11. I learned from my experience that studying for hours doesn’t mean anything if I’m not taking in stuff and really understanding things enough to the point I could explain it or describe it within some other example cases/ problems. So ideally finding the best way you learn, and then sticking to it. Do you like to rephrase things to understand it, or draw it out or other visual aids, maybe saying what you think is important out loud is the way to go? Many options but sticking by one or a few that suits you best and gradually working out how to improve that process is probably a really efficient way to study than or reading everything and then trying to memorize things over and over again for a long period of time.
– ReclusiveRetard
12. So for second language classes, duolingo is a lifesaver. It makes casual study much easier. Also, Khan Academy is an excellent tool that I strongly encourage you to use.
– wehosh
13. Follow these points:
Find out how you learn best. I learn by writing, so re-writing/distilling my notes was the best way for me to study for a test. You might need flashcards, or a study-buddy to talk through tough concepts, or record lectures to listen to later. No use studying in a way your brain doesn’t process; learn how you learn and do it.
Take breaks while studying. No monster five-hour cramming sessions, I needed a break every 45 minutes or so. Walk around, do push-ups, or squats, or yoga, for five minutes then back to the books. Breaks help decrease the monotony and give you something to look forward to.
Have a trusted friend, elder or teacher read your essays before submission. Seriously, another set of eyes can do wonders for coherence, flow, and thinking through concepts.
Make a plan. No more last-minute shenanigans. Write down due dates and work backward, leaving yourself enough time to chip away at projects, papers, and studying.
Talk to your teachers in those tough classes. They may be seeing you struggle, and want to help, so reach out. Use whatever tutoring services are available at your school, even peers, and get the help you need.
Sleep. Again, sleep. In high school, your brain is still developing. You need sleep to process all you are learning. Eight hours or more is recommended at your age. I know it sucks, but clean up your sleep hygiene. Stick with roughly the same bedtime and no screen time for at least an hour before bed.
Exercise. Doesn’t need to be extravagant, but make it part of your self-care routine. You can vent frustration, and it will help with sleep.
Factor in time for fun. Just because you now have a kick-ass study plan doesn’t mean you have no life. Long-term success means enjoying what you can when you can. Make time for friends, family, pets, etc.
– anthropology_nerd
14. Break the work down into smaller amounts. Make note cards or outlines. Rewriting the work can help you remember. It also can highlight brief facts that are easier to remember versus large paragraphs. Read it out loud. Find someone to study with.
– dragonfly325
15. Work before distraction.
– cow_says_mooooo
16. Little and often>>> 4-hour chunks
Not only do you remember information better if you revise notes/read textbooks, but doing it this way is less daunting and helps to build good habits.
Combine this with the fact that writing anything down helps you remember it much better.
Always test yourself on what you’ve learned to see if it really stuck.
Example exam questions and past papers are probably the best way to study topics you’ve finished, as you’re literally coming up against the style of question in the exam.
Don’t be afraid to ask teachers!
Source: Currently Oxford university applicant
– rocketpoweredfridge
17. A little off-topic. Niches, fam, niches. Start and improve in specific directions based on practical experiences and projects. This is what you will hear later.
If you are anything like me, you will regret spending time to generally improve your grades.
Had multiple friends like this: Had a friend who was very conversational, liked cars and engines, overall mediocre student; finished their MBA (well on their way to be financially successful and also fulfilled)
Had many others with mediocre grades (Bs and Cs); people who sucked at math becoming programmers, designers; people with not good at verbal skills taking up writing jobs and then, of course, people good at just a few things and making them count.
All of this because they minimized everything else and focussed in single directions.
– OhGodWhy_13
18. I find that listening to music helps me to study. If I’m not then I’m semi concentrating on the world around me, which distracts me from my work.
And if you’re studying long term then you could divide your breaks by when your albums end (if you choose to listen to entire albums).
– OnetimeRocket13
19. Don’t fear failure. One reason lots of kids struggle with school is the pressure. But there are many paths in life – 99% of them don’t rely on how well you did at school. And all of them are good. Once you take the pressure off, you are freer to succeed however that looks to you.
– PM_OR_PETS
20. Learn. To. Plan.
Like, really. Once you get the hang of it you almost think “why didn’t I do this sooner?”.
Know what you got to learn. Get the hang of how long it takes you to study. And make clear planning from beginning to end. Every subject. Everything you need to learn.
Set out a complete day. I’m serious. Planning is hard, but it saves stress, thinking, and lets you focus. You have to find out what you need to study for the entire year, for every subject. Find out when exams are and plan study sessions accordingly.
Once you understand how much time is left you’ll enjoy life a lot more. You’ll never feel guilty for not studying because you exactly know what to do.
Don’t wait for announcements. Don’t do it by semester. Every. Single. Day.
I just don’t want you to feel guilty for not studying, stressful for what might come, or think you might not make it.
Discipline is hard. But once you do it, you can’t stop, as the effort pales to the benefits.
High school is one of your best times and you should enjoy it accordingly. Having your planner you’ll always enjoy the stuff available as you know that that specific time is for having fun.
– Subject_1889974
Cool, I got quoted but mine was terribly written with no sentence structure at all lol