How to Study and Remember Everything: 15 Expert Tips

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Licensed psychologist George Sachs, PsyD explains how to remember materials when studying

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Practice active learning.

2 Break the material down into smaller pieces.

3 Connect information to preexisting knowledge.

4 Build a memory palace.

5 Use your 5 senses.

6 Create mnemonic devices.

7 Explain the material to someone else.

8 Test yourself.

9 Use distributed practice and repetition.

10 Alternate between different topics or subjects.

11 Take strategic breaks.

12 Choose a good study space.

13 Stay well-rested.

14 Eat well.

15 Limit distractions.

16 Follow a study schedule.

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Article Summary

Co-authored by George Sachs, PsyD and Samantha Fulton, BA

Last Updated: July 21, 2026 Fact Checked

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Whether you’re studying for a test, trying to learn a language, or just hoping to retain what you learned in your college classes, remembering what you study can be a challenge. But don’t worry—we’re here to help. We’ve partnered with psychologists and educational specialists to explain the best ways to remember materials for those pesky exams. Keep reading for 15 expert-backed study hacks so you can ace your finals this semester.

How to Remember What You Study

Licensed psychologist George Sachs, PsyD says to engage in active learning, teach the materials to someone else, and test yourself to improve your retention of study materials. Other methods include breaking the material into smaller pieces, creating mnemonic devices, and connecting information to prior knowledge.

Steps

1

Practice active learning.

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1. 
   Actively engaging with the materials will help you remember them. This ensures that you actually absorb the information. Dr. Sachs says, “Simply re-reading your notes is a passive activity... Instead, try active recall, where you close your book and try to summarize what you've just read in your own words." If you’re in a lecture, take notes or record the lesson to summarize later. When you’re doing reading for a class, you can annotate the material to be more actively engaged.

   • If you can, take notes with a pen and paper. Writing notes by hand engages your brain in a different way than typing on a keyboard, and makes you take a little more time to think about what you are writing down.
   • If you like to doodle while you take notes, that’s great! Doodling can help you pay attention and retain information.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   George Sachs, PsyD is a licensed psychologist based in New York, New York. He has over 10 years of experience and specializes in treating ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders in children, teens, and adults.

   Ted Dorsey, MA is a test prep tutor, author, and founder of Tutor Ted, an SAT and ACT tutoring service based in Southern California.

   Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. is an educational consultant based in Claremont, California and provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. He has over 15 years of experience.
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2

Break the material down into smaller pieces.

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1. 
   It’s easier to remember information if you break it up into bite-sized chunks. Instead of trying to memorize an entire chapter of your textbook, focus on one short section or key piece of information at a time. This will keep you from overloading your brain and will allow you to better understand and remember what you’re studying.

   • For example, if you’re trying to remember vocabulary for a language class, don’t try to memorize more than 7-8 words at a time.
   • If you’re from a textbook, it can be helpful to work with the structure of the book. Textbook chapters are usually divided into shorter sections that each provide a manageable amount of information. Focus on understanding and remembering one section before moving on to the next.

3

Connect information to preexisting knowledge.

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1. 
   Making connections to past knowledge will improve your retention. By connecting new materials to prior knowledge, you form new neural pathways that boost your retention and organization of the new information. When you learn something new, try to connect it to something from the same class or a similar subject. For instance, if you learn about dramatic irony in your English class, you might connect it to what you know about other forms of irony by making note of the similarities or differences.
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4

Build a memory palace.

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1. 
   The memory palace technique helps your brain store information. Also known as the method of loci, the memory palace technique is when you mentally store information in specific locations along a route. You can use a route through the rooms of your house or apartment to do it. For example, if you need to remember Spanish verbs, adjectives, and nouns, you could mentally store verbs in the kitchen, adjectives in the living room, and nouns in your bedroom.

   • When you’re trying to recall information on a test, simply walk through your memory palace and find the corresponding room/location to remember a fact or term.

5

Use your 5 senses.

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1. 
   Stimulating your senses while you study helps improve your recall. The 5 senses are proven to be linked to memory and retention, and engaging the senses while learning can improve your memory. You can try color-coding your notes, reading aloud, using fidget tools, using scented stationary, or chewing flavored gum to boost your retention while you’re studying.

   • If you chew a flavored gum while studying for a specific subject, try chewing the same flavor when you take your exam. Odds are, your brain will connect the information you studied with the flavor and help you recall information.
   • Try catering to your learning style. If you’re a visual learner, you might try color-coded highlighting for your study materials. If you’re an auditory learner, reading aloud or listening to recorded lectures will probably work better.
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6

Create mnemonic devices.

