How Long Should I Study For?

Let’s consider two typical college students.  Mary feels passionate about getting an “A” on the next economics test.  So for one week solid, she studies in three hour increments.  She scarcely takes a break during these marathon study sessions. Yet, to her exasperation, she still only manages to get a C+.

Rodney is in the same economics class.  He has spent the past four weeks studying class material, about 45 minutes a day, in 20 minute chunks, separated by a five minute break.  To some people’s amazement, he gets A-Pluses regularly, and he did so on the economics test.

So what made the difference?  Shouldn’t that A-Plus belong to Mary?  Not at all.  Because Rodney learned to master his study time better than Mary did. He learned that: a) Effective time management (studying over a long period of time instead of just a night or two before the test) is better than cramming; and b) the brain is not as effective in retaining knowledge after a certain amount of time–usually 20 to 50 minutes at a time.  With all of that said, here are four time management tips that will make you a more effective and efficient studier.

The brain has to take time to form new memories, and if you keep studying flat out, you actually hinder this memorization process.  Between every 20 to 50 minute study period, take a five or 10 minute break. If possible, during this time, do something physical, in order to start the blood pumping again and make your brain more alert.  You might do some jumping jacks, jog once around the house, play with your dog or cat–anything that gets you moving! Don’t wear yourself out, though, or you’re just defeating your purpose.

Start with short study sessions Start with shorter study sessions and increase as you are more comfortable and focused. Start with 30-minutes and increase by 10-15 minutes.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method: studying in short, focused bursts of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. Repeat several times, then take a longer break after every 4th or 5th cycle.
More on Time management for students

Research shows the average attention span for most people is about 90 minutes. So 90 minutes is your maximum, then take a break.

Watch your energy level and productivity, and adjust your study sessions accordingly. Not everyday is going to be a super study day. Time of day is important as well – mornings? evening? You decide.

It’s important for your health and for your grades that you get ample sleep time.  If you don’t believe it, consider this:  If you sleep just four to five hours, you’ll probably have to double your amount of study time to be as effective as if you’d slept seven to nine hours. That’s right:  You’ll get better grades if you sleep more and study a little less.  And if, despite your best intentions, you’re still a bit sleep deprived, try taking a short 20 minute nap before you study. You’ll be amazed at how effective a quick “power nap” is at restoring your alertness!

It’s not always how much you study, but how well you manage your study time.