So you’ve hit the books, spent hours locked in your room scanning notes at breakneck speed, and have finished every review guide your TA provided you since the beginning of the semester. And yet, you fail your first midterm with a less than stellar performance. Well, maybe it’s time to try one of the most under-appreciated resources this campus has to offer: YOUR FELLOW CLASSMATES! Study buddies rock, and they personally helped me go from a D to an AB in my Economics class in just over half a semester my freshman year (yep, they do help)! Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly about studying with your fellow classmates.
THE GOOD
There is nothing more comforting than suffering through 5 chapters of work with your friends. You can share your knowledge, cover each others weaknesses, and learn from your strengths. Be proud of what you know, and don’t be afraid to teach your friends too!
THE BAD
Although you might be having fun, make sure you still are learning. There have been multiple times when studying in a group had turned into a Super Smash Bros tournament in my dorm lounge. If you aren’t being productive, try to work with different people.
THE UGLY
No, I’m not talking about the guy who smells like cheese in discussion. I’m talking about the rivalries that may develop from studying together. If you end up fighting with your friend for scoring 2 points higher on his final than you did, you might not be cut out for group studying.
Remember, there’s power in numbers! And although your friends can’t take your exams for you, if you study with them, you can at least take their knowledge with you!