Helpful Study Tips

The Winter 2017 Quarter is coming to an end and American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) wants its students to go out on a high note! Here are 10 helpful tips when studying for next week’s final exams.

1. Write your notes by hand, not on your computer. According to an article from npr.org, students who took written notes by longhand are forced to paraphrase and summarize therefore the processing that occurs improves learning and retention.
2. Don’t cram! According to an article from apa.org, “spacing out study sessions over a longer period of time improves long-term memory.” For example, if you have 14 hours to spend studying on a subject, it’s best to spread out this studying for the course of 2 weeks. Spend time studying the subject for an hour a day instead of cramming the night before.
3. Review your notes in a quiet space. While you are studying, put yourself in an environment where there are little to no distractions. You can study in your room, a local library or even a park.
4. Find a study partner! Studying with another person and explaining key points is a great way to help process the information for your exam.
5. Don’t talk to the other students regarding what will be on the test. This will only make you more nervous and anxious.
6. Test yourself. Use flashcards and take practice tests. In doing so you will be able to identify the gaps in your memory and spend your next study session trying to fill them, according to an article from buzzfeed.com.
7. Get a good night’s rest. There is a strong connection between sleeping and learning, according to an article from harvard.edu. Even a brief nap may boost memory and problem-solving. Read your notes before you go to bed each night!
8. Eat a healthy breakfast. What you eat and drink can affect your exam performance. Brain-boosting foods include eggs, nuts, whole-grain cereal, apples, oatmeal, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Make sure you are hydrated and drink plenty of water.
9. Take a deep breath. Deep breathing will help prevent or help avoid “test anxiety.”
10. Stay Positive! Your attitude can impact the effectiveness of your studying. Counter negative thoughts with positive thoughts. You’ll do great!

AUHS is a private, for-profit, minority owned, minority serving, Christian-based university whose mission is to educate and equip students with life careers and to produce quality health care professionals for the community, the nation, and the world. It is a university where appreciation of life and one’s spiritual reason for existence can be nurtured.

AUHS offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) and a Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR). To request more information, email admissions@auhs.edu or call (562) 988-2278. For the latest news, pictures and videos of American University of Health Sciences’ events, like us on Facebook @auhs.edu and follow us on Twitter @AUHS_Campus and Instagram @auhsedu.