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Harley
Student
McKeesport, Pennsylvania
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What is different about studying for college exams than studying for high school exams? #Spring25
Any study recommendations?
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Nahid Ferdous
9
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Austin, Texas
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Nahid’s Answer
High school exams are often limited to sessional content based on the length of your grading period. For example, your grading periods might be broken down into 9-week segments, and you have 1 or 2 tests within each grading period based on the content covered by the teacher. While finals are important, some teachers allow the option to skip them entirely if your class average is high enough. High school quizzes and exams are also often focused on mastering objectives rather than application.
In contrast, college exams can vary significantly depending on the subject or teacher. Since college professors are generally limited to semester schedules, content is taught at a much faster pace than high school, and quizzes and exams focus on application rather than objectives. So you'll not only need to understand definitions and/or theories, but many exams will also require you to show or explain your understanding through essay questions, short answers, diagrams, drawings, formulas, etc. Since professors teach at a much faster pace than high school, you can also be expected to have more content to study per exam period. For example, the content I learned in 1 semester of high school chemistry was taught to us in 2 or 3 weeks in college. Additionally some classes won't have exams at all throughout the semester, and your grade will rely on quizzes and/or projects. And unlike high school, a final exam or project of some sort is usually required, especially for lower-division courses.
My best advice for studying are:
1. Learn to take good notes - A lot of college classes rely on dense textbook material for supplemental learning, so note-taking is important to make sure you can digest and review all the important details. Occasionally there may be some professors who allow you to use your notes for quizzes as well!
2. Practice memorizing and synthesizing information - You'll have tons of information to learn and study in college, and it can get overwhelming. The better your memory, the faster and easier studying becomes.
3. Time your breaks to prevent procrastination - It's easy to fall behind in college if you miss a study day or get a late start. Breaks are healthy and important, but make sure you set hard deadlines for yourself so you don't end up procrastinating or getting too distracted.
4. Create study blocks - On the flip side, if it's difficult for you to focus or get motivation for studying, setting up a schedule with studying time blocked off can help you build a routine to get and stay in focus mode. Try to stick to your schedule as much as possible to help build a routine and enhance your study habits.
5. Go to office hours or tutoring when needed - College doesn't always provide the opportunity for you to get to you know teacher or TA at a personal level, but this shouldn't stop you from reaching out for help. Sometimes students feel shy or embarrassed to admit when they're having trouble, but most faculty are open and willing to help if a student speaks up.
In contrast, college exams can vary significantly depending on the subject or teacher. Since college professors are generally limited to semester schedules, content is taught at a much faster pace than high school, and quizzes and exams focus on application rather than objectives. So you'll not only need to understand definitions and/or theories, but many exams will also require you to show or explain your understanding through essay questions, short answers, diagrams, drawings, formulas, etc. Since professors teach at a much faster pace than high school, you can also be expected to have more content to study per exam period. For example, the content I learned in 1 semester of high school chemistry was taught to us in 2 or 3 weeks in college. Additionally some classes won't have exams at all throughout the semester, and your grade will rely on quizzes and/or projects. And unlike high school, a final exam or project of some sort is usually required, especially for lower-division courses.
My best advice for studying are:
1. Learn to take good notes - A lot of college classes rely on dense textbook material for supplemental learning, so note-taking is important to make sure you can digest and review all the important details. Occasionally there may be some professors who allow you to use your notes for quizzes as well!
2. Practice memorizing and synthesizing information - You'll have tons of information to learn and study in college, and it can get overwhelming. The better your memory, the faster and easier studying becomes.
3. Time your breaks to prevent procrastination - It's easy to fall behind in college if you miss a study day or get a late start. Breaks are healthy and important, but make sure you set hard deadlines for yourself so you don't end up procrastinating or getting too distracted.
4. Create study blocks - On the flip side, if it's difficult for you to focus or get motivation for studying, setting up a schedule with studying time blocked off can help you build a routine to get and stay in focus mode. Try to stick to your schedule as much as possible to help build a routine and enhance your study habits.
5. Go to office hours or tutoring when needed - College doesn't always provide the opportunity for you to get to you know teacher or TA at a personal level, but this shouldn't stop you from reaching out for help. Sometimes students feel shy or embarrassed to admit when they're having trouble, but most faculty are open and willing to help if a student speaks up.