There are two types of students: the ones who thrive in group study sessions, and the ones who hear the words “study group” and immediately run the other way. I’ve been both. Sometimes studying with friends feels like the ultimate productivity hack, and sometimes it feels like three hours of TikTok breaks and inside jokes. So let’s break it down: the pros and cons of group study vs. solo study.

Group Study: The Pros

1. Accountability.
   When you’re in a group, you’re less likely to scroll mindlessly on your phone because people can literally see you. Peer pressure, but make it academic.
2. Different Perspectives.
   I can’t count the number of times a friend explained something in five seconds that I’d been confused about for a week. Sometimes another student’s explanation makes more sense than the teacher’s.
3. Built-In Quiz Partner.
   Flashcards are way less boring when someone else is testing you. Plus, you can’t cheat when someone else is holding the cards.
4. Morale Boost.
   Studying for finals can feel soul-crushing, but laughing with friends in between review problems makes it tolerable. Misery loves company, and honestly, sometimes that’s enough.

Group Study: The Cons

1. Distractions Everywhere.
   Let’s be honest—studying with friends can quickly turn into a gossip session. Suddenly you’re not reviewing APUSH; you’re dissecting who said what at lunch.
2. Pacing Problems.
   One person wants to fly through the material, another is still stuck on question two, and you’re somewhere in the middle. It’s hard to find the perfect speed.
3. False Sense of Security.
   It’s easy to feel like you “studied” just because you sat in a group, but if you didn’t personally work through the problems, you might be overestimating how prepared you are.

Solo Study: The Pros

1. Total Focus.
   No distractions, no waiting on anyone else, no side conversations about prom. Just you and your notes.
2. Control Over Pacing.
   You get to decide if you want to spend thirty minutes on one problem or blitz through an entire chapter. It’s your schedule, your rules.
3. Self-Reliance.
   Solo study forces you to wrestle with concepts until you actually understand them. You can’t just lean on someone else’s brain—you have to use your own.
4. Flexibility.
   You can study anywhere: your room, a coffee shop, or even five minutes in the car before practice. No need to coordinate with three other people’s schedules.

Solo Study: The Cons

1. Lonely and Draining.
   Sometimes it’s just… boring. Sitting alone with your flashcards for hours can feel endless compared to the energy of a group.
2. No One to Check You.
   If you misunderstand something, you might not realize it until test day. At least in a group, someone can correct you.
3. Easy to Procrastinate.
   With no one holding you accountable, it’s way too easy to say, “I’ll just start in 10 minutes,” and suddenly it’s midnight.

My Take: The Hybrid

Here’s the truth: I don’t swear by one or the other. I use both. If I’m cramming vocab or drilling practice problems, I’m solo—headphones in, tunnel vision. But if I’m prepping for something like a DECA exam or need to review AP Chem concepts, group study is gold.

Honestly, my best strategy is to start solo, then meet with a group later. That way, I walk in already knowing the basics and use the group to fill in gaps or quiz each other. Otherwise, it’s too easy to waste the whole session pretending we’re productive while actually just making Starbucks runs.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best study method depends on you. If you need motivation and collaboration, group study can be amazing. If you need focus and independence, solo study wins. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle—and that’s okay.

So don’t force yourself into one camp. Try both, figure out where you actually retain the most information, and then mix and match. Because whether you’re solo grinding with a latte or in a group cramming with friends, the goal is the same: pass the test, keep your sanity, and maybe even have a little fun along the way.