Success in NP school isn't just about intelligence—it's about developing the right study habits. These five essential habits will help you retain information, manage your time effectively, and perform well on exams.

1. Create a Consistent Study Schedule

Consistency is key in NP school. Your brain learns best when it knows what to expect.

How to Build a Study Schedule

• Block specific times: Set aside 2-3 hour blocks for focused study
• Use the same times daily: Your brain will be primed for learning
• Include buffer time: Add 15-30 minutes for unexpected delays
• Plan breaks: Schedule 10-15 minute breaks every hour

Sample Daily Schedule

• 6:00-8:00 AM: Review previous day's notes
• 8:00-10:00 AM: New material and readings
• 2:00-4:00 PM: Practice questions and review
• 7:00-8:00 PM: Light review and next day prep

2. Use Active Note-Taking Methods

Passive reading won't cut it in NP school. You need to actively engage with the material.

Cornell Note-Taking System

Divide your page into three sections:

• Main notes (right side): Key concepts and information
• Cue column (left side): Questions and keywords
• Summary (bottom): Main points in your own words

Digital Note-Taking Tips

• Use apps like Notion or OneNote for organization
• Create tags and categories for easy searching
• Include diagrams and images when possible
• Use voice-to-text for faster note-taking

3. Implement Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is scientifically proven to improve long-term retention.

How Spaced Repetition Works

• Day 1: Initial study of new material
• Day 3: First review
• Day 7: Second review
• Day 14: Third review
• Day 30: Final review

Tools for Spaced Repetition

• Anki: Free flashcard app with spaced repetition algorithm
• Quizlet: Easy-to-use flashcard platform
• StudyBlue: Comprehensive study platform
• Physical flashcards: Traditional method that still works

4. Practice Active Recall

Active recall is the process of actively retrieving information from memory rather than passively reviewing notes.

Active Recall Techniques

• Close-book practice: Try to recall information without looking at notes
• Teach someone else: Explain concepts to a study partner
• Create practice questions: Write your own questions about the material
• Use the Feynman technique: Explain concepts in simple terms

How to Implement Active Recall

1. Read a chapter or section
2. Close the book and write down everything you remember
3. Compare your notes to the original material
4. Identify gaps and review those areas
5. Repeat the process until you can recall everything

5. Manage Your Study Environment

Your study environment significantly impacts your ability to focus and retain information.

Optimal Study Environment

• Quiet space: Minimize distractions and noise
• Good lighting: Natural light is best, avoid harsh overhead lights
• Comfortable seating: Ergonomic chair and proper desk height
• Organized workspace: Keep only necessary materials visible

Digital Environment

• Use website blockers: Block distracting sites during study time
• Turn off notifications: Silence your phone and computer
• Use focus apps: Apps like Forest or Focus@Will
• Organize digital files: Keep study materials well-organized

Bonus: Study Group Strategies

Study groups can be incredibly effective when done right.

Effective Study Group Practices

• Keep groups small: 3-5 people maximum
• Set clear goals: Decide what to cover before meeting
• Assign roles: Have someone lead discussion, someone take notes
• Use active learning: Practice questions, case studies, teaching each other

What to Avoid in Study Groups

• Groups that are too large (more than 5 people)
• Sessions without clear structure
• Socializing instead of studying
• Studying with friends who distract you

Putting It All Together

These five habits work best when combined:

Weekly Study Routine

• Monday: New material + Cornell notes
• Tuesday: Active recall practice
• Wednesday: Spaced repetition review
• Thursday: Practice questions
• Friday: Study group session
• Weekend: Catch up and light review

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cramming: Last-minute studying doesn't work for NP school
• Passive reading: Just reading without active engagement
• Perfectionism: Don't get stuck on one topic for too long
• Ignoring weak areas: Focus extra time on difficult subjects
• Studying without breaks: Your brain needs rest to function optimally

Conclusion

Developing these five study habits will transform your NP school experience. Start with one habit and gradually add others. Remember, consistency is more important than perfection. Even small improvements in these areas will significantly impact your success in NP school.