The 80/20 Rule and How to Use It for Studying in College
The 80/20 Rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, states that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of causes. In other words, a small portion of your efforts leads to the majority of your results. This principle can be applied to many areas of life, including studying in college.
Not all study material is equally important. Focus on the 20% of topics that will likely appear on exams or contribute the most to your understanding of the subject. Review past exams, syllabi, and professor’s hints to pinpoint key concepts.
Instead of passively rereading textbooks or notes, use active learning strategies like practice tests, summarizing information, and teaching concepts to others. These methods yield better retention and understanding in less time.
Spending hours highlighting notes or rewriting everything might feel productive, but it often has a low return on investment. Instead, focus on activities that reinforce learning, such as solving problems or engaging in discussions.
Instead of cramming for long hours, dedicate focused study sessions on the most important 20% of content. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25-minute study sessions with breaks) to maximize efficiency.
Some textbooks, videos, or study guides provide more value in less time than others. Identify resources that explain concepts clearly and concisely, and prioritize using them.
By applying the 80/20 Rule, you can study smarter, not harder, ensuring that your efforts lead to the best academic results with less stress.
