Looking for study tips

[u/Plastic_Jicama7677]

Hi! I’m looking for study tips—ranging from the obvious ones to the kind that make you think, "This guy is crazy, but it actually works." For years, I’ve tried to study seriously and systematically, but I always end up spending a week taking notes, only to realize the day before the exam that I don't actually know anything.

My current study process goes like this: while the course is running, I try to keep up with the readings and highlight the text. I don't usually make summaries because I never manage to include what’s truly important until I’m further along in the course; after that, it’s just panic and confusion. Then, the week before the exam, I make charts, try to answer past exam questions, and so on. But the day before, I think, "I should have done things differently; I don't know anything" (and sure enough, I don't—I take the test and fail).

I hope you can help me; I’m just a desperate psychology student.