How to Be a More Effective Studier: High School EDITION

Build habits/routines

It’s been scientifically proven that getting into the swing of studying at a given time consistently will improve your ability to concentrate. Setting a schedule for yourself and sticking to it will prove to be incredibly less taxing than having to force yourself to study, or setting new times to study for yourself every day.

Study incrementally

You’ll find it easier to retain information when you study for shorter amounts at a time, for a longer period of time. Try setting aside around 75 minutes every day to study, and keep this routine going for a matter of weeks. You will thank yourself when you ace your test without having had to cram the night before.

Quiz yourself

One of the best ways to improve your confidence in the material is to test how much of it you actually know. You can prepare a mock test paper and fill it out, or other physical methods of evaluation. Maybe try flashcards, or having a partner ask you questions. Alternatively, digital software such as Quizlet can be invaluable tools and can make the studying process much easier when there is a large amount of material to cover.

Teach someone else

Imparting your knowledge to someone else can help you identify parts of the material that you may not have a thorough grasp of. After all, one must be very confident in a subject to be able to effectively teach it to someone else. For this reason, try teaching a friend about the material if you’re unsure about which areas you need to study in further detail.

Build a rewards system

If you find yourself losing motivation to study, a rewards system may be the antidote to your problem. Implementing incentives to study will make the process more enjoyable, and can result in a heightened sense of satisfaction after you’ve finished. Rewards can be as simple as allowing yourself to eat a piece of candy every 15 minutes of studying or allowing yourself a proportionate amount of screen time, based on how much you study that day.

Take care of yourself

There is also a physiological component to effective studying. To optimize your mental performance, make sure to be taking care of your body and mind. A healthy diet, adequate sleep schedule, and sufficient physical exercise are all very important, though they may not seem like it. Definitely the day before your evaluation, a good night’s sleep is imperative for success. Moving your body (i.e. exercise) is proven to improve mood and concentration, which are both useful under pressure. Carbohydrate-rich foods will provide you with the energy you need to maintain functioning confidently.

We wish you all happy studying and the best of luck!