In this month’s NSSLHA Roundup, we asked CSD students to share the study habits, tools, and routines that help them feel confident and supported during exam season. Whether you’re fine-tuning your study plan or looking for fresh ideas, their insights offer simple, practical ways to learn smarter.
This month, we will be hearing from:
Aneesha Sandhu
California State University, Sacramento
Solange Dzeketey
University of Oregon
Karissa Stiltner
Wayne State University
Lucy Carvalho
California State University, Long Beach
What are some study strategies or resources that have worked for you when prepping for big exams?
Aneesha Sandhu
California State University, Sacramento
I always schedule study sessions at least 2 weeks before the exam. I will go through the study guide and put on my calendar which lectures I’m studying each day leading up to the exam. For daily planners and calendars, I use Notion. For studying, I use Quizlet flashcards. I also use the study guide to create my own test questions.
Solange Dzeketey
University of Oregon
I am a big fan of making my own Quizlets! I find that the process of making the resource is at least as valuable as actually using it. I also reword definitions of terms so they make the most sense to me. For anatomy and physiology classes, I color in my own diagrams so I remember the process. Consistent studying in small sessions each day has been most helpful for me.
Karissa Stiltner
Wayne State University
Rewriting your notes in the form of a concept map is so, so valuable! If you can organize your knowledge into concepts, that demonstrates that you really know what you are talking about. Another strategy that always works for me is teaching these concepts to someone else! Whether it be a classmate, a parent, or even a pet—this is another way to map out and instill meaning into what you learned.
Lucy Carvalho
California State University, Long Beach
When prepping for big exams, I try to study in a way that mirrors how I’ll actually use the information as a clinician. When I study through a clinical lens, it’s easier for me to stay motivated because I can picture how I’ll apply what I’m learning with real clients soon. The study strategies that work best for me are active recall and spaced repetition. It might sound a little nerdy, but for me it works! Over time, I’ve learned that studying smarter usually beats studying forever.
In your opinion, what is the right balance of group studying vs. solo studying?
Aneesha Sandhu
California State University, Sacramento
If you do a mix of group and solo studying, you’ll make better connections to the study material. When you are solo studying, it’s just you. However, with group studying, there’s someone there where you can ask questions to and get feedback from.
Solange Dzeketey
University of Oregon
I think it completely depends on the student! I usually study by myself when I make my study resources or when I just need to get in a half hour of studying and nobody else is available, but group studying can be very helpful. I find group studying the most helpful when I have to “teach” a classmate about a concept because it makes me be thorough in my explanations.
Karissa Stiltner
Wayne State University
When group and solo studying, it is so important to make sure to not rely on one or the other! While working in groups can be so valuable, it is important to be sure you have your own foundation of knowledge first. I’ve found it works best for me to first study on my own, where I can be the most focused. Then, when it gets closer to your exam, study groups are very helpful to polish and refine what you know!
Lucy Carvalho
California State University, Long Beach
I think the right balance between group and solo studying depends on what stage of learning you’re in. At the start, I like to study on my own to build a strong foundation and move at my own pace. Once I feel confident with the basics, then group study becomes really powerful. I like to hear about different perspectives and approaches from others, and I have a preference for smaller groups where everyone can contribute. In my opinion, the balance is finding enough alone time to absorb everything, but enough teamwork to stay connected.
How do you handle exam anxiety or stress?
Aneesha Sandhu
California State University, Sacramento
Before taking an exam, I always tell myself I studied to the best of my ability. Being stressed just makes it harder to take the test. Don’t second guess yourself on questions.
Solange Dzeketey
University of Oregon
I like to drink some uncaffeinated tea, listen to music, and remind myself that I am a capable student. I also live by the policy that if I don’t understand a concept by midnight, staying up later won’t make me understand it better. Good sleep makes me a better student and therefore less stressed during exams.
Karissa Stiltner
Wayne State University
Exams are scary! Our bodies don’t know the difference between stressing about an exam or a life-or-death situation, so that’s how it feels! It is important to be as prepared as you can be, but remember— you can’t do any better than your best effort. Try to regulate yourself by remembering that an exam is not the end of the world.
Lucy Carvalho
California State University, Long Beach
When it comes to exam anxiety and stress, I frequently remind myself that my grades don’t define me as a person. I remember how nobody’s still thinking about the tests they took in middle school, and this exam won’t matter forever either. I just focus on doing my best, rather than being perfect. I try to plan a treat or break after a tough exam so my brain knows there’s something good waiting at the end. It keeps things in perspective while helping me stay calm and grounded.
How do you balance studying with other responsibilities and self-care?
Aneesha Sandhu
California State University, Sacramento
I make sure I have at least one day in my week where I don’t study or do any school related activities. For me that’s Fridays. Every 2 weeks on the weekend, I do something fun like go to a Farmer’s Market or visit a new place. Planning everything out on a calendar, including school and self-care, is helpful because you can visually see when you need to prepare for an exam or have something to look forward to, like a trip.
Solange Dzeketey
University of Oregon
I like to study in half-hour bursts as soon as I get home from classes, so I don’t overwhelm myself with the task. This allows me to free up time for my other responsibilities and makes me feel less anxious when I take time for myself.
Karissa Stiltner
Wayne State University
In order to make sure I am taking care of myself in the thick of the semester, I make sure to study at the same times every day. By doing this, I know what time I have to myself, and that can’t be taken away from me.
Lucy Carvalho
California State University, Long Beach
Trying to balance studying with all my other responsibilities and self-care honestly feels like circus juggling some days. I stay balanced by separating tasks into categories (life, school, work) and creating a separate to do list for each, so that it doesn’t feel like everything is one impossible task. For self-care, I try to designate a time of day, either morning or evening, to do something for myself. Sometimes that’s journaling or going for a walk, and sometimes it’s intentionally doing nothing at all. This keeps me balanced and helps me show up better in every part of my life.
Looking for extra support as you balance studying and well-being? We’ve gathered mental health resources that can help you stay grounded.
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