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1. 
   Mnemonic devices are a great way to remember information. Academic tutor Ted Dorsey, MA says, “I think that mnemonic devices work so long as you have them actively in your mind.” That might mean using an acronym to remember information (for example, ROY G. BIV for the colors of the rainbow), using a pun or word play, or creating a distinctive mental image.

   • The most common mnemonic devices are creating acronyms that represent the words you're trying to remember, making an acrostic sentence where the first letter of each word represents what you're trying to remember, and using rhymes to remember. However, you can also use image association, especially if you're a visual person.
   • Music is also a powerful memory trigger, so putting the information to a melody can be very helpful. There’s a reason countless generations of kids have been taught the alphabet in song form!
   • Your memory cue doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you. In fact, the weirder and more specific it is, the better. For example, if you’re trying to remember the ancient Greek word hepomai (“to follow”), you might picture a cool cartoon cat singing “I’m hep! Oh my! Everybody follow me!”

7

Explain the material to someone else.

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1. 
   Teaching is one of the best ways to learn. Explaining a concept to someone else solidifies your own understanding and shows you what you remember. Dr. Sachs recommends the Feynman Technique. “This involves teaching a complex topic to someone else in the simplest terms possible. When you get stuck, it highlights gaps in your knowledge," he explains.
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8

Test yourself.

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1. 
   Self-testing improves retention and highlights gaps in your knowledge. “Using flashcards or taking practice tests forces your brain to retrieve information from memory, which strengthens neural connections," notes Dr. Sachs. If you’re studying with a friend, you can also quiz each other!

   • Quizlet can be a great help for quizzing yourself, either alone or with a friend. You can create your own digital flashcards based on your course material, or you can use flashcards prepared by other members.
   • One way to test yourself is to ask yourself basic questions about the material as you go. For example, “What is the main point of this section of the text?”
   • Self-quizzing not only helps you get a better idea of how well you understand the material, but it also forces your brain to work a little bit harder to remember.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Joseph Meyer

   Math Teacher

   Joseph Meyer is a High School Math Teacher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is an educator at City Charter High School, where he has been teaching for over 7 years. Joseph is also the founder of Sandbox Math, an online learning community dedicated to helping students succeed in Algebra. His site is set apart by its focus on fostering genuine comprehension through step-by-step understanding (instead of just getting the correct final answer), enabling learners to identify and overcome misunderstandings and confidently take on any test they face. He received his MA in Physics from Case Western Reserve University and his BA in Physics from Baldwin Wallace University.

   

   Joseph Meyer
   Math Teacher

   Become an active learner. Learn from your mistakes in order to confidently tackle new lessons. Before jumping into advanced topics, make sure your skills in basic concepts are up to scratch. Utilize online resources and interactive exercises that provide instant feedback to solidify your understanding.

9

Use distributed practice and repetition.

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1. 
   When you’re trying to remember something, repeated exposure is important. “Repetition is the key when it comes to rote memorization,” says test prep instructor Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.This method works best if you give yourself enough time between reviews that you start to forget what you studied. Reviewing after a little time has gone by flexes your memory muscles and helps you learn the material at a deeper level.

   • When you’re spacing out your review sessions, keep the intervals short at first, then gradually increase them. For example, if you studied something one day, sleep on it and do a little review the next day. Test yourself a couple days later, and then again a week after that.
   • Try a study timer app like SuperMemo or Ultimate Study Timer to help you schedule your study intervals.
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10

Alternate between different topics or subjects.

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1. 
   Switching between topics can keep you focused. This keeps your brain from getting bogged down with trying to remember too much about one subject (or 2 very similar subjects) at once. Plus, breaking up subjects can prevent students from losing motivation, says Ruiz.

   • For example, memorize a poem, then move on to studying some algebra rules.
   • Try taking breaks between topics or doing different subjects on different days.

11

Take strategic breaks.

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1. 
   Sitting still for too long impedes your focus. Dr. Sachs recommends “the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break.” During your break, it helps if you move your body. You can stretch, walk around, or do some jumping jacks to get your blood pumping. This will re-energize your brain, notes Dr. Sachs.
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12

Choose a good study space.

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1. 
   Picking the right place to study will help you concentrate. You’ll need a quiet place where you can devote your full attention to your study materials. Dr. Sachs says to “use a well-lit room, ideally with natural light.” He advises against studying in bed. Good study spaces could include a desk in your room, a study carrel or cubicle in your school library, or a table in a quiet coffee shop.

