Research tells us successful students do certain things that lead them to achieve top results—this is no accident. Study success is attainable with the right tools and models that work for you.
Here are our top five tips for study success that can be implemented at any point of your studies, like preparing for exams, an interview or an audition.
Set yourself goals. The S.M.A.R.T. goal setting method creates the essential criteria that will help you succeed in your studies. These criteria should be specific and use the S.M.A.R.T acronym, which stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. In short, while anyone can set goals, a successful person will define the who, what, where, when, which and why of those targets—and in turn, set themselves up for realistic achievement.
Finding a method that works for your study habits and behaviours can be more than helpful - it can be life-changing. We recommend students find a method that resonates and works best for them, whether it's for writing essays or memorising information. The Link and Story Method is a simple game of association, where you link items in a list, and join them to a vivid image. It works by using the flow of the story and building cues for memory retrieval.
When it comes to procrastination, we've all been there. Procrastination always sneaks up on us when we least expect it—or when we invite it in when we want to put something off. You can develop skills to avoid procrastination by finding a way to make what you're studying genuinely interesting. From actively learning the signs of procrastination to managing your study time, creating a planner can also help you stay on track and be organised—and in turn, build a positive experience with your studies and timelines.
Self-reflection is a skill we sharpen with time. Self-reflection is a means to observe and analyse your work in order to integrate the things you learn along the way, which is an important step when it comes to study success, especially in the form of Critical Reflection. Critical Reflection allows you to realise what's working and what isn't by having an honest conversation with yourself. Self-observe what you have done; decide where it can be improved, and select a strategy to follow. By tailoring your habits, you are allowing yourself to change positively.
Creating an ideal study environment is one of the easiest ways to achieve study success. By diminishing distractions and sticking to a routine, focussing on what you can control will help you feel more at ease about the goals you've set yourself. Of course, sometimes things can feel overwhelming—but you should never hesitate to seek support, regardless of how big or small your problem appears. By learning to ask for help, your teachers, peers and student support become a powerful means for your own success. Asking for help is one of the most effective ways to maximise learning, and at Collarts we always encourage students to reach out, grow, and help others as well.