Top Ten Study Strategies to Study as Effectively as Harvard Students

The transition from high school to college level academics can be an overwhelming experience for many students. Facing heavier course loads, determining the most effective study methods can feel daunting.

Productive study techniques are powerful because they incorporate diverse learning approaches. As noted by Jessie Schwab, a psychologist and instructor at Harvard, we often misjudge our own learning acquisition. While reciting memorized facts appears to demonstrate grasp, it does not necessarily equate to retention.

“Decades of cognitive research has shown learners regularly miscalculate comprehension,” says Schwab. “Memorization may mimic understanding, but the information may not be deeply processed enough to recall later, whether days or merely hours after.”

1. 1.Avoid Cramming

2. It may be tempting to put off studying for major exams until the last minute, but research shows cramming does little to aid long-term retention of concepts. While students may perform satisfactorily on tests they’ve crammed for, it does not necessarily translate to real mastery per an American Psychological Association article. Studies have found spacing out study sessions with the goal of retaining knowledge long-term leads to stronger overall learning compared to last-minute cramming.

3. 2.Plan Ahead and Follow Through

4. Developing a study plan with defined objectives helps feel better prepared and provides a roadmap. Schwab notes procrastination as a common pitfall for university students adjusting to heavier workloads from high school. “Most students are used to less demanding prior course loads, so my top recommendation is don’t cram,” Schwab advises. “Make a study schedule in advance and stick to it.”

5. 3. 3.Seek Assistance

   4. You don’t need to struggle alone with challenging concepts. While high school students often shy from help, college learners regularly utilize extra support sources. Our biology major guide notes, “Be proactive identifying weak areas and seek help immediately – the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover.”

   Resources include professors, tutors, peers. Harvard provides academic coaching, workshops and accountability hours through the Academic Resource Center to keep students on track.

   4. 4.Partner Up

   5. Classmates likely face similar hurdles. Reach out to form study groups for reviewing together, problem-solving and mutual encouragement through difficulties. Preparing with others allows questioning each other, building long-term connections that strengthen comprehension throughout the course and beyond.

   6. 5.Discover Your Style

   7. Determining the most efficient study techniques takes trial and error. Beyond re-reading notes or flashcards, try varied validation methods. As Schwab advises using metacognition – thinking about cognitive processes – to find strategies fitting your individual learning style.
   8. Schwab recommends the following approach:Before reading a new chapter or lecture, recall prior knowledge on the topic and expected learning goals.
      While engaging with the material, take additional notes – related concepts sparked, potential ties to other courses. Note questions too.
      After, summarize insights gained and seek answers remaining inquiries.

      6. 6.Take Breaks

      7. The brain can only absorb so much at a time. As the National Institutes of Health note, research shows breaks between study sessions boost retention.

      Studies indicate rest plays as important a role as practice in skill retention. Downtime allows our brains to simplify and solidify memories from recent learning.

      Be sure to schedule sufficient relaxation, reflection and sleep between study periods so your brain remains fresh to uptake new information.

   9. 7. 7.Establish an Ideal Setting

      8. Your environment affects focus as much as technique.

      Find a distraction-free area stocked with required materials/supplies. Keep snacks and water close for steady fuel during sessions.

      8. 8.Motivate with Milestones

      9. Maintaining drive through demanding study stretches tests stamina. Yet research shows rewarding progress boosts enjoyment and interest in tasks.

      Rather than one finale prize, Science Daily cites studies where miniature wins throughout a process lift motivation.

      For conquering an arduous study stage, treat yourself – maybe ice cream or an episode of your favorite show. Small uplifts replenish spirits for continued success.

   10. 9. Review, Review, Review

   11. Practicing the information you’ve learned is the best way to retain information.Researchers Elizabeth and Robert Bjork have argued that “desirable difficulties” can enhance learning. For example, testing yourself with flashcards is a more difficult process than simply reading a textbook, but will lead to better long-term learning.

       “One common analogy is weightlifting—you have to actually “exercise those muscles” in order to ultimately strengthen your memories,” adds Schwab.

       10. Set Specific Goals

   12. Setting specific goals along the way of your studying journey can show how much progress you’ve made. Psychology Today recommends using the SMART method:Specific: Set specific goals with an actionable plan, such as “I will study every day between 2 and 4 p.m. at the library.”
       Measurable: Plan to study a certain number of hours or raise your exam score by a certain percent to give you a measurable benchmark.
       Realistic: It’s important that your goals be realistic so you don’t get discouraged. For example, if you currently study two hours per week, increase the time you spend to three or four hours rather than 10.
       Time-specific: Keep your goals consistent with your academic calendar and your other responsibilities.
       Using a handful of these study tips can ensure that you’re getting the most out of the material in your classes and help set you up for success for the rest of your academic career and beyond.