Tips for Academic Success

Tips for Academic Success — Studying

Daily Studying Tips

• Do your homework!
• Talk to your teacher—ask questions in class or meet before/after school for help.
• Review notes daily; try summarizing what you learned. Use thinking maps to cement the key ideas.
• Check the unit objectives—can you answer them?
• Use terms in a sentence and explain their importance.
• Aim for understanding, not just memorization.
• Write down clarifying questions for the next day.
• Teach someone else—this reveals gaps in your understanding.
• If you’re absent, learn what you missed and check in with your teacher promptly.

Additional Study Tips

• Read every night—small, steady reading beats last-minute marathons.
• Schedule weekly 30-minute reviews per class to reduce forgetting.
• Be an active learner: make study sheets/flashcards and recite out loud.
• Look up unfamiliar words as you read.
• Ask questions in class—others likely share them.
• Take notes while reading; summarize as you go.
• Budget time; form focused study groups.
• Be in class daily—every lesson matters.
• Avoid cramming; review a bit each night.
• Ask for help when you need it—teachers are happy to support you.

Tips for Academic Success — Taking Notes

General Tips

1. Be brief: Capture main ideas, not every word.
   1. Use abbreviations (e.g., “gov’t” for government).
   2. Skim an entire section first, then paraphrase in your own words.
2. Organize: Keep a consistent structure for headings, dates, and topics.
3. Think: Engage with the material; flag items to research later.
4. Review within 24 hours: Reinforces memory and understanding.
5. Study buddy: Compare notes before class to fill gaps.

Tips for Academic Success — Taking a Test

Preparing for Tests

• Rework prior quizzes/tests (see your teacher if they keep originals).
• Redo key parts of previous assignments—don’t just reread.
• Predict likely questions; make concise “cliff notes.”
• Create vocabulary flashcards when helpful.
• Study at night and then sleep—avoid screens after studying.
• Space studying over several days; don’t cram.
• Use websites, classmates, and other teachers as resources.
• Attend review sessions—take notes and ask questions.
• Sleep well and eat before the test.

Tips for Academic Success — Organization

• Keep materials/assignments for the full semester and choose a system that works for you.
• Examples:
  • Use a separate three-ring binder for each class.
  • Maintain a table of contents for each binder.
  • Use tabs for major sections (ask teachers for suggestions).
  • Hole-punch and file everything (not in the front pocket!).
  • Use a daily planner to track assignments and due dates.