How to Study

Here’s Where to Start

“Learn as though you would never be able to master it;

hold it as if you would be in fear of losing it.”

—Confucius

Developing great study habits is like a foot race between you and your
friends. Before you can declare a winner, you have to agree on where
the finish line is. In other words, how do you measure your ability to
use these skills? What’s good? What’s poor?

But you can’t even start the race until you know where the starting
line is—especially if it’s drawn at a different spot for each of you!

Chapter 1 starts by explaining individual study skills and clarifying how
each can and should function in your life. Then you’ll be given the
chance to find your own starting line.

In Chapter 2, you’ll learn the importance of where, how, and when
you study, and you’ll start building the study environment that’s
perfect for you. Why is this important? If you’ve spent three hours
reading Gravity’s Rainbow with Outkast shaking the walls, it’s not
surprising you’re still on page three. Reading about and understand-
ing Mr. Pynchon might have little to do with increasing reading
comprehension, rescheduling your time, or changing books...and a
lot more to do with just turning down the volume.

There is no magic elixir in the study habit regimen. If math and
science are not your strong suits, memorizing How to Studywill
not transform you into a Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Nobody is
great at everything, but everybody is great at something. So you’ll also
get a chance to rate the subjects you like and dislike, plus those classes
you do best and worst in.

vi How to Study