I'm going back for my MSc in Mathematics, but did rather average during my undergrad with a few good grades here and there. I want to do very well -- A average is what I'm shooting for. Whenever I studied for exams, it was completely hit or miss for me whether I did well or average. When I did average, it seemed I prepared for a completely different exam. When I did well, it seemed like I got lucky because I happened to study the hell out of certain homework questions. I had to work part-time/full-time for most of my undergrad to pay for it, so there's also that.

What are the best tips for studying? How many hours per day should I be studying if I have 2 courses? Should I be reviewing previous material at certain intervals? How many hours minimum should I put into studying for an exam?

pic unrelated.