The Great Study Method by Karley

The Great Study Method by Karley - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

There are many great study methods out there. Everyone is different and everyone studies a little different too. Some people study a lot and some just seem to have a photographic memory. Those that have the ability to read notes over once and remember it, they are really lucky. However, there are people like me, one’s who actually have to do a lot more in order to be able to retain information and get a good grade. I’m going to explain the best method that works for me. It has even helped others find a new way to help them as well.

First off, I would like to explain how I studied in high school. It is very simple, I did not. The reason why is also simple; I had no clue how to do so. Unless there were numbers involved, I was not very good at studying. I was always told in high school, you might as well not even go to college because you are not able to do well on the standardized testing. I told them I was going to college and proved them wrong that I could succeed. But it was not easy.

My ACT score was a high of 17. I could not get the 18 and I took it a lot. That does not mean I’m not smart. I’m just not good at standardized tests. I get to college and have these general education courses, I passed them, but it was not easy. The tests were multiple choice, but I had a general idea of what was going to be on them so I tried to study the material. I only got low C’s on my science courses, other than that I had A’s and B’s.

My second year, at the end of the fall semester, I had realized that for my Anatomy and Physiology class, I was not going to be able to pass just by reading the notes. It took me until the end of the semester on the last test, to figure out how to really study and be able to pass a test with a B or higher. The last test I took I got a B on it, but it was not enough. It then occurred to me how I needed to study from then until I graduate.

The study method I used on that last test was a long process, but the repeating of material just kept doing me more good. First off, I got all the material out I needed for the test. If there was more than one chapter, I would do one chapter at a time. I then open the text book to the right chapter and start reading terms and their definitions and browse as I go along. After that is done I go to the end of the chapter and type out the chapter summary and anything else such as review questions. Then will use any worksheets that I have and type them out with the answers. After that is all done I read everything that I typed out and then I write everything out. That is what takes so long, but worth it. I do this for every chapter the day before a test.

The day of the test, I re-read everything through and if I have a weak area I’ll re-rewrite what I need to in order to have it down; memorized enough that I could teach a dog. After all of this prep, I feel confident. I have been coming out with good grades on those tests. It is a long process but well worth the outcome. If you have time and need help, sometimes it just takes a little extra time by yourself, breathe, and go through things. I know this is the best method for me and I believe it has helped me since I have started this study method.