   • You can also switch locations if you’re having trouble staying focused. Sometimes a change in scenery can give your brain a refresh and keep you more awake and alert.
   • If you’re able to access the room you’ll be taking an exam in, try studying your materials there. Your brain will associate the information with that location, making it easier to remember it on the day of the exam.

13

Stay well-rested.

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1. 
   A well-rested brain retains information better. Dr. Sachs says, “All-nighters are counterproductive, as a sleep-deprived brain struggles to focus and form memories.” He recommends aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Plus, your brain processes new information while you sleep, so you may find that you understand those difficult concepts better after a quick nap or a good night’s rest. Get the most out of your sleep by practicing good “sleep hygiene”:

   • Don’t nap for more than 20-30 minutes during the day.
   • Avoid using stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine, 6-8 hours before bedtime. Having more than 1-2 alcoholic drinks in the evening can also disrupt your sleep.
   • Exercise at least 10 minutes a day to improve the quality of your sleep.
   • Avoid eating evening meals that might cause heartburn or indigestion, such as spicy, acidic, or fatty foods.
   • Develop a regular, relaxing. Put away your computer or smartphone, do some meditation or light stretching, and take a warm shower or bath. You might also try reading to help you fall asleep. Set aside about 30 minutes before bedtime each night to unwind.
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14

Eat well.

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1. 
   A healthy diet can help you concentrate and remember information. “It’s crucial to fuel your body with the right things,” notes Dr. Sachs. Make sure you stay hydrated and eat healthy snacks like nuts or fruit. Although a sugary snack may feel tempting when you’re cramming for an exam, Dr. Sachs says it could lead to a sudden energy crash.

   • Some healthy fats, like DHA, may actually improve your memory. Eat plenty of fish, or take fish oil supplements to get more DHA in your diet.

15

Limit distractions.

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1. 
   This will help you concentrate on what you’re memorizing. It’s easy to get sidetracked when you have easy access to social media, games, or things to watch while you’re studying. Try to work in a room without a TV, or at least keep the TV off while you are studying. “The most essential way to get away from those distractions is really to put your phone away,” says Ruiz. If you can, leave your phone in another room or power it down while you study.
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16

Follow a study schedule.

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1. 
   This helps you spend the appropriate amount of time to memorize materials. According to Ruiz, “Making a consistent study schedule helps you remember the material ultimately, because you're spending more time and effort on the material.” Give yourself at least a couple weeks to study before a test. Last-minute cramming is ineffective at helping you retain what you’ve learned, and will leave you feeling tired, stressed, and overloaded with information.

   • Reader Poll: We asked 673 wikiHow readers how they like to prepare for a multiple choice exam, and 49% of them said studying in advance and following a study schedule. [Take Poll] This also works well for other types of quizzes and exams!

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.

1

Study For Exams

2

How to Study and Remember Everything: 15 Expert Tips

3

11 Simple Tips to Create the Ideal Study Space

4

Create Good Study Habits for Exams

5

Learn Without Forgetting

6

Retain Information when You Study for a Test

Expert Q&A

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• Question

  Why don't I remember anything that I study?

  

  Christopher Taylor, PhD
  English Professor

  Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

  

  Christopher Taylor, PhD

  English Professor

  Expert Answer

  It's possible you're putting too much stress on yourself. Give yourself more time to study, and set aside a comfortable place to do it. Start quizzing yourself more often to check if you're retaining the information.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 20 Helpful 132
• Question

  If we are dull students how can we remember it?

  

  Christopher Taylor, PhD
  English Professor

  Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

  

  Christopher Taylor, PhD

  English Professor

  Expert Answer

  When you study, your success is determined by your effort and commitment, not by your natural abilities. It may take some people longer to understand a concept than it does others, but the same studying techniques, such as setting aside time, minimizing distractions, and switching between topics, can work for everyone. If you're having trouble understanding the material even after studying well, talk to your teacher, a tutor, or a classmate.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 18 Helpful 94
• Question

  How do I study for a math test?

  

  Community Answer

  Practice as much as possible. Try do the questions without looking at the answer, then compare your answer to the solution to see where you make mistakes. Make notes in another color pen over your answer of areas you don't understand.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 68 Helpful 644

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• If there's a topic you find particularly confusing, make a note of it so you know what you may want to spend a little more time reviewing.
• Before you study, you might want to try taking a walk or spending time outside; this may help prepare your mind for studying.
• Try reading the material you're studying aloud, since this may help you remember the information.

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