<p>So I've just gotten my first few exam grades back and they aren't as high as I would want them to be. I've gotten three B's in my classes (chemistry, calculus, and UGS) so far and during high school I would usually get mid to low A's. I got to thinking that the problem was with my study habits. I usually just do the recommended homework required for the class and then just not look at the material again after that until exam time comes and I have to review. I even ended up getting a C in my geology class which I actually read the book in and nobody else does. The exam was just worded so awkwardly and there was a huge amount of material to study for. I started reviewing about a week before the exam and still ended up with a horrible grade. I just don't understand why. </p>
<p>What are some good study habits to develop here in college compared to high school courses?</p>
<p>It’s normal for your grades to drop a bit from HS. I recommend finding a quiet place to study (IE. PCL) and studying at least 3-4 days before your exam on a consistent basis.</p>
<p>Go to class!!! and take good notes. You dont have to read the whole book, but use the textbook for reference material. Most exams are based on class notes than the whole textbook material. Also try and find out patters in how your professors tests questions from former students</p>
<p>You’ve got to have a study group. Don’t take these classes on alone. A quiet corner alone with your chemistry book will only put you to sleep.</p>
<p>One admissions counselor at another school said the biggest study problem new freshmen have is all the unscheduled time that gets wasted. He recommended you consider school to be your job and schedule working hours each week which are devoted to homework, just like it was a job.</p>
<p>^I always study alone. It works for me. Actually, I think it really depends on your personality, whether you can stay more focused in a group or not. I, for one, am easily distracted in a crowd.</p>
<p>But it’s true that by scheduling a study group, it gives you more sense of “responsibility” to study because you have made a “promise” to come.</p>
<p>This isn’t high-school anymore where the smart kid in the group does everything. Everyone is now the smart kid. You never learn something better than when you teach it. Studying in a group is the key to success in college, in my opinion. You just have to make sure to limit the group number to 3-4 to not get distracted.</p>
<p>I’v found groups are only helpful in certain situations and classes. Also, only with the right people. I’ve found that it is too easy to get side tracked and it just isn’t necessary for every class, and certainly not all the time.</p>
<p>^So, I conclude that studying in a group will get more important in the junior and senior year, where you are taking classes specific to your department together with classmates of the same major and interest =)</p>