No matter what grade you’re in, you have properly had some issues figuring out how to really study for an exam. Whether it’s a small quiz to a full regents exam, students still have issues trying to study because it’s not something that can be really taught. However, there are things that students can do that will really help them study to their full potential.

1. Where should you study? Most students, including myself, usually just study in bed because of how easy it is. Besides, it’s not like your location would change how much you can get done. But that actually is incorrect. Being in your bed while studying will not give you the same effect and actually decreases brain activity when you study in bed. So, if you’re going to study, try out different places like maybe your kitchen table or entirely different places like school. In the end, choosing where to study is subjective and it doesn’t hurt to try out a few different spots every time you need to study could help you figure out what’s best for you.
2. What time of day? Anytime of day is fine for studying, however studies have been shown that prove that near the late morning or early evening are the better times to study and are more effective. Again, it shouldn’t make a huge difference if you are already feeling good and aren’t sleep deprived.
3. What methods should you use? There are many different ways of remembering what you need to know. Some suggestions are to make flashcards, make a game for yourself, rewrite the notes you have already taken on the subject, try putting what you need to remember in your own words repeatedly until you know, have someone else quiz you, etc. Any of these methods should help you gain a better knowledge of what you need to remember.
4. How long should you study? If you are studying for only one class, 2 hours is the recommended time for studying. If you are studying for multiple classes, it’s recommended that you should study for 1 hour for each class and alternate each hour. It’s also important to break up what you need to study into parts if you have to remember a lot in a certain topic.
5. How do I avoid distractions? No matter what, the biggest issue with studying is usually the distractions. Especially the phone. The best thing to do with your phone in the case of studying is turning off any alarms or ringers for unnecessary apps. If you need an alarm to know when to switch topics, invest in a physical timer and place it somewhere near you but out of sight. Put your phone in a bag, drawer, or any place just out of your field. Having the phone out at all makes it ten times easier to get distracted and try and make an accusation that you don’t need to study anymore even if you actually do.

Overall, studying isn’t always as easy as some teachers say, if you don’t understand a topic you learned try finding videos on that subject, try asking your teacher for extra help, or ask people you know in a class if they can help you understand. In the end, everyone is able to study. It just takes some extra time and patience. Good luck!