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Member, Texas Tech University System The Princeton Review - 373 Best Colleges, 2011 Edition

Study Skills Survey

The purpose of this survey is to help you assess your academic skills and give you a general idea of how to view your abilities. The results will have meaning only if you are honest and respond as accurately as possible. For each statement, determine if that statement is true or false as it applies to you. If a statement is true about you, check the button in the "True" column. If a statement is false as it applies to you, check the button in the "False" column. Be sure to answer true or false for each statement. Answer carefully so that you get accurate information. Once you are done, click the "Get Results" button at the bottom of the page to determine your strengths and weaknesses.

    True False
1 I typically do not finish tests in the time allotted.
2 I have a set time for studying every day.
3 After reading a short segment, I ask myself questions about what I just read.
4 I don't stick to a set study schedule.
5 I give up if an assignment is too tough.
6 I have difficulty determining key concepts in lectures.
7 Before each class, I review lecture notes from the day before.
8 I waste time because I am not organized.
9 I focus entirely on the subject when I study.
10 I always preview the chapter (read titles, subheadings, numbered items, etc.) before I start actively reading.
11 I don't bother taking notes on lectures.
12 I get sleepy when I read.
13 After a lecture, I review my notes to fill in any missed words and to clarify areas of confusion.
14 I seldom hear a lecture that is well organized.
15 When I don’t grasp an idea, I find other ways to help me understand.
16 I know how much time I need to study (i.e, 2-3 hours for every 1 credit hour).
17 Before answering an essay question, I organize what I am going to write.
18 I have difficulty concentrating when I study.
19 When studying for a test, I try to predict exam questions using my lecture notes and the textbook.
20 I could get better grades.
21 I’m always on time for my classes.
22 I try to record everything a teacher says in a lecture.
23 I use a daily planner to schedule study time for each course.
24 I avoid activities/events that interfere with my study schedule.
25 I break a large project, like a research paper, into smaller tasks.
26 I typically lose points on my exams because of careless mistakes.
27 My study location is quiet and free from distractions.
28 Before I leave class, I make sure that I know what homework to do and how to do it.
29 I have a hard time getting interested in some of my courses.
30 Good grades are important to me.
31 When reading, I can identify the important concepts.
32 I know what time of day I do my best studying.
33 I don't study unless I feel like it, which isn’t often.
34 I don't remember most of what I’ve read.
35 I often have trouble finding enough time to study.
36 I don’t know any other study strategies besides reading the textbook.
37 I put off studying until the night before an exam.
38 Academic support, such as tutoring, is for students who are failing.
39 I don't do my best on tests because I am so nervous.
40 I don't know how to calculate my GPA (or class grades).
41 I don’t need to take notes if I listen to everything the professor says.
42 I use visual organizers (timelines, graphs, maps, etc.) to help me understand what I am reading.
43 I can always find the main idea when I am reading.
44 Before starting a test, I plan how much time to use on each section of the test.
45 I spend too much time on some subjects and not enough on others.
46 I skip over charts, graphs, and tables when I read a chapter.
47 I use a note-taking system (Cornell, mind maps, outline method).
48 If I have any time left, I check over my test to avoid mistakes.
49 Because I want to remember, I listen carefully to any explanations in class.
50 I frequently daydream in class.
51 I miss class every once in a while.
52 I form study groups with my classmates.
53 I review graded homework to pinpoint my weak subject areas.
54 I feel confident before an exam.
55 I don’t understand what material the exam will cover.
56 I like to sit in the front of the classroom.
57 If I’m interrupted while studying, I usually don’t go back to it.
58 I convert lectures into my own words.
59 I can adapt my learning style to accommodate the class and instructor.
60 I read through the exam and instructions before I start answering the questions.

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attitude / motivation

Positive attitude and motivation are key factors when it comes to academic success. Attitude is your manner, disposition, or feeling with regard to your coursework. Motivation is your desire or interest to be academically successful.

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Comprehension

Comprehension is the capacity of the mind to perceive and understand. Comprehension is the ability to grasp the meaning of ideas.

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Concentration

Concentration is the ability to focus your mind and thoughts on a particular task or assignment.

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Memory

Memory is the ability to retain learned information and subsequently retrieve that information.

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Note-taking

Note taking or taking class notes is a form of dictation for lectures. Note taking is an important tool to studying and preparing for exams.

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Study Habits

Study Habits are an established set of behaviors regarding coursework regularly followed until they become almost involuntary.

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Test preparation / testing

Test preparation is the process of preparing for tests/exams and typically involves a review of study guides, assigned readings, and class notes.

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textbook reading

Textbook reading is different than reading for leisure. Textbook reading involves the use of reading strategies to improve your concentration, comprehension, and understanding of college course work.

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time management / organization

Time management and Organization go hand-in-hand. Time management is the analysis of how hours are spent and the prioritization of tasks in order to maximize personal efficiency. Organization involves planning and goal setting, managing yourself, dealing with other people, and getting results.

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