STEM summer camps give students a chance to dive deep into these subjects in a fun and interactive environment. They are also a great way to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. You probably know this, but just in case: STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It’s a rapidly growing area of focus in education and careers. 

For example, you might find a summer program that teaches students how to build and code a robot. Some STEM summer camps even offer mentorship opportunities with industry professionals or college professors.

What do students do at STEM summer camps?

A typical day at a STEM summer camp might include 

• Workshops
• hands-on experiments
• and team-based challenges. 

You might also spend time working on a project, like designing an app or creating a science experiment. 

If the camp includes guest speakers or field trips, you’ll get to see STEM in action. Many students also enjoy the chance to connect with peers who share their interests.

How much do STEM summer programs cost?

Many of the best STEM summer programs are free, but they’re highly competitive. Often hosted by universities or prestigious organizations, these programs select students based on academic achievement, essays, or teacher recommendation. Their free cost reflects their mission to support talented students regardless of financial background.

There are also paid programs, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. However, if you’re considering a paid program, you should know they might not have the same impact on your college applications as free options. 

Still, paid STEM summer programs can deepen your STEM knowledge (which is worthwhile regardless of how it impacts college apps). Even if it doesn’t carry the weight of a free, selective program, it can show admissions officers your initiative and a passion for learning.

STEM summer camps and programs: 60 options

Here’s a list of over 60 STEM summer camps and programs. There’s a mix of free and paid programs, in-person and online options, and opportunities for various grade levels. There are also some internship components that offer participants stipends for conducting research or gaining real-world experience in STEM fields.

1. MITES Summer

MITES Summer (formerly MIT Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) is a highly selective program empowering high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds to explore STEM fields. Hosted by MIT, it offers rigorous coursework in math, science, and engineering alongside hands-on projects and mentoring from top faculty.

Quick Facts

• Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
• Age/Grade Range: High school juniors
• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: Six-week program, beginning in late June

2. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a rigorous program designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are passionate about STEM. Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University, SAMS offers intensive courses in math, science, and engineering alongside hands-on projects and mentorship. Participants build technical skills, gain exposure to cutting-edge research, and prepare for STEM college programs.

Quick Facts

• Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
• Age/Grade Range: Rising high school seniors; must be at least 16 by the start of the program 
• Cost: Free, including room and board; must demonstrate financial need 
• Program Dates: 6-week sessions; late June to early August

3. Mathcamp

Mathcamp is a rigorous and fun summer program for mathematically talented high school students. The program offers an in-depth exploration of advanced mathematical topics beyond the typical high school curriculum. Students attend lectures, participate in problem-solving sessions, and collaborate on projects with peers and instructors who share their passion for mathematics.

Quick Facts

• Location: Varies (typically hosted at a college campus in the U.S.)
• Age/Grade Range: High school students (ages 13-18)
• Cost: $5,500; financial aid available; free for US and Canadian students from families with household incomes under $100,000
• Program Dates: 5 weeks; Late June to early August 

4. SUMaC—Stanford University Mathematics Camp

SUMaC (Stanford University Mathematics Camp) is a prestigious program for high school students passionate about advanced mathematics. Through rigorous coursework and collaborative problem-solving, participants explore topics like abstract algebra, number theory, or topology. 

Quick Facts

• Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA or online 
• Age/Grade Range: Rising high school juniors and seniors
• Cost: Online - $3,580; Residential - $8,575; financial aid available 
• Program Dates: Multiple program sessions; mid-June to late July 

5. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program offers high school students the chance to engage in cutting-edge biomedical research. Participants work in labs alongside world-class scientists, focusing on genetics, cancer research, and other areas of biomedical science. This immersive experience allows students to develop hands-on research skills and gain insight into careers in science and healthcare.

Quick Facts

• Location: Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 
• Age/Grade Range: High school seniors; must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program 
• Cost: Free, including room and board; participants receive a $6,500 stipend 
• Program Dates: 10 weeks; Late May to early August 

6. Summer Science Program (SSP)

The Summer Science Program (SSP) offers highly motivated high school students a chance to dive deep into advanced STEM topics through intensive, hands-on research projects. Participants collaborate in small teams to tackle real-world scientific challenges, such as asteroid orbital calculations or biochemical research.

