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What study habits or resources made the biggest difference for you when doing coursework?

I am a high school senior going to college as an accounting major. Any studying tips or advice would be greatly appreciated! #Spring25


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Nancy’s Answer

Hey, awesome question! I'm really happy to see you're planning for success!

1. Don't be shy about asking questions in class. It might feel a bit scary, but trust me, others will be thankful you did. It saves you time later trying to figure out what the professor meant, and it can make things clearer right away.

2. This tip takes some effort, but it's really worth it: Every day, go over your notes from that day and the two days before. This helps you remember things better.

3. Make sure to visit office hours at least once for each class, even if it's just to say hi to the professor or teaching assistant. They can share useful insights that help connect ideas. If you're having trouble with the course material, try to go to office hours as often as you can. Professors are there to teach, so take advantage of their time to get your questions answered.

Hope this helps you out. Good luck with your studies!
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Alex’s Answer

Hi Ewura,

When I moved from high school to college, the toughest lesson was learning to study a little every day. It's way easier to tackle each topic daily than to cram everything in right before a test. It took me quite a while to get this down, but once I did, it made a big difference. Without the pressure of an upcoming exam, it can be tough to find the motivation to study, especially with all the fun stuff happening around you. But putting in the effort early on really pays off in the long run and makes the next topics easier to handle.
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Neil Austin’s Answer

1. Active Learning Techniques

Practice Testing: Regularly quiz yourself on the material rather than just rereading notes.
Self-Explanation: Teach the material to someone else or explain concepts out loud to yourself.
Summarization: Write concise summaries of what you’ve learned after each study session.

2. Structured Study Schedules

Consistent Routine: Set aside specific times each day or week for studying to build a habit.
Time Blocking: Break study sessions into focused intervals (e.g., Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes study, 5 minutes break).

3. Resource Utilization

Peer Tutoring/Study Groups: Collaborate with classmates to discuss and clarify concepts. Peer-led learning has been shown to improve performance, especially in challenging subjects 1.
Office Hours: Take advantage of instructor or TA office hours for personalized help.
Online Resources: Use reputable platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, or subject-specific forums for additional explanations and practice problems.

4. Organizational Tools

Planners/Calendars: Use digital or paper planners to track assignments, deadlines, and exams.
Note-Taking Apps: Tools like OneNote or Notion can help organize notes and resources efficiently.

5. Environment Optimization

Minimize Distractions: Study in a quiet, dedicated space and keep your phone or unrelated tabs away to maintain focus 2.
Use of Study Spaces: Libraries or designated study areas can provide a conducive environment for concentration 3.

6. Regular Review and Reflection

Spaced Repetition: Review material over increasing intervals to improve retention.
Reflect on Progress: Periodically assess what’s working and adjust your strategies as needed.

7. Well-Being Practices

Sleep and Nutrition: Prioritize rest and healthy eating, as cognitive performance is closely tied to physical well-being.
Breaks and Exercise: Short breaks and physical activity can boost focus and memory.
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Evette’s Answer

This is a great question!
Attend lecture and take notes that especially focus on the accounting process and significance of why certain steps are happening. That way when you look back to review it will jog your memory, and these steps can be applied to the accounting concepts presented in homework/exams.

Use Google Calendar / Notion task tracker for all of your assignments. Usually there are many classes happening at once and the 10-15 weeks per quarter/semester are especially fast!

Go to office hours if you are confused or stuck on any assignments. Approaching TAs and professors may seem daunting at first, but they are so helpful and they want you to succeed!

Most importantly, balance! Have fun with friends and explore things around your college town, your mind needs a break once in a while to refresh. College is one of the best times in your life and is only 4 years! Enjoy it and make memories. Each time you have a restful break your mind will be refreshed and ready to study efficiently again.
Hope this helps and wishing you luck in college!
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Fausto’s Answer

For me, what really helped me was setting a schedule to study and sticking to it. Sometimes its hard to get into the habit of sticking to a schedule, but I assure you, the hard work to sticking to it does pay off. I also recommend asking questions about the topics you are learning and stay curious about them. When presented with a new idea that may be a bit confusing or hard to understand, learn they why behind the idea. Through my experience, I have found that when I understand the 'why' behind ideas or concepts I don't initially understand, I actually end up retaining more of the information I needed to pass classes or exams.

For resources, the biggest resource I can recommend is talking to people. Asking questions and contributing to meaningful discussions allows you to be wrong, which allows you to correct your understanding of difficult ideas/concepts. Don't be afraid to ask 'dumb' questions, especially if the idea/concept is new to you.
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Dana’s Answer

Find what works best for you since everyone learns differently. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need more clarity or understanding. Good luck!
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Joe’s Answer

In addition to the great answers above, my recommendation would be to be as interactive with your studying as possible. Highlight your textbooks, create flashcards, organize study groups/events to help turn studying into just the review of materials to a memorable experience that turns into the content into more than memorization! Most importantly enjoy what you are learning and have fun!
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi Ewura!

