How to Study for Exams: 10 Evidence-Based Techniques That Actually Work

Most Students Study Wrong

Here's an uncomfortable truth: the most common study methods are the least effective.

• Re-reading notes: Feels productive, doesn't work
• Highlighting: Creates illusion of learning
• Cramming: Short-term memory only

Research shows these passive techniques lead to poor retention. Let's look at what actually works.

10 Evidence-Based Study Techniques

1. Active Recall (Testing Yourself)

Instead of re-reading, test yourself on the material. Use flashcards, practice problems, or try to explain concepts without notes.

Why it works: Retrieval strengthens memory pathways more than passive review.

2. Spaced Repetition

Space out your study sessions over time. Review material at increasing intervals.

How to implement: Use apps like AnyFlashcards that automatically schedule reviews.

3. Interleaving

Mix different topics or problem types in a single study session instead of blocking by topic.

Example: Instead of 50 math problems of one type, do 10 each of 5 types.

4. Elaboration

Explain concepts in your own words. Ask "why" and "how" questions.

Example: Don't just memorize "mitochondria produces ATP." Explain why and how.

5. Concrete Examples

Connect abstract concepts to concrete examples.

Example: For "opportunity cost," think of choosing Netflix over homework.

6. Dual Coding

Combine verbal and visual information. Draw diagrams, create mind maps, visualize concepts.

7. The Feynman Technique

Try to explain a concept as if teaching a child. When you get stuck, you've found gaps in understanding.

8. Practice Problems

Especially for quantitative subjects, doing problems beats reading about them.

9. Teaching Others

Explaining material to someone else reinforces your understanding and reveals gaps.

10. Sleep and Exercise

Don't underestimate basics. Sleep consolidates memory; exercise improves cognitive function.

Putting It Together: A Study Plan

2 Weeks Before Exam

1. Create flashcards for all key concepts (use AI to speed this up)
2. Start spaced repetition reviews daily
3. Do practice problems for quantitative material

1 Week Before

1. Continue flashcard reviews (they should be getting easier)
2. Take practice exams under test conditions
3. Review mistakes and create cards for weak areas

Day Before

1. Light review of flashcards (don't cram new material)
2. Get good sleep (seriously, this matters)
3. Prepare everything for exam day

The 80/20 of Studying

If you only do two things from this list, do these:

1. Active recall with flashcards - Use AnyFlashcards to generate and review
2. Spaced repetition - Review daily, let the algorithm schedule

These two techniques, done consistently, outperform hours of passive reading.

Start Today

Don't wait until finals week. Create your first flashcard deck today and build a sustainable study habit.

The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now.