Read whatever material you'll be covering in class beforehand, write down any questions which you might have, create an outline so that you don't have to take notes the entire time and you can fill in the important points.
Study as often as you possibly can. Go over things multiple times, and use some of your free time to keep on studying. The best way to succeed is to be familiar with whatever subject(s) you're learning about.
@xxxddd: You'll have to come up with a studying criteria that suits you best, as it differs from person to person and trying to take on something that you didn't come up with yourself can be challenging, especially because I doubt you and I will ever have the exact same course-load at any one time.
Generally, the rule of thumb for AP high school is around 2-2 1/2 hours of studying for every one hour spent in class, give or take ten minutes because that's normally the amount of time shaved off high school class periods on most days because teachers have to take roll, read off the standards for the day, etc. For college, I suppose it depends on the subject(s) and how long the class is. For example, I study four hours some nights for my 'North American/United States History to 1877' course, despite the fact that the class is only around an hour and fifteen minutes long and we meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That class in particular requires more time devoted to studying because the professor is constantly handing out quizzes and tests, while concurrently I'm also working on a research project in regards to the transition period between the Articles of Confederation and the US Federal Constitution we all know and love today.
However, on the other end of the spectrum, I barely spend more than an hour or so on my Math homework/studying because I do not need to study excessively for the class, while others often do.
Also, here's a tip in regards to downtime: spend it wisely, but do not be afraid to just lounge around and binge-watch a season of The X Files on Netflix or something. Spending a few hours at the gym and taking your mind off of everything can also help and actually lead to better performance in school. Your downtime is essential because that it the time in which you relax and take your mind off of your everyday worries.
@Illuminatus: So dedication, exercise, and time management, thanks.
Side note: With all the studying you do, do you manage to get enough sleep?(and by that I mean at least eight hours every night)
No, I do not. I try to ensure that I will get at least six hours (seven, time permitted) every night, so as to ensure I'm capable of functioning the next day. The key is to make up for that lost sleep over the weekends/holidays, and to start investing in some sort of naturally caffeinated beverage, such as coffee or oolong tea.
No, I do not. I try to ensure that I will get at least six hours (seven, time permitted) every night, so as to ensure I'm capable of functioning the next day. The key is to make up for that lost sleep over the weekends/holidays, and to start investing in some sort of naturally caffeinated beverage, such as coffee or oolong tea.
Red Bull, Google, and Wikipedia are your best friends. Wear flip flops in the shower. If you need to make a paper longer and can't think of enough things to BS about, enlarge all the periods.
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