<p>I know this sounds silly but I just switched from Biotech/Psychology to Poli Sci. I used to be studying formulas, reading textbooks, writing lab reports, etc. Now I have a bunch of reading/paper assignments. I was in IB in high school so I know how to write well, it's just that I don't know how to study poli sci effectively. Should I outline the chapters and study from that? I've been taking detailed lecture notes I was just wondering if there's a good system out there that works for you? I know it sounds stupid but studying for chemistry and stats and biology is a bit different than briefing cases and reading about international relations theories.</p>
<p>Study methods are highly personalized. It may be the same method previous to your switch.</p>
<p>I’m kind of looking for advice. Not just vague answers. I appreciate the input but I’m asking what works for everyone else so that maybe I can adapt it to make it work for me. I realize that study methods are personalized. I’m just asking for some input on what works for some people.</p>
<p>I didn’t mean for that to come off mean or rude, I’m just asking for some more specific input, if possible. Thanks.</p>
<p>You are asking an equally vague question. Use what works best for you:</p>
<p>[Study</a> Methods, Study Tips, Study Skills](<a href=“StackPath”>StackPath)</p>
<p>^ Stop being a pretentious dork.</p>
<p>The OP is just asking for examples of what works for other people.</p>
<p>Poli Sci is reading and writing intensive, so that’s how you will be spending most of your time.</p>
<p>For the most part, if you keep up with your out of class readings you should do pretty well. Since your tests will be in essay form, the most important goal is understanding how to take the material and apply into practical examples.</p>
<p>If you are struggling with a concept, ask your professor, but don’t just ask “what does this mean?”, instead ask, “what does this mean, and how would you like me to apply this example on a test?”</p>
<p>Thank you so much bigeastbeast, I was just trying to get an idea because after studying hard sciences for 2 years it kind of throws you off track when you have to actually sit down and outline chapters (I did that for my bio chem classes but it’s idk just different). I’m really good about keeping up with readings, its just the tests that I’m worried about. Most of my profs go off of lecture notes. </p>
<p>Thanks for the tips, I really appreciate it!</p>
<p>It’s not only a matter of keeping up with the reading. You really have to understand what you are reading and to be able to apply the concepts to other examples. I don’t know what your concentration is in Political Science ( for example: American Politics, Public Policy, Law, World Politics). Whatever it is, it’s important to also read outside sources and be able to relate concepts to current events.</p>
<p>You may want to take advantage of office hours. Go over any questions you have about the concepts with the professor. Try getting together with some of the other students in your class and have a casual discussion about the material. You could also visit the student writing center (most college’s have them) and get some pointers regarding writing a solid essay.</p>
<p>thanks for all of your suggestions! they were really helpful :]</p>
<p>actually i don’t know what my concentration is yet. i have to pick american politics or world politics. which one do you like better? i’m thinking american politics will be more helpful in law school but world politics is really interesting too.</p>
<p>sleep in class, you have a joke major, you don’t need to study. The time spent sleeping will promote neurological capacitance and you should be able to BS at a high level.</p>
<p>in full seriousness though, read a little everyday. Focus on the big picture first and nail in the little details last.</p>