Important Tips to Study for a Series 3 Exam

Imagine if somebody had tons of lumber, nails and concrete placed in front of him, and then he was told to just build a house. That wouldn’t work well, because this individual doesn’t have a prepared plan to actually build the house. Similarly, you shouldn’t just study for an important Series 3 exam without a plan. Sitting down and planning how you’ll study with your Series 3 study guide can be just as important as the act of studying itself. Check out these four important study planning tips to improve your studying productivity.

1. Set up a Schedule

Your first step is to organize. Create a schedule for your studying. Start from the date of your exam and work backwards to the present. Carefully consider your normal routine and where in the day you should place your study periods. If you’re taking a class, consult the parent company’s website for advice on how many hours you should take to study for the Series 3 exam. Also, if you’re taking a class, allow yourself some time, perhaps a week, after the course so you can digest all the information you learned.

2. Choose a Study Location

You should set up a regular spot to study with your Series 3 study guide, someplace that offers few distractions, is well lit, and is comfortable. Choosing a location without these amenities can affect your studying. For example, if you sit in a hard chair with no padding for an extended period of time, you’ll grow uncomfortable and eventually have to get up, interrupting or cutting off your study time. Perhaps you’ll feel more comfortable in your couch at home. However, if your home has multiple occupants and are likely to make noise that could impede your studying, consider going to a library study room. By having a regular studying location, you’ll get into your mindset much easier.

3. Use a Notebook or Pad

As you’re going through your Series 3 study guide and other material, it’s a good idea to have a notepad or a little notebook with you to write down questions you may have with the material. If there are concepts that aren’t making sense to you, it’s important to record those concepts so you can go back and try and master them later. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to invest in an online course or attend a class. This will give you greater access to study material, or you can consult with an instructor about your problems.

4. Eat and Sleep Well

Finally, don’t get so distracted that you neglect eating. An empty stomach can dull your concentration. Also, after reading or looking at a computer screen for an extended period, you can become queasy if you haven’t eaten in hours. Eat a snack that’s rich in protein. Also, keep hydrated. Drink water or perhaps a drink with a little caffeine, but not too much. Excessive sugar can cause a crash later on that will drain you of energy.

Getting a study plan together is your path to success. Properly prepared, you’ll pass your exam and gain a Series 3 license that can send your career in commodities soaring.

Taryn Johnson is an avid writer. She loves all things about electronics and marketing. In a perfect world, Taryn would be writing from the beaches of Hawaii all day long.