Forming study groups

It is very important that you form well-functioning study groups, especially for classes that demand a lot of work-hours.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Yes, you do need a study group, even if the class does not require it. It is a good investment in time to meet, even if it is to review concepts and compare answer. Personal experience: I did not have a group for my accounting class, and struggled with it.

2. Try to form groups with people who live close to each other. It makes it so much easier to meet. Also see if you guys can coordinate schedules to see if you can meet on campus, vs elsewhere.

3. The class roster is fairly finalized after Phase 3 of iBid, so you can look through it and see people who have worked with before or have appealing backgrounds. Form groups early, as these folks may commit elsewhere.

4. Consider recruiting schedules. Especially true for the WINTER quarter when on-campus recruiting is in full swing. If you have a group full of people who are targeting consulting or banking, for instance, consider whether they will have time to devote to the group. Balance, as always, is key.

5. Make sure you convey good work ethic and respect for your groupmates when working in a group. Bridges can be burned quickly and reputation formed. You want to make sure people will want to work with you again.

I welcome your comments.