Quick Facts

• Location: Program held on various college campuses 
• Age/Grade Range: High school juniors or exceptional sophomores; must be 15-19 years old during the summer program
• Cost: $8,800; financial aid available 
• Program Dates: Programs begin mid-late June

7. Smith Science and Engineering Program (SSEP)

Hosted by Smith College, the Smith Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) is an immersive, hands-on experience for high school girls interested in STEM. Students learn about engineering, biology, computer science, and more through interactive workshops and research projects. They also collaborate with faculty and peers in a supportive, all-female environment, gaining confidence in their technical skills while exploring potential STEM careers.

Quick Facts

• Location: Smith College, Northampton, MA
• Age/Grade Range: Students entering 9th–12th grade
• Cost: $4,864 per 2-week session 
• Program Dates: 2-week sessions in July to August 

8. Women’s Technology Program (WTP)

MIT's Women’s Technology Program (WTP) is a four-week summer program designed to spark high school girls’ interest in engineering and computer science. Participants engage in rigorous hands-on projects, attend lectures, and work in teams to tackle real-world challenges. With mentorship from MIT faculty and students, WTP offers a supportive environment where young women can develop technical skills, build confidence, and explore careers in technology and engineering fields.

Quick Facts

• Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
• Age/Grade Range: Rising high school seniors
• Cost: Free 
• Program Dates: 4-week program starting in late June

9. Roswell Park’s Summer Cancer Research Experience Program

Roswell Park’s Summer Cancer Research Experience Program offers high school students a chance to work alongside world-class researchers in the fight against cancer. Participants gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs, contributing to projects in cancer biology, immunology, and genetics. Through mentorship and seminars, students develop research skills and learn about careers in oncology and biomedical sciences. 

Quick Facts

• Location: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
• Age/Grade Range: Rising high school seniors 
• Cost: Free; some students may receive a stipend based on qualifications and funding
• Program Dates: 6-8 weeks; Late June to early August 

10. The Research Science Institute (RSI)

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious summer program for high school students passionate about STEM research. Hosted by MIT, RSI combines coursework with hands-on research experience, pairing students with mentors to tackle advanced projects in fields like physics, engineering, or biology. Participants attend lectures, conduct experiments, and present their findings, gaining invaluable skills and insights into research careers. (Here’s our guide to the RSI program.)

Quick Facts

• Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
• Age/Grade Range: Rising high school seniors
• Cost: Free, including room and board
• Program Dates: 6 weeks; Late June to early August

11. SIMR—Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers high school students a chance to engage in cutting-edge biomedical research. Participants work alongside Stanford faculty and researchers on projects in fields such as cancer biology, immunology, bioengineering, and genetics. This immersive experience includes hands-on lab work, mentorship, and opportunities to present findings.

Quick Facts

• Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
• Age/Grade Range: High school juniors and seniors; must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
• Cost: Free; students must provide their own housing and transportation; students receive at minimum a $500 stipend 
• Program Dates: 8 weeks; Early June to late July 

12. Secondary Student Training Program - Belin-Blank Center

The Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) at the Belin-Blank Center provides high school students with a unique opportunity to conduct university-level research in STEM fields. Participants work with faculty mentors at the University of Iowa, gaining hands-on lab experience and contributing to real-world projects. The program includes workshops, seminars, and opportunities to present research findings.

Quick Facts

• Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
• Age/Grade Range: High school students in grades 10-11
• Cost: $7,500; financial aid and scholarships available 
• Program Dates: Mid-June to late July

13. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

The ARISE program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering offers high school students the chance to conduct original STEM research under the mentorship of university faculty. Participants engage in intensive lab work in fields like robotics, biomedical engineering, or environmental science, gaining valuable technical and analytical skills. The program also includes workshops on science communication and college readiness.

