I remember cramming for the SAT in high school, pulling long study sessions that stretched late into the night. At the time, I thought more hours meant better preparation. Then, when it came time for the MCAT, I tried a similar approach but quickly hit a wall. The constant mental strain led to burnout and left me struggling to retain information. That experience taught me that the quality of study outweighs the quantity.
If I had known about more effective study techniques earlier, it would have saved me a lot of stress.
So, let me introduce you to scientifically backed-up study methods that not only improve retention, but also help prevent burnout when tackling standardized tests.
1. Spaced Repetition: Mastering the Art of Timing
This technique involves spreading out study sessions over time. It's grounded in the spacing effect, a concept first introduced by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus. Research shows that spaced repetition strengthens memory consolidation, enabling you to retain information for longer periods.
How it works: Instead of studying one subject for hours, break it into chunks and revisit the material at gradually increasing intervals (one day, then three days, then a week). You can use apps like Anki or Quizlet to automate this process.
Personal note: Using Anki helped me retain information for over 3 months while I was studying for the MCAT!
2. Active Recall: Strengthening Memory through Testing
Active recall involves retrieving information from memory without looking at notes or textbooks. Studies show that self-testing is far more effective than passive reviewing. By recalling information, you strengthen neural pathways associated with that knowledge.
How it works: Use flashcards or practice questions, or try summarizing concepts without any reference material. If you struggle to remember something, that’s a good sign—it means you’re strengthening that memory by working harder to retrieve it.
Personal note: When I used Anki/Quizlet, before I clicked to see the other side of my “flashcard,” I would write the answer down in a notebook to really see if I knew the information or not.
3. The Pomodoro Technique: Balancing Focus and Breaks
If you struggle with studying for multiple hours at a time, this method is for you! The Pomodoro Technique promotes productivity by breaking study sessions into 25-minute intervals (called "Pomodoros") with 5-minute breaks in between. After four Pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes). This method prevents burnout by balancing periods of focused work with rest.
Why it works: Studies show that our ability to focus declines after about 25–30 minutes of intense concentration. Taking regular breaks helps maintain mental sharpness throughout longer study periods.
My experience: I used to study for hours straight, thinking I was maximizing my time. But after adopting Pomodoro, I realized that those short breaks helped refresh my mind, allowing me to come back to the material with renewed focus.
4. Interleaving: Mixing It Up for Better Retention
Interleaving involves studying different topics or subjects in one session, rather than sticking to one. It may feel counterintuitive at first, but it forces your brain to adapt to different contexts and enhances learning by helping you recognize the connections between concepts.
Why it works: A study by Rohrer and Taylor (2007) showed that students who mixed practice problems from different math topics performed better on exams than those who practiced one type of problem at a time.
How to apply it: When studying for the MCAT, for instance, mix math practice with some English/reading questions. This constant switching helps with deeper learning and prevents mental fatigue from the prolonged focus on just one subject.
5. Mindful Study: Incorporating Reflection and Wellness
Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, breath work, or even yoga help maintain focus and reduce stress levels. A 2013 study found that just 20 minutes of mindful meditation before studying can improve cognitive performance, attention, and working memory.
Practical tip: Take a 5-minute meditation break during Pomodoros. Grounding yourself helps reset your focus and combat the anxiety that builds up during stressful study periods.
6. Sleep: Your Brain’s Hidden Study Tool
I cannot stress enough how important sleep is for learning. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes new information, and enhances problem-solving skills. Studies have shown that students who sleep well after learning to retain information better than those who pull all-nighters.
How to implement: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, and aim for 7-9 hours of rest, especially before exams. The MCAT/SAT/ACT all test your critical thinking skills, and adequate sleep sharpens this ability.
7. Reflection and Self-Assessment: Analyzing Your Progress
Effective learning involves not just absorbing information but also reflecting on what you’ve learned and assessing your progress.
How to apply it: After each study session, take 5 minutes to reflect on your efficiency. Ask yourself: Did I grasp the core concepts? What can I improve? This metacognitive approach will make your learning more intentional.
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to studying.
It’s important to recognize that each person learns differently, and part of the journey is figuring out which techniques work best for you. For some, active recall might be the game-changer, while others might thrive with spaced repetition or interleaving. Experimenting with these methods allows you to build a study routine that aligns with your learning style, and, most importantly, helps you avoid burnout in the process.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help. Throughout my own academic journey, there were moments when having a mentor or tutor to guide me would have made all the difference. Whether it's through a formal tutoring program like Cambridge Coaching or simply reaching out to a classmate or instructor, seeking support helps you stay on track and provides new perspectives. Having someone who’s been through the process can make the path less daunting and help you navigate challenges more effectively.
In the end, the key is flexibility. Be open to modifying these techniques, try new approaches, and don’t hesitate to lean on your network for help. Studying smarter, not harder, isn’t about rigidly following a formula—it’s about creating a system that works for you, so you can achieve your goals without sacrificing your well-being. If I could go back, I’d remind myself that learning is a marathon, not a sprint, and there’s strength in taking care of both your mind and body along the way.
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