Study Skills FAQ's

Q:  As a freshman, how many credit hours should I take each quarter?
A:  Throughout your college career, you should take at least 15 credit hours or 5 classes each quarter. This is important for two reasons: (1) Every 45 credit hours, you progress to the next classification level. If you successfully complete 15 credit hours fall, winter and spring, upon returning the following fall, you will be classified as a sophomore. (2) Every student at some point in his or her college career takes a class that they have to drop. If you have 15 credit hours, and drop one class, you are still considered a full time student at the university. In some cases, if you drop below full-time status, your health insurance and financial aid could be in jeopardy. To avoid these problems, you should take 15 credit hours each quarter.

Q: On average, how often should I try to meet with my professors?
A:  It is our suggestion that students meet with their professors at least 4 times each quarter. This way, you will always know where you stand in the class, you may receive extra credit opportunities, and you will get personal one-on-one attention directly from your instructor.

Q: On average, how often should I meet with my academic advisor?
A:  We suggest meeting with an academic advisor at least once each quarter, preferably before priority registration. Advisors are important, because they have first hand knowledge of what classes you need to fulfill your major requirements. Meeting with your advisor is also significant because he or she can inform you of the changes in your program, and make sure that the classes you are taking will count towards your major. 

Q:  When should I seek a tutor for my class(es)?
A; You should seek tutorial assistance as soon as you feel you are not doing well in a class. For example, if you fail the first quiz or test, seek assistance immediately. Tutorial assistance is great, especially because many of the tutors have had professors you are currently taking. As such, the tutor can provide you with some test taking tips, perhaps an old test, or how to earn extra credit in the class.

Q: Is it ever good to cram the night before a test?
A:  In our opinion, it is never good to cram for a test. Cramming stores the information in your short term memory. You may score well, but if you have a cumulative test at the end of the quarter, you will not be able to recall the needed class materials. In addition, as you progress up each classification level (go from freshman to senior), the courses you take will get progressively harder, building on the knowledge from your prior courses. For example,  you may need to remember formulas or processes from Algebra to do problems in Calculus. (Please see information from question 7).

Q:  How do I study subjects I do not find interesting?
A:  Many students express dislike of classes, typically their general education requirements that they feel are unrelated to their major and outright boring. The University of Cincinnati has general education requirements so that you exit the university as a well-rounded and academically successful student who is prepared to face the challenges of life. You should remember that you need these classes to graduate from college. It is best to study the subjects you do not like first, to ensure that the assignments and class requirements are met. Then study the classes that you find interesting.

Q: When should I begin studying for a test?
A: You should begin studying for a test from the very first day of class. This means that you should be reading over your notes each day after class. Research states that students who read over their notes each day after class are more likely to retain that information. This is very important especially since some professors give cumulative examinations. This means that you will be responsible for remembering information you received at the beginning of the quarter. You should begin reviewing at least 7 days before the test.

Q; How do you study to retain information?
A:  The best way to study and retain information is to read over your notes each day, before and after your classes.

Q:  What is the best time of day to study?
A:  The best time of the day to study really depends on you, the student. You have to determine what your most optimal times for studying are, some people prefer to use their “daylight” hours to complete their studying, so they have time in the evenings to spend with family, friends, or participating in campus activities. Other students, are “night owls” who prefer to study in the evening hours. It is our belief that the daylight hours are the best times for students to study.

Q:  Is it best to highlight or outline when reading?
A:  There is a technique to highlighting, which many students are unaware of, and tend to highlight entire chapters. Since many students abuse highlighting, it is best to do an outline of the material you are reading. Outlines enable you to visually see how the information relates, see the main ideas and separate out the supporting details. Outlining will also allow you to take notes in your own words, which will help you grasp or understand the material.

Q:  What are some effective reading techniques?
A:  There are many effective reading techniques. The best would be SQ3R or SQ4R. Learning Assistance has a workshop on this topic to help you read your textbook effectively. You can also read the section on information processing in this Academic Toolbox, for some quick tips.

Q:  Is it possible to study with distractions?
A:  It is really hard to study with distractions polluting your mind. You cannot remember information when you are reading if you are distracted in the process. To use your study time effectively, you should avoid distractions completely. If this means studying in a different place, then by all means, please do so.

Q:  Is it better to study by yourself or in groups?
A:  Depends on your personal preference. Some students are able to understand information clearer when studying with their peers. Your peers have a way oftentimes of explaining information in such a way that a professor cannot. Studying in groups is also beneficial, especially if your professor provides a study guide. You can divide the contents, thus cutting your study guide preparation.

Q:  What are the best and worst places to study?
A:  Best place to study is a place that is quiet, well lit, no (or very few) distractions.  The worst place to study is by far sitting in your bed or a comfortable chair, where there is lots of “people traffic” where you end up doing “people watching.”

Q:  What is the best way to take tests when you have time constraints?
A:  Typically, you will always have a specific amount of time allotted to complete your tests here at the University of Cincinnati. The best way to take a test when you have time constraints is to make sure you are adequately prepared before you take the test. Preparation information can be located later in this toolbox under the section that discusses self-testing, one of the LASSI modules. You know going in how much time you will have to take the test, and if you ask, the professor can also provide you with the format of the test. Depending on the format, you can make a guess-estimation as to how many minutes you can dedicate to each section of the test. As an example, say you have a psychology test. The class is 50 minutes long and during the review session the professor tells you the test format: 
• Part I – 10 Matching questions, 1 points each 10 points total
• Part II – 30 Multiple Choice questions, 2 points each 60 points total
• Part III – 5 Short Answer, 6 points each 30 total

You have to you figure out the amount of time you can allocate to each section? You have to include time to listen to the directions as well as time to review your answers… start with what you know, which is the sections of the test, then make an outline.  Your outline may look something like this:
• Professor directions — 3 minutes
• Part I: Matching — 5 minutes
• Part II: Multiple Choice — 30 minutes (1 minute per question)
• Part III: Short Answer — 18 minutes (3 minutes per question)
• Review answers — 4 minutes