Joining study groups can be a great way to support each other and share helpful tips. Everyone has their own way of studying, and you might learn some new tricks from them.

Using Google Calendar is super helpful for keeping track of your schedule and deadlines. College life can be hectic, so having a clear plan can make things easier.

Try to stay on top of your work and avoid procrastination. College flies by, and assignments can sneak up on you. Make sure to set aside time for both your classes and extracurricular activities. You've got this!
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi Ewura!

Different study habits work for different people. I'm sure that you have already developed something that has worked for you during high school. I would focus on what's worked for you in the past and keep developing that. For example, if you study best with no distractions, find a quiet place at the college you are attending and make that your study area. I used to have this small nook area in our college's library where I would get most of my studying done. During college, I believe the key is staying organized and focused. You will be a lot more independent in college and there might be more distractions so it's good to set up a daily or weekly study time to focus on what you need to focus on. Don't forget to have fun as well!
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Emanuel’s Answer

I would say best practice for studying in accounting would be to practice a lot of problems or example questions available to you. As you advance in accounting, the concepts and calculations become more difficult, which is why the more you familiarize yourself with these problems, the more success you will have!
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Sungjae’s Answer

I'm not the smartest in the room, and I don't think I'll ever be one, but I've developed a habit that helps. I spend at least an hour a day, six days a week, doing something productive outside of school or work. This prevents burnout by taking one day off. For instance, when studying for the CPA, I dedicated an hour daily. This approach helped me pass all four subjects on the first try in a year. Now, I'm learning Python, and even though it's tough, I enjoy my hour each day. I'm close to creating a financial statement recording program. An hour may seem small, but it adds up to make a big difference.
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Matthew’s Answer

One study habit that really helped me pass the CPA exams was putting the material into my own words. This method makes sure you really get the content. If you can't explain something in your own words, don't worry—just ask for help. Once you're confident with your study guide, keep using it until you can explain the material to someone else. Pay extra attention to parts where it's hard to use your own words. Keep going—you've got this!
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Nancy’s Answer

You've got lots of helpful answers here, but I just realized we forgot to mention the "Syllabus"!

The syllabus is like the plan for your class topics and assignments. Make sure to keep track of it for each class so you know what's coming up and can see how the course is progressing. It's like a roadmap for your class. If it seems like the professor is going off track, ask if anything has changed.

Sometimes, professors include information in the syllabus that they don't talk about in class. Only students who check the syllabus will know about these extra topics, which might show up on a test.

So, just keep an eye on the syllabus to stay on top of things!
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Makenzie’s Answer

It's fantastic that you're already considering this!

Remember, there are extra resources available to help you. Don't hesitate to ask questions and try to join a study group. While technology is useful, I found that writing out my notes really made a difference. There's something about putting pen to paper that helps your brain remember!

I hope you have an amazing time in college! Best of luck!
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Alex’s Answer

The main thing I realized in college is that everyone is vastly different when it comes to how they study and what works best for them.

That being said, if you can cover all of the main study retention methods (auditory, visual, reciting, etc.), you normally have a better chance of understanding the material and passing exams. Things that worked for me (both in college and then studying for the CPA exam are as follows):

1. Actually read the textbook v. just listening to the lecture
2. Make your own flash cards
3. Create a study schedule and stick to it (make sure you are allotting enough time for brain breaks and fresh air)
4. Go to a library or public space to study (less likely to get distracted with cleaning, watching tv, etc.)

Good luck in your studies!
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Julian’s Answer

You're in a great spot thinking ahead as you head into College!
1. To echo Nancy, it's a great help to take advantage of additional resources that are provided to you, whether it's office hours or TA sessions. These not only help to show your instructors you intent to learn, but also serve as opportunities for further explanations on difficult topics, where the main class time may not be long enough for in depth teaching. I was able to become much more conversational with a few professors after consistently attending office hours, and they were able to provide not only educational advice, but life advice in general.

2. Flash cards were my best friend in college, as reading through textbooks did not help me retain knowledge in the best way. While time consuming, writing out each flashcard actually helped stick the information in my mind from the get go, and I was able to flip through them and retest myself on specific areas.

3. If possible, try to form a small study group in your classes! The biggest shift when heading into college from high school is that no one is going to be there to tell you to study or do your homework. For myself, having a small group to work with helped me to stay accountable and on top of my coursework.

Enjoy college, it's such a great time of life!!
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Harry’s Answer

I found often times, leaving yourself ample time to review before exams to be key as courses got progressively more difficult. Studying the night before can be done but definitely makes it harder and adds to your stress levels. Keeping an open dialogue with your professors is also something that can be overlooked but can be instrumental in picking up tips that can benefit you within that course or may be valuable down the line. Good luck with your studies!
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Sarah’s Answer

1. Taking notes during lectures is a great start, but the real learning happens when you go back and refine them. Try adding more details, rewriting them, and then using them to create a study plan. When I was an accounting major, I found it helpful to listen for extra details from the professor that weren't on the slides. Organize your notes, maybe use different colors for key ideas and important vocabulary. At the end of the day, rewrite your notes and make flashcards from them. Review these flashcards every day. It might feel like you're doing extra work, but these steps will really help and soon become a habit.

