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Weve all heard the phrase， “Work smarter， not harder.” When it comes to studying， there are some very specific ways to improve your effectiveness without adding loads of extra work.

Create a game plan. Before you begin your study session， create a game plan for exactly how you will study. Consider what you will study， how long youll spend on each subject and what study methods you will use.1Take at least 10 minutes before your study session to map out your game plan.

Outline your notes. Taking the time to boil your notes down to a standard outline can help you grasp the overall concepts youre studying. You certainly can borrow or copy someone elses notes， but you must work hard to put everything in your own words.2Many times， understanding the big picture is just as important as remembering all the individual facts. Outlining allows you to file individual facts under larger ideas.

Maintain balance. Balance can be difficult to maintain in school but its crucial for success.

3Seek to carry out a balanced life. Make sure to maintain a social life and develop hobbies outside of school. Stay in touch with your family and keep them informed of your school progress. Its certainly a challenge， but living in balance will keep you on the path to success.

4If you want to do well in school， you simply have to do it. But there are specific ways to study better. Make the most of your limited time.5

By following the methods above， you can raise the quality of your studying sessions without necessarily increasing the quantity.

A. Keep from spinning your wheels.

B. Theres no way to get around studying.

C. Write out your notes by hand during class.

D. If you dont， youll fail to understand the larger concept.

E. This allows you to study the right materials at the right time.

F. The last thing you want to do is bury yourself in a mountain of books.

G. Dont spend all your time studying or all your time hanging out with friends.