first semester, I decided I wanted to use one of the whiteboards in the library to study. I’ve never looked back.
Active recall on a whiteboard is my secret weapon when it comes to studying. Active recall is a study method in which you write as much as you can remember about a topic, then go back through your notes to fill in the gaps.
Back when I used to study with my notes online, I would trick myself into thinking I knew the material just because I read it over multiple times. With the whiteboard, there’s no pretending I know the material. I write down everything I can remember, and then I go back to my notes to fill in what I can’t remember.
After that first round of writing, I erase everything.
I make sure to close my lecture notes and erase every single speck of writing on my whiteboard and write it all over again, trying to include what I forgot the first time. Since it’s not my computer or a notebook, I can’t scroll or turn back to my notes and cheat; either I remember it, or I don’t.
I find that making mind maps with arrows and hand drawn pictures or diagrams is extremely helpful for putting concepts together, especially for biology. The space and flexibility (you can easily erase and move things around) a whiteboard provides is perfect for that.
With this method, I can easily pinpoint my areas of weakness and cut down on study time since it only takes me around three rounds of active recall to remember and connect everything. Also, it’s way more eco-friendly than doing it on sheets of paper! - Ariana Santiago, Temple University
Discover how to find your perfect study space on campus.
3) Stay motivated
The material in most science based classes is extremely dense and can be difficult to take in in one sitting. Something that helps me stay motivated is to take breaks.
Studies have shown our brains can function and focus most efficiently for roughly 30 minutes to two hours. Therefore, in order to keep studying without draining my brain too much, I will study or work on an assignment for 45 minutes then take a five- to ten-minute break.
My favorite thing to do is get outside for some fresh air and even take a quick walk to reset my focus before getting back to work. This helps me stay motivated and avoid passive learning. - Grace Oh, University of Oregon
4) Do practice problems. Don’t memorize.
Memorization doesn’t allow for a deep understanding of a topic, which is crucial in biology due to its complexity.
Rather than just using flash cards to try and understand processes, which are often too intricate to easily summarize, you should try working through examples and practice problems.
This type of studying will give you real experience with applying equations and concepts. It will also make you more confident going into an exam because you’ve gone beyond just memorizing facts. - Maggie Parker, Syracuse University
5) Take care of yourself
The most important thing to do is to take care of yourself.
Studying all day long with no fun in between can lead to burnout. It can take a physical and mental toll on you.
Your college years are an amazing time when you’re young and able to have fun. Go to the sports games, spend time at the gym, join a club, and hang out with your friends! I also love to reward myself with a sweet treat after exams. You are working hard! - Taylor Perline, Ohio State University
For more study tips and tricks, check out the Insider Tips video located within the Freeman Biological Science 7e Mastering Biology course. View an example here.
About the authors
Ariana Santiago
Ariana Saray Santiago Ramos is a sophomore at Temple University pursuing a double major in Biology and Global Studies. She is involved with Boyer College of Dance, and is a member of the Latino Student Association, and of the undergraduate Latino Medical Student Association. Ariana is also the Pearson Campus Ambassador at Temple.
Grace Oh
Grace Oh is a junior at the University of Oregon majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. After graduating I plan to pursue dental school, with my ultimate career goal being an oral maxillofacial surgeon. In my free time, you'll find me embracing the PNW whether it be hiking, running, or going on walks with my friends.
Maggie Parker
Maggie Parker is a senior at Syracuse University majoring in biology, forensic science, and anthropology. She is on the club ski racing team and a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, as well as a member of the TriBeta biological honor society and Delta Delta Epsilon forensic science honor society. When she’s not studying, she enjoys painting miniatures, reading, and listening to Billy Joel.
Melanie Perez
Melanie Perez is a Freshman at Florida International University. She is currently studying biology to pursue medicine in the future. She is an honor student as well as a Chemistry Lab Assistant at FIU. Melanie's dream is to open her own pediatric clinic in the future, where she can help many kids in need. She spends her free time studying, watching anime and hanging out with her pets and family. She speaks English and Spanish, but is interested in learning Japanese.
Taylor Perline
Taylor Perline is a student at The Ohio State University studying Zoology on a Pre-Veterinary track in hopes to become a veterinarian. She is also pursuing a minor in Musical Theatre, as singing and performing is a passion of hers. She is a leadership council member for her university's STEM Exploration and Engagement scholar’s group. She is also a member of other various animal focused clubs alongside theatre clubs. Taylor dreams of someday using the voice that she has strengthened through her stage experience to advocate for voiceless animals in their times of need!
