According to Indiana University the average American student only studies 3 hours each week. That amounts to 20 minutes a day. A total of 60,000 students responded to this high school survey. Each year thousands of students enter college thinking they can use high school study habits and easily sail through a college degree. They have a rude awaking when they discover success in college requires a minimum of three to five hours studying each day. According to Indiana University the average American student only studies 3 hours each week. That amounts to 20 minutes a day. A total of 60,000 students responded to this high school survey. Each year thousands of students enter college thinking they can use high school study habits and easily sail through a college degree. They have a rude awaking when they discover success in college requires a minimum of three to five hours studying each day. Studying the night before their examination seemed so much easier in high school. The Stanford Institute for Higher Education Research tiled “Betraying the College Dream says there is a substantial disconnect between high schools and colleges due to vague messages about what students need to succeed in college.

The Stanford report says 40 percent of student who enter college take some type of remedial course. Most students do not know the secrets of improving their study skills and earning great grades in college. Some students think the answer is studying all night before a major examination. There are other students say college success is based on a photographic memory inherited from a parent. Dr. Jones says there are seven fundamental study habits that every student must master to get started on the right pathway toward graduation from college.

1. Prepare for all Test Ahead of Schedule- Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for an examination. Most students increase their level of test anxiety because they feel unsure that they have studied everything.

2. Start a Study Group-Get together with a group of students who are enrolled in your class. A student should set a date when they will meet and give out assignments so each person has a responsibility.

3. Don’t Procrastinate on Projects- Each students should start all assignments in sufficient time to perform their best work. For example, if a science project is due in December they should start the project by October. Also, start all studying for examinations at least 4 days before the test will occur. If a term paper is due in November start students should their paper in September. Develop a plan that has cut off dates for each segment of the assignment.

4. Get the Energy you Need- Many students put off the first meal of the day. They are missing the most important meal of the day. Scientists have discovered that eating a good breakfast is better for every ones overall health. Feeding yourself with healthy foods and exercising have a positive effect on the brain.

5. Get organized. Students must purchase several three ring binders for all of their courses English, math, history and science. Keep copies of your homework, quizzes and examinations in each binder. Make a copy of the syllabus and put it in a binder. Use the binder each time you study for an examination.

6. Talk to Your Teacher- Often students are afraid to talk to their teacher - Meet with your teacher in their office at the beginning of the semester. Let them know that you want to understand every thing you must do to earn an A+. Always show interest in the subject they are teaching by sitting in the front of the class. Go to class with questions you’ve written on a sheet of paper.

7. Read your Textbook- Read your textbook assignment before every class. Reading early is beneficial because you will be prepared for your class. A student will feel confident that they have knowledge of each subject and that they can answer their teacher’s questions.


To avoid the pitfalls of procrastination a student must have an academic plan. An effective study skills plan starts with organizing all learning materials. Begin with the end in mind. The student should determine what they would like to learn from each course. Instead of making plans to study at the last minute follow a calendar. A student who plans will experience the freedom of knowing where to find information when they need it. A high school student who uncovers poor study habits that block them from maximizing learning can accelerate their college academic achievements.

Students who follow the seven study skills strategies are on their way to learning the key to mastering college life. There is one more thing that is a vital factor to a student’s success. They must have a positive attitude and expectation that they will earn a good grade. A student should approach each class with an expectation that they are going to earn an A+ and they will be half way down the road to a successful academic year. Launch into each study session with enthusiasm and excitement about the new information they are about to learn. It’s important to invest additional quality time studying to raise their confidence in each class. Each student should remember that the formula for success in college is to study two to three hours for every hour that they attend a class.

Practice the Seven Secrets of How to Study and you will prepare yourself for lifetime of excellent grades and graduation from college. Dr. Stephen Jones is author of the “Seven Secrets of How to Study”, Go on the internet at http://sevensecrets-books to order a book or to order by telephone call 800-533-6032.