Midterms can come up quickly, but studying longer isn't always the best way to prepare. Using effective study strategies can help you make the most of your time, remember what you've learned and figure out what you still need to review. 

Try these five study tips as you prepare for your next midterm or exam. 

1. Make a study plan 

Instead of trying to review everything at once, break your coursework into smaller topics and spread your studying across several days. 

Start by checking what will be covered on your exam. Then, schedule time to review different topics throughout the week. Returning to material over multiple study sessions can help you remember it better than trying to learn everything in one long session. 

As you study, focus extra time on concepts or problems you find challenging. 

2. Test yourself 

Rereading notes or highlighting a textbook can feel productive, but try putting your materials away and seeing what you can remember. 

You can: 

• Answer practice questions without looking at your notes. 

• Use flashcards to quiz yourself. 

• Write down everything you remember about a topic, then check what you missed. 

• Explain a concept out loud as if you were teaching it to someone else. 

• Create your own questions or practice problems. 

Testing yourself can help you identify what you already know and what you need to spend more time reviewing. 

3. Mix up your studying 

Studying the same thing for hours can make it harder to stay focused. Try switching between different topics or types of problems during a study session. 

For example, instead of spending two hours on one type of math problem, practice a few different types. For another course, you might review one topic, quiz yourself and then move to a different topic before returning to the first one later. 

Mixing up your practice can help you get better at recognizing which information or approach you need to use. 

4. Take breaks and limit distractions 

You don't have to study for hours without stopping. Short, focused study sessions with breaks can help you stay on task. 

Try the Pomodoro Technique: focus on one task for about 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. After a few rounds, take a longer break. You can also adjust the timing to find what works best for you. 

During your focused study time, put your phone away or turn off notifications and limit other distractions when possible. Finding a study spot that works for you can also make it easier to focus. 

5. Ask for help 

If you don't understand something, you don't have to figure it out alone. Asking questions early can help you clear up confusion before an exam. 

Consider: 

• Talking through a concept with a classmate or study group. 

• Going to your instructor's office hours or a help lab. 

• Using tutoring or other academic support. 

• Visiting The Writing Center for help with papers and writing assignments. 

• Connecting with University Libraries for help with research projects. 

You can also review tutoring and academic support resources available to CU Boulder students. 

  Find academic support at CU Boulder 

Academic Success & Achievement Program (ASAP Tutoring) 
ASAP offers free peer tutoring and other academic support for first-year students and students living on campus. 

Tutoring and academic support 
Explore tutoring and academic support options available across CU Boulder. 

Disability Services 
If you use testing accommodations, review your arrangements before your exam and make sure you know how your accommodations will be provided. Contact your access coordinator if you have questions.