Quick Facts

• Location: New York University, Brooklyn, NY
• Age/Grade Range: Rising juniors and rising seniors in NYC 
• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: 10 weeks, June to August 

14. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offers high school students a hands-on introduction to fisheries science and aquatic resource management. Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, the program matches students with mentors for an 8-week paid summer internship. Participants gain practical experience in fieldwork, research, and conservation efforts. Hutton also aims to increase diversity in the profession of fisheries.

Quick Facts

• Location: Various locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, and the Pacific Islands 
• Age/Grade Range: Rising high school seniors or rising college freshman
• Cost: Free; includes a $3,000 stipend
• Program Dates: 8 weeks; June to August

15. Anson L. Clark Scholar Program

The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is an intensive summer research experience for highly motivated high school students. Hosted by Texas Tech University, the program allows participants to work closely with faculty mentors on cutting-edge research across STEM fields. Scholars also attend seminars and present their findings, gaining valuable critical thinking and communication skills.

Quick Facts

• Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
• Age/Grade Range: Rising high school seniors or rising college freshman; applicants must be at least 17 by the start of the program 
• Cost: Free; includes room, board, and a $750 stipend
• Program Dates: 7 weeks; Mid-June to early August 

16. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

The AFRL Scholars Program offers high school and undergraduate students the opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists and engineers at various Air Force research facilities. The program includes hands-on research, mentorship, and the chance to explore careers in aerospace and defense technologies.

Quick Facts

• Location: Various locations across the U.S.
• Age/Grade Range: High school students who are at least 16 years old and undergraduate students 
• Cost: Free; includes a stipend
• Program Dates: Dates and number of weeks are based on scholar availability and funding available

17. UW Teton STEM Academy

The UW Teton STEM Academy, hosted by the University of Wyoming, offers high school students hands-on experience in STEM fields like environmental science, engineering, and mathematics. Set in the scenic Teton Mountains, the program provides immersive fieldwork, research projects, and mentorship from university faculty. Students develop practical scientific investigation and data analysis skills while exploring the natural world.

Quick Facts

• Location: University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
• Age/Grade Range: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th grade students from Wyoming
• Cost: Free 
• Program Dates: 1 week; Mid-June 

18. Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) TREK Summer Program 

Hosted by Tuskegee University, the Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) TREK Summer Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore careers in forestry, natural resources, and related STEM fields. Participants engage in fieldwork, learn about ecosystem management, and conduct research on topics like forestry protection, management, and viable use of ecosystems.

Quick Facts

• Location: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
• Age/Grade Range: Students in grades 9–12 and returning to high school the Fall semester following the program
• Cost: Free, not including transportation to and from the program; participants may also receive a small stipend of up to $200
• Program Dates: 2 weeks; Early to mid-June 

19. STREAM Program - Black Girls Dive 

The STREAM Program by Black Girls Dive offers middle high school girls of color the chance to explore science, technology, recreation, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STREAM) through hands-on experiences in aquatic environments. Participants engage in activities like scuba diving, underwater photography & videography, environmental conservation, and marine biology while developing leadership skills and confidence.

Quick Facts

• Location: Various locations
• Age/Grade Range: Middle and high school girls 
• Cost: Free 
• Program Dates: Varies 

20. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) is an academic enrichment program for gifted students, offering immersive experiences in STEM and other subjects. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and collaboration with peers who share a passion for learning.

Quick Facts

• Location: John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; residential and commuter options
• Age/Grade Range: Students in grades 2-12 
• Cost: Paid programs with varying costs; financial aid available 
• Program Dates: Three-week programs; Late June-Early August; multiple sessions 

21. Conservation Science Intensive (CSI)

The Conservation Science Intensive (CSI) program, hosted by the Egret Society, offers high school students an immersive experience in environmental conservation and wildlife biology. Participants work with experts to study and protect endangered species, conduct field research, and analyze ecological data. This program is specifically for young people who identify as transgender, non-binary, and/or as women.

