According to a 2012 report from the National Survey of Student Engagement, on average, full-time college students study 15 hours per week.
Sounds reasonable, but how effective is that study time? In the same survey, two out of three students reported that they frequently reviewed their notes after class but only half said they frequently outlined major topics and ideas from course materials or discussed effective study strategies with faculty or students.
The key isn't necessarily to put in more hours – although that wouldn't hurt either – but to make the most of your study hours. Some tips:

1. Get organized. Staying organized is key. Make sure you have a notebook for each class and organize your notes, handouts, graded tests, papers and quizzes. When you prepare to study, have all the materials – syllabus, pens, paper, pencils, calculator or whatever you'll need for that particular study session. Use a planner to keep track of long- and short-term projects. Set a schedule and stick to it.
2. Pick your time and place. Experts advise students to study in chunks of shorter time and to avoid marathon study sessions. If possible, it's best to use work hours – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. – for classes and studying. Every campus has great places to study – but your dorm room may not be one of them since there is likely both a bed and a TV to lure you away from your work. Look for spots with good lighting and few distractions. A study carrel at the library may be perfect for writing a paper or working equations, but there's nothing wrong with getting cozy in a tucked-away corner of a coffee shop for some tasks, such as reviewing notes. Try studying at the same time daily, giving your most challenging classes top priority.
3. Take good notes and review them correctly. Class notes are a crucial part of studying in college. Taking good notes forces you to listen carefully and helps you remember the important points even before you study them. So when you're taking notes during a lecture, listen carefully. Record only the main points and concentrate on key words, leaving plenty of white space to write in more information as needed. Take time to continue working on your notes as soon as possible. Add details you remember and review what you've written. Make note of any questions you have. Keep your notes neat and in order.
4. Attend class and participate. In college as in life, 90 percent of success is showing up. Studying will be much more effective if you know what your professor and classmates are talking about. Participate in discussions and ask questions.
   Create study tools. Create outlines, timelines, charts and flashcards with your notes and reading materials. Simply working on these mini-projects can help you memorize the material, but using them to test yourself can reap rewards.
5. Rethink reading. Painstakingly reading every word may not be your best strategy. Learn to scan chapter headings, introductions, summaries and keywords. Read actively, searching for the main points. Take notes and write summaries.
6. Create possible test questions. Translate the text into your own words and think of your own examples so you'll be able to write effective essays or summaries.
7. Turn off your phone. When it comes to studying, multi-tasking is a myth. Since you're studying in shorter chunks of time (see No. 2) you can turn your phone off and put it away to avoid being distracted by a text or call. Reward yourself after a productive hour or so with a quick peek – but get back to work until you've accomplished your mission.