Have you ever spent hours studying for an exam only to end up unsatisfied with your grade? Have you ever opened up your books just to feel suddenly unmotivated to study for your next midterm? You’re not the only one who has ever felt this way. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to feel motivated and confident when it comes to studying for your next exam.
Here are the top four study tips for computer science majors:
1. Plan ahead of time.
This may sound easy, but it can be so challenging to keep track of everything when you’re in the thick of the semester. Your required courses as a computer science major will be full of projects and midterms. Before you get overwhelmed, buy a planner and keep it with you at all times. Write down all your assignments and due dates as soon as you know them, and although this may sound unnecessary, make your planner look pretty! A neat and organized planner will keep your brain relaxed.
If you prefer a digital planning option, check out Edlyft on Track, a new personalized college student planner app optimized for CS students with long projects.
2.Seek help when you need it.
Make it a habit to ask for help whenever you need it. There’s nothing wrong with consulting a friend, a professor, a TA, or a fellow student from Edlyft when you come across something in your study session you don’t fully understand. Reach out ahead of time, and let them know what you have tried so far and what you are stuck on. Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat information if you don’t get it the first time.
3. Carefully select where you study.
Pay attention to where you’re studying and whether or not it feels conducive to your work. Everyone is different! You may be a person that thrives in group study sessions, or you might prefer to study alone. Maybe you feel most motivated in the library. Perhaps you work best when studying at home. Choose whichever environment feels most comfortable to you, so it’s easy to stay focused and productive.
4. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Take a deep breath. It’s ok to make mistakes! You wouldn’t learn without those. Some coursework will come to you more naturally than other coursework, and that is okay. Build breaks into your study time to recharge. When you return, you’ll feel refreshed and energized. Taking care of your mental health is important.
Need an extra boost in your study sessions? Edlyft is here to help. Sign up here to be the first to know about our latest offerings.