Quick Facts

• Location: Martin Griffin Preserve in Stinson Beach, CA
• Age/Grade Range: Rising juniors, rising seniors, and rising college students 
• Cost: 1,200; fee waivers and financial aid available 
• Program Dates: Five days and four nights in late June 

22. Joint Science Education Project (JSEP)

The Joint Science Education Project (JSEP) is a collaborative initiative between Greenland, the United States, and Denmark to train the next generation of polar scientists and STEM professionals. Since 2007, high school and university students from these countries have worked together to explore Arctic environments and the effects of rapid climate change. A remote summer program is available for high school students. Students who complete the remote program can later apply for the field program in Greenland. 

Quick Facts

• Location: Remote; Various locations in Greenland and the U.S.
• Age/Grade Range: Rising high school seniors
• Cost: Free; $1500 stipend for field program participants 
• Program Dates: Varies 

23. Young Researchers Program

The Young Researchers Program, hosted by the University of Southern California (USC), offers high school students traditionally underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to conduct original research. Participants work closely with USC faculty and graduate students on research projects, developing skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific communication.

Quick Facts

• Location: USC, Los Angeles, CA
• Age/Grade Range: Rising high school seniors in the Los Angeles, Lynwood, Compton, or Inglewood Unified School Districts
• Cost: Free
• Program Dates: 6 weeks; Mid-June to Late July

24. Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP)

The Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) at Stanford University’s School of Medicine offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore human anatomy and medical sciences. Through hands-on experiences like dissections and labs and observations of surgical demonstrations, students gain a deep understanding of the human body’s structure and function. This program is ideal for those considering careers in medical or health-related fields.

Quick Facts

• Location: Non-residential program on Stanford’s campus
• Age/Grade Range: Must be at least 15 at the start of the program 
• Cost: $4,000
• Program Dates: Multiple program sessions; June-July 

25. Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) Program 

The Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) Program is an opportunity for high school students to explore nuclear physics. Hosted at Michigan State University's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), participants gain hands-on experience in nuclear physics experiments, attend lectures from experts, and learn about fields like astrophysics, precision measurement, and nuclear science.

Quick Facts

• Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• Age/Grade Range: High school students 
• Cost: Free, including room and board 
• Program Dates: 1 week; Late July 

More STEM Summer Programs 

Still looking for more?

Cool, here are another 35 potential STEM summer programs to explore:

1. KEYS Research Internship 
2. NASEP | Native American Science & Engineering Program 
3. AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp
4. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes 
5. Beaver Works Summer Institute 
6. LLRISE | MIT Lincoln Laboratory 
7. iD Tech
8. Young Scholars Program (YSP)
9. Rice University Precollege Program
10. COSMOS 
11. Michigan Math and Science Scholars
12. USNA Summer STEM
13. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
14. Summer Student Program | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 
15. High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
16. Simons Summer Research Program | Stony Brook University
17. Summer Science Research Experience
18. JHU STEM Summer Programs & Courses
19. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) 
20. Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program
21. Renew Midwest Program - Benedictine University
22. Bethel College Summer Science Institute 
23. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)
24. Broad Summer Scholars Program
25. MESA 
26. Young Scholars Program - Florida State University
27. NIDA IRP Research Training for Under-represented Populations In Science
28. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) 
29. The New York Academy of Sciences
30. Step Up to STEM | North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
31. Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) Summer Research Program
32. Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) - Santa Clara University 
33. Science Mentorship Institute (sci-MI)
34. AgriTREK/SciTREK | Tuskegee University 
35. JSA/Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program
36. iCLEM (Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology) 
37. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Programs 
38. Chip Moody Consider Engineering Program 

Rather than waiting weeks to get results, students will receive score reports from the digital tests in a matter of days.

No more filling in bubbles or waiting for proctors to collect the exam sheets: The SAT is now digital, along with some other modifications.

Students taking the test internationally were the first introduced to the new format in 2023. It won't be offered in the U.S. until March 9, 2024.

"We had been hearing feedback from students and educators about what it's like to take the SAT and what it's like to give students the SAT," says Priscilla Rodriguez, senior vice president of college readiness assessments at the College Board, a nonprofit that develops the SAT and other standardized tests and curricula. "And some of the rigidity, stress and the length of the test, we could only make those kinds of changes going digital."

