5 Common Study Mistakes and How to Fix Them

As a new school year begins, it is important to set yourself up for success by building strong study habits early on. Here are five common study mistakes many students make and simple ways to avoid them this year!

1. Procrastinating

   • We’ve all been there—pushing studying off until the very last minute. It feels easier in the moment, but cramming doesn’t support long-term retention (your ability to remember ideas later). Cramming usually leads to unnecessary stress and lower test scores. Instead, try creating a realistic study schedule. Break big tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces and spread them out over time. It may feel tough at first, but your future self will thank you when exam week comes around!

2. Passive Learning Instead of Active Learning

   • Simply reading over notes or highlighting a textbook may feel productive, but it is actually a form of passive learning. Active learning, such as doing practice questions, going through the material out loud, or making flashcards helps you test what you actually know and identify weak spots¹. It may feel a little more challenging in the moment, but that is a good sign that your brain is working harder, which leads to better retention.

3. Multitasking

   • It’s tempting to study while chatting with friends, scrolling through your phone, or bouncing between assignments. However, multitasking usually decreases focus and slows you down. A helpful strategy is the Pomodoro Technique: study with full focus for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break². This method helps you stay accountable, builds focus, and rewards you with mini-breaks to recharge.

   • Here is another blog post to learn more about the Pomodoro Technique:

     https://www.risephiladelphia.com/post/benefits-of-pomodoro-technique

4. Skipping Over Difficult Topics

   • It’s easy to spend time on the topics you already understand and ignore the ones you find difficult. Avoiding weak areas will only make them harder to learn later. Try to identify the concepts that challenge you the most, and dedicate extra time to those first. A balanced study plan that targets your weaknesses will make you a stronger student overall.

5. Ignoring Rest and Self-Care

   • Studying is important, but so is taking care of yourself. Sleep, exercise, and healthy meals directly affect how well your brain can learn and perform on test day. Don’t underestimate the power of short walks, meditation, or doing something you enjoy to recharge your energy and set yourself up for success. Prioritizing rest and wellness is just as important as reviewing flashcards or finishing problem sets.

     
     

Small adjustments in your study routine, including starting earlier, focusing on active learning, limiting distractions, addressing weak areas, and practicing self-care can make a big difference in your performance and your confidence this school year!

Author: Sunisha Busarajan

Medical Student, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Sources:

1. Active Study Strategies. College of General Studies. (n.d.). https://www.cgs.pitt.edu/why-cgs/mccarl-center/academic-success-resources/active-study-strategies 

2. Research guides: Wellness resources from Macmillan Law Library : The Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro Technique - Wellness Resources from MacMillan Law Library - Research Guides at Emory University Libraries. (n.d.). https://guides.libraries.emory.edu/c.php?g=1365627&p=10088719