2. Make the most of every resource available to you. It took me two years to discover that my university's business building had a tutoring department. Once I found it, I used their open hours to do homework and deepen my understanding.

3. Consider joining an accounting club! Being around others who share your major and goals can be incredibly motivating, especially when coursework gets tough. They can offer support and study with you, making the journey much easier.

Sarah recommends the following next steps:

Use the Summer to research effective note taking.
Use the Summer to take free Khan Academy courses in accounting or use YouTube to research.
Find out about any free tutoring services at your college.
Find out about any accounting clubs at your college.
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Gregory’s Answer

Make sure you set time for yourself to review any notes you have before the exam. I would say if you manage your time well that will give you the time you need to help you study.
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Peter’s Answer

I've discovered that being organized and staying focused on what I'm doing really helps. In today's busy world, with things like social media and TikTok, it's easy for our minds to wander. But when we concentrate fully on our tasks, we can achieve so much more. Keep your focus, and you'll see great results!
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello Ewura! Great question - I found that finding a study group for that class or subject can be highly helpful. Additionally, setting a schedule and sticking to it; I remember university being difficult because of keeping up with studying and a social life. Looking back, I wish I spent just a little more time on my studies, so I wasn't stressed for some exams. Always ask questions - if you don't understand something, it is better to ask the professor or teachers assistant, so they know you are trying to understand, and they can provide the best study materials. Going back to creating a schedule; I recommend a planner to write all the necessary tasks to complete each day/week/month. Take some time at the beginning of each semester and plan out what your days are going to look like, so you don't forget about exams or assignments. Lastly, I found that studying in the library (away from the dorm or social places) helped with minimizing distractions and the library on campus had free tutors! Good luck!
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Lyle’s Answer

Hi! What a great question. Here are some tips to help you:

1) Always look for practical ways to use what you learn. Instead of just memorizing terms, try to see how each part of accounting fits into understanding a business's overall health. It’s a process, and every piece matters.

2) Keep asking questions and never stop learning. Even after years in the field, I still find it important to ask questions and learn more about issues that matter to my colleagues and business owners.

3) Be patient and don’t feel overwhelmed by all the information. Not everything will be relevant to your career. Some accountants specialize in tax, while others focus on audit or consulting. Take your time to discover what you enjoy and focus on that.

Good luck, and keep going! You can do it!
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Elyse’s Answer

The pomodoro method has helped me when studying for exams. It's important to figure out the best learning style for yourself, including working with/without other people, rewriting/rereading all lecture slides, tutoring sessions, whiteboard sessions for coding, etc.
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Logan’s Answer

Hi there,


I agree with many of the pieces of advice provided by others. Personally, I found the following super helpful:

1. Take really good notes and review these on a regular basis.
2. Don't be afraid to ask questions - chances are there is someone else with a similar question!
3. Create quizzes for yourself to test your knowledge.
4. Teach backs! Find someone who you can "teach" the information to. This will really help you master the material.


Hope this helps!
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Eric’s Answer

1) Have a list of items that you need to finish every week.

2) Don't procrastinate and "pain" first and then "reward" yourself.

3) Attend as many as professors' office hours as possible during college, as it not only helps you to be better in your studies but also opens doors for future recommendation letters and job opportunities.
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Tanya’s Answer

Hi Ewura,

Great job on asking such a fantastic question—taking initiative is impressive! I fully support everything Nancy mentioned earlier. Here are a few more tips that have worked for me and can help anyone seeking guidance. These skills will also be valuable in your career after college.

1. Stay organized: Keeping a separate notebook or digital folder for each class really helped me keep my notes and materials tidy.

2. Prioritize upcoming deadlines: At the start and end of each week, spend a few minutes checking what’s due soon. Focus on deadlines first before moving on to other tasks or studying.

3. Take care of yourself: Include breaks in your study sessions to prevent burnout. Remember, caring for your mental and physical health is just as crucial as doing well in school.

Wishing you the very best of luck! You've got this. :)
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Abigail’s Answer

What helped me the most during my accounting courses was studying with a few peers. We would meet every Wednesday in the library and do our homework together and teach each other. I felt like if I could teach the material to a peer, then I really understood the content.

I would suggest figuring out what type of learner you are! There are many assessments you can find online. For example, I'm a visual and tactile learner, so I used a combination of hand-written notes and highlighting within my e-textbook.
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Samantha’s Answer

Great question! Studying for college courses can be a much more self-guided experience than high school course work. There tends to be fewer assignments, so that means there is more self note taking and studying. I suggest finding a designated study space both at home and near campus. In addition, you can set a 50 minute timer and focus during that time. Then take a 10 minute break. You can repeat the process until you have studied enough.
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