How Do Colleges Use the SAT?

The SAT is a multiple-choice exam aimed at predicting "college readiness" among high school students. To make admissions decisions, many colleges and universities look at students' scores in addition to their grades, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters and essays.

"You aren't your ACT or SAT score, you are more than that," says Sal Khan, founder and chief executive officer of Khan Academy, a nonprofit education company. "I think if you talk to any college admissions counselor, they would also agree with that. (But) in a world where every school has different grading systems ... a test like the SAT at least gives a consistent signal for readiness to do college-level work."

Some schools are moving away from weighing standardized test scores heavily in the admissions process. Many students experienced barriers to test-taking due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And there have been well-documented racial disparities in testing outcomes, which many say widen college access gaps. For the class of 2020, nearly 60% of white students and 80% of Asian students hit the college readiness benchmark in math, while less than one-quarter of Black students and one-third of Hispanic or Latino students did the same, the nonprofit Brookings Institute reported.

More than 1,900 four-year U.S. colleges and universities, a record, are test-optional for fall 2024, according to FairTest, a national advocacy group.

SAT Changes

Aside from a new digital format – which was taken by more than 300,000 students internationally in 2023, according to the College Board – other adjustments to the SAT include a shortened test, the allowance of graphing calculators throughout the math portion and faster results.

"Overall, I think it's a great change and is meeting students where they are at," says Ross Lingle, career counselor at Whitefish High School in Montana. "Colleges are going more test-optional, so I think it's helping to keep the SAT relevant and making it more approachable."

Despite the overhaul, the SAT remains on a 1,600-point scale and continues to test skills related to the three subject areas of reading, writing and math.

Here are some of the most important SAT changes:

Digital Format

The new digital test is adaptive, which means that how students do on a set of test questions affects the difficulty of a subsequent set of test questions. This method is used in other large-scale tests and improves testing security while allowing for a much shorter test, Rodriguez says.

Though it's digital, it is not a take-home exam. Tests are offered during the school day or weekend, under the watchful eye of a proctor. But now, students can bring their own laptop or tablet, use a school-issued device or borrow a device provided by the College Board.

Additionally, the digital test is designed to ensure that students won't lose their work if there's a broadband issue or power outage.

Shortened Test Day

From start to finish, the test day is shorter for both students and educators. The length of the exam was reduced from three hours to two. And due to the digital format, proctors no longer have to deal with packing, organizing and shipping test materials.

Questions are also more concise. For instance, lengthy reading passages were replaced with shorter versions. Only one question, rather than multiple, is tied to each reading.

"We still want students to have rich texts that they need to read, understand, analyze and answer questions about," Rodriguez says. "But these walls of texts were not going to work on a digital device."

Authorized Use of Calculators

The previous SAT divided the math section into two parts: noncalculator and calculator portions. Now, a calculator is allowed for the entire math segment.

Students can bring their own graphing calculator or use one that's embedded in the exam, which experts say reduces test-day barriers. Not every student is able to afford a graphing calculator, as average prices range from $100 to $200.

Expedited Score Results

Rather than waiting weeks to get results, students receive score reports from the digital tests in a matter of days. Reports have typically included percentile rankings and a breakdown of a student's score. They've also provided information about four-year colleges and scholarship opportunities.

Under the new format, the College Board plans to add resources about local community colleges, workforce training and career options, Rodriguez says.

Impact of the SAT Changes

With the SAT considered a "high stakes" exam, many students feel pressure to perform well. In a November 2021 pilot launch of the digital version, 80% of participants found the new format "less stressful" than the paper test, according to the College Board.

"What I hope and want is for students to be able to come in and just focus on demonstrating what they've learned and what they can do in the core reading, writing and math areas," Rodriguez says. "And have a lot of the stress around the test, the rigidity, the policies, all melt away."

Stress is not the only barrier to the exam. The SAT has long faced criticism around equity. Costs related to registration can limit a student's ability to retake the test to achieve a higher score. And while some students can afford high-priced SAT tutoring courses to get a competitive edge, many take the exam with much less preparation.

