Hermione’s Nine Study Secrets

We are almost at that point in the semester where stress levels are reaching their maximum, and work is becoming overwhelming. In a recent conversation with one of Hogwarts’s top students, Hermione Granger looked back on her time at Hogwarts and revealed her top nine study tips to reduce stress and increase success! She cautions you to remember that everyone learns differently and to be patient in your search for the perfect study plan for you.

1) Get Comfy!

Look for a comfortable place to study that is quiet and has good lighting. However, try to avoid your bed. It is hard to resist curling up for a quick nap. Hermione recommends an armchair by the fire as a nice compromise.

 

 

2) Break It Up!

Take short breaks during your study sessions. Your brain best retains the information you review at the beginning and end of each session. So segment your time and increase your chances of remembering more!

 

 

3) Space It Out!

CAUTION: DO NOT CRAM!! I REPEAT, DO NOT CRAM! When cramming, the information is only stored in your short-term memory, so it is easily forgotten. You will learn more by studying throughout the week focusing on one topic at a time. Hermione recommends creating a study schedule and budgeting your time wisely so that you can cover all the important material. Walking into a Potions test with the book under your nose isn’t going to help much, Neville!

 

 

4) Begin with the Basics

Identify the most important information first. Ms. Granger recommends studying general concepts before moving into greater detail. After all, you can’t cast a spell without proper wand movement!

 

 

5) COMMIT!

If you are going to study, be thorough. Don’t just skim and try to memorize everything. As you are reading, take notes and write down summaries of important information. You can even go back and color coordinate your notes in true Hermione fashion.

6) Study Buddies Unite!!

Grab a group of like-minded students and create a study group! Be selective of the people whom you pick to be in your study group. Make sure everyone is serious about studying for the test. Sometimes your best friends are not the best option. (Ahem, Ronald.)

 

 

7) Test Yourself

After studying for a while, quiz yourself on the information that you have been reviewing. This way you can figure out what areas you need to study more and the ones that you have a solid understanding of! Depending on your book or teacher, questions may be provided for you. If not, have friends take your notes and ask you questions off those!

8) Background Buzz

For some people, silence is actually loud and distracting. Putting on relaxing music at a low volume can ease nerves and put some fun back into your studying. Try to stay away from your favorite bands, or your study session will turn into a private concert. From experience, Hermione says that the Weird Sisters probably aren’t the best selection.

 

 

9) Fit Your Pattern

If you are a morning person, study in the morning. If you aren’t a morning person, study in the afternoon or evening. Try to avoid studying later than you would normally go to bed. You will be tempted to go to sleep instead of focusing on studying. As Ronald and Harry have demonstrated on multiple occasions, books do not make the best pillows.

 

 

Hermione and I have faith in you. Take a deep breath; you are going to do fine. Remember, swish and flick!