Back to school season is upon us again, and the period of introductions and review material is quickly ending. Your first wave of exams are likely coming up this time of year, and it can be difficult to keep up with them. Furthermore, many schools do not necessarily teach how to study, and many people find in college that they need to for the first time. Here are five tips backed with scientific evidence to help you study for the best grades you can get:

1. Start early! This tip is rarely liked, but is important for success in any class. In a 2009 study done in the University of California, people were expected to memorize vocabulary words. They were separated into two groups: one studied over four days in spaced sessions, while the other group studied in one day in long intervals of time. The first group obviously fared better than the crammed group, but the interesting part was that both groups spent an equal amount of time studying, it was just when they chose to do it. Starting around a week in advance is a rule of thumb for studying for exams, but it depends on what you are studying.
2. Test yourself: many people try to study by simply re-reading their textbooks or notes. Studying like this has a tendency to not engage your mind. Instead, try to do activities that resemble your exams, such as flashcard quizzes or practice problems. Many resources can be found online for practice problems, as well as in your textbook.
3. Take fulfilling breaks. Many people know that they are supposed to take breaks when studying, but oftentimes do not use this time wisely. Cornell University advises students to get away from their desks during breaks and do something different. For a short break, stretching, cleaning your space, or walking into a different room can all make you feel recharged quickly. For longer breaks, activities such as showering, socialization, meditation, or a creative outlet can all make you feel more refreshed than going on your phone the whole time. 
4. Dual coding: recommended by Kevin Jubbal at Med School Insiders, this tactic involves switching between multiple forms of sharing information. Examples of ways to do this are to verbally describe a diagram, make a visual representation of written words, or make a three-dimensional model of a concept. Making diagrams especially is a great way to study interconnected fields, and drawing helps engage a different portion of the brain in learning. 
5. Use your resources! Research has shown that those who go to class and their professor’s office hours tend to perform better in class. Professors want you to go to office hours: they set that time to help you and other students. However, if you struggle with your professor’s teaching style, peer tutoring at Penn State Behrend is also a great option. Many professors also post review material for exams, and this often is the best way to tell how your exam will be in that class. If you are stuck in a class, there are many avenues you can explore.