The College Board implemented free preparation resources, fee waivers and weekday testing to address some of these issues over the years. But as the SAT moves online, experts are divided on whether the new changes will address testing access and inequities.

Some experts predict that the digital format could improve access due to the time reduction, supplied devices and tools, and potential flexibility with test dates.

"For students in rural areas, like ours, we've had a pretty big decrease in testing opportunities," Lingle says. "Part of that is the length of the old test and the challenge of the administration, like the number of hours it takes to prepare and get to the testing facility. It turns off testing supervisors ... With the shorter administration and less paper to package and account for, I think there's going to be more opportunities for students to take it in their area."

Other experts are hesitant, saying it's too early to tell how the changes will affect individual students and address existing race gaps.

How to Prepare for the Changes

Students have several options to prepare for the test, including national test-prep companies, private tutors and self-guided online resources. Khan Academy, for example, offers free practice exams, videos and testing strategies on its website.

Adam Ingersoll, co-founder and principal at Compass Education Group, a tutoring service, recommends students become familiar with how to use the built-in Desmos calculator.

"The students who have the fanciest, expensive graphing calculators, historically, would have some advantage," he says. "The integrated Desmos virtual calculator is arguably better than those stand-alone graphing calculators. And it's free to learn how to use."

Despite these format changes, students should not automatically pick the SAT as their college admissions test of choice, experts say. They should take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to determine the better fit.

Many students may find the digital SAT's "shorter, slower-paced format more comfortable," Ingersoll says. "But it doesn't mean it actually shows up in a higher score compared to their ACT for all kinds of technical and personal reasons."

With finals rolling around, many students will be cramming their time to study and consume course information in the most efficient way possible. Students all over campus will be burying themselves in books, numbers and all kinds of symbols to finish off their semester triumphantly. 

But what are the most optimal ways to study?

Make a study schedule

Procrastination is a big factor in limiting a student’s potential. Planning a schedule for studying ahead of time can help prevent questions like ‘should I study right now, or later?’ 

Give yourself a reward

Something as small as buying a cup of coffee or allowing an episode from a comfort show can be rewarding and could promote productivity. A reward waiting for you can be a great motivator to get the hard work done.

Try out different methods

Simply reading notes from a lecture might not be enough for some people. Try engaging your brain by using flashcards or taking a practice test. 

Study before sleep

Studying right before bedtime can help promote better memory of the learned subject. It is a positive thing to rehearse any information that the student will find useful an hour prior to going to bed. 

Choose the right environment

Your environment is very important. Understanding where motivation and concentration are most productive is necessary. For some students, they may study well at busy coffee shops on campus, like Espresso Royale or Cafe Paradiso. For others, they may study best at the Main Library or at the Grainger Engineering Library.

Stay away from all-nighters

The most important factor is not how long someone studies, but how they use and structure their study time. Long study sessions can lead to a lack of concentration and retention of learning. Short yet productive study sessions that are spaced out could be more effective for students.

Study with others

Committing to a study group can help students stick to their study schedules. Having a commitment to a group of hardworking students holds them accountable and promotes an encouraging environment. 

Know the right material to study

Review the syllabus and listen to the instructor. Check up on emails that might contain updates or information about the upcoming exam. Have an idea of what will most likely be on the exam, and what might not be. 

Breaks before a breaking point

Study breaks could increase the quality of the study session. Breaks can not only reduce stress, but they can also prevent you from getting overwhelmed. 

Have confidence

Having confidence in your own abilities helps, even if it seems hard during these tough times. Believing and trusting in oneself helps to destress and focus on moving forward. by  KOUMAE ADAMS,

The mental health benefits of exercise are well documented! Although this colder weather (in other parts of the country) can make it daunting to leave your cozy place, don’t underestimate how much better you will feel even after a 30 minute walk around your neighborhood! Exercise can help clear your mind, or you can view it as a time to catch up on your favorite podcast or show. Get moving!