Effective Study Techniques for LET Takers
Reading your notes over and over again is the least effective way to study. It gives you the illusion of competence.
Introduction
Reading your notes over and over again is the least effective way to study. It gives you the illusion of competence—you recognize the words, so you think you know them. But when the book is closed, you can't recall them.
To pass the LET, you need to study smarter, not harder. Here are scientifically proven techniques.
1. Active Recall
Instead of reading, test yourself. Close your book and try to recite what you just learned.
How to do it: Write questions based on your notes. When reviewing, look at the question and force your brain to retrieve the answer before checking your notes.
2. Spaced Repetition
Don't cram. Review material at increasing intervals.
How to do it: Review a topic today, then again in 2 days, then in a week, then in a month. This moves information from short-term to long-term memory. Apps like Anki are great for this.
3. The Feynman Technique
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
How to do it: Pretend you are teaching a concept (like Piaget's stages) to a 5-year-old. Use simple language. If you get stuck, go back to the source material.
4. Mind Mapping
Connect ideas visually. This is great for subjects like History or Literature.
How to do it: Write the main topic in the center and branch out with related sub-topics. Use colors and images.
5. Mnemonics
Use acronyms, rhymes, or associations to memorize lists.
Example: "ROYGBIV" for colors of the rainbow. Create your own for the 1987 Constitution articles or the hierarchy of biology.
6. Practice Testing
Simulate the exam environment.
How to do it: Take a mock exam with a timer. Don't check your notes. This builds stamina and reduces exam anxiety.
Conclusion
Experiment with these techniques and find what works for you. The goal is deep understanding, not just rote memorization.
Combine these techniques with good time management to maximize your review sessions.
Review & Study
Tips, techniques, and resources to help you pass the LET.
Effective Study Techniques for LET Takers