Cramming is no longer a study strategy! by Jonah

Cramming is no longer a study strategy! by Jonah - September 2026 Scholarship Essay

The study strategy that has had the greatest impact on my academic success includes taking notes from lectures in my own words, reviewing the notes several times, then quizzing myself as though questions were on an actual exam. Now that I am a college freshman at the University of Texas at Arlington, my study strategy has changed as I do prepare for exams and papers much further in advance than I did in high school. I realize that “cramming” for quizzes and exams or to complete assignments will not work well in college (ha!) What supplements my strategy is having a full desk paper calendar, just like my family has at home, where I write down all test and assignment due dates. This helps me visualize what is due when and study accordingly. I will also participate in extra tutoring or additional assignments for credit that will help increase my knowledge of a subject. Another strategy is to find a place where I can concentrate, although I do tend to study well with some background noise or music playing. These locations may be in my dorm room or in different study areas around campus. With these strategies, I graduated Cum Laude in high school with a 3.66 GPA. So far in college, I am also doing well on my assignments. I look forward to continuing improving my study strategies throughout my college time…and beyond!