Students

5-Step Study System

March 26, 2025 • Academic Tips

HSC Student StudyingDo you use a study method or system for your classes at HSC? Or do you take more of a “wing it” approach?

A study system can be a great tool to help set you up for success in the classroom, from pre-class preparation, organizing and taking notes, completing assignments and studying for exams, to evaluating your success in order to learn how you can improve.

However, there is no single, best, one-size-fits-all study method. The best study method is one that’s tailored to your specific needs, your schedule, and your unique situation.

The 5-Step Study System outlined below is a great starting point. But there’s no substitute for an individualized study approach that you can get by connecting with a Learning Specialist in the Center for Academic Performance, part of the Division of Student Affairs.

STEP 1: Identification Stage (Preview)

  • Prepare before engaging in the material.
  • Read over syllabus to identify learning objectives.
  • Read and make an outline of the material at the same time.
  • Pay special attention and make note of key terms and concepts.
  • Recognize gaps in your knowledge.
  • Review your outline.

STEP 2: Orientation Stage (Lecture)

  • Use discussion posts, readings and other materials to give you an orientation to the terms and concepts that should be fully understood.
  • Keep your outline with you and check off concepts that you identified during the identification stage.
  • Be engaged and take thorough notes, paying attention to small details.
  • The online material should be a review of the information you’ve already surveyed.

STEP 3: Organization Stage (Review)

  • Develop an organization of the material as soon as possible.
  • Spend most of your time doing this.
  • Focus on high yield information.
  • Condense your notes.
  • Master critical material.

STEP 4: Verification Stage

  • Dedicate blocks of time for each course. Do not disregard “easy” topics.
  • Self-test at each study session to retain and reinforce what you’ve learned.
  • Use verbal paraphrasing to review notes and determine what topics need more study.
  • Refer to text or notes.
  • Email and/or meet with professor if questions arise.
  • Complete practice problems or examples.

STEP 5: Track your performance

  • Educate yourself about your campus’s resources.
  • Contact a Learning Specialist to discuss your study habits and develop effective strategies for success. You can meet with them in person, virtually, or over the phone.
  • Learn from your mistakes and move on.
  • Learn to adapt to each course and professor.

Conclusion

We hope that this 5-Step Study System will help you improve your studying efficiency and effectiveness.

If you’re ready to take your study skills to the next level with an individualized study system designed just for you, click here to schedule an appointment with a CAP Learning Specialist!