What is a Study Group?

A study group is a group of students that meet to learn and practice together around a particular course or test. There are usually between 3 to 10 students in a study group.

Why should I join a study group?

Study groups can be a fun and engaging way to study for a course or exam. These groups can help you learn your strengths and weaknesses around a subject and can help you bounce ideas off your peers.

However, there is a warning. If the study group is not focused or is procrastinating, you could cost yourself valuable study time.

What are some benefits of joining a study group?

If you join a study group that is focused and stays on track with learning the concepts taught in the course you’re taking, there can be a few benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Focused groups can help you stay on track with studying. Some people tend to procrastinate more when they study alone.
• Gain insights from other students in the group. Many times, other students have different thoughts or interpretations of the subjects taught in the course that can help you understand the subject better.
• Studying with others gives students more options on how to absorb the materials. Some options include quizzing each other with flashcards or sharing notes on specific topics.

How do you find or form study groups?

The best way to find or form study groups is to reach out to your teacher or your friends and classmates currently enrolled in the course as they are preparing for the same test and/or projects as you.

Other tips to consider when creating or joining a study group:

• There should be one person leading the scheduling of the group and communicating with the others.
• Before the study session, there should be an outline or plan of what topics will be covered during the study session to make sure everyone is prepared with the correct materials and stays on track.
• At the end of the study session, it is a good idea to go over what was covered to make sure the group is on track with learning key concepts.

For more college planning materials, visit BigFuture.org