Tips to Becoming a Successful Studier

Written By: Amanda, Jen & Karla

In today’s fast paced society it is far to easy for teenagers to get distracted from their studies. To help study habits it is important to practice the following tips while preparing for tests, exams or quizzes. Studying doesn’t come naturally to everyone, so it is important to try and not get frustrated. Something as simple as changing your outer environment, inner state of mind or even the way you write your study notes may make a huge difference on your next grade.

Everyone dreads the word “test”, and everyone has coping mechanisms to deal with the stress of that next test. Whether you are a procrastinator who leaves studying until the night before, or an over achiever who studies too much it is key to remain in a clear state of mind and focus while studying. The more stressed you become the less you are able to focus on your studying, and truly absorb the material. One of the best ways to deal with pre-test stress is to plan a study schedule well before the test. This means not leaving it until the night before! When a person leaves studying for a test or exam until the last minute often the result is a cram session. The word cram describes the action that you are trying to accomplish. The action consists of cramming every bit of information you need to know into your brain in a minimal amount of time. Needless to say cramming is definitely not a successful studying habit because very little information is absorbed past the surfaces of your memory.

Plan a schedule of when you are going to study. How many days before the test (we recommend at least 3) do you have? How long are your breaks going to be during study sessions, and who if anyone are you going to study with? Study buddies, or study groups can be very effective for some people; especially those with minimal initiative.

There’s a lot more then your inner state of mind that affects your studying habits, being in a comfortable environment is extremely important as well. If you’re a person who needs background noise while studying we suggest listening to the radio rather than sitting near the TV. Television can easily become too much of a distraction. Get into comfortable clothing as well, this will help you keep your focus. We suggest working at your kitchen table or desk, but of course this will vary. Where you study is a personal preference, and the only way to find what works best for you is to try different ways. Many people find that adding food to their studying makes for an improved environment. If you fall into this category we suggest trying a healthier snack. An apple that you’d have to peel would be a wiser choice then subconsciously eating a bag of potato chips. Also, snacks may become a distraction as well.

The last tip to successful studying we have for you is to find the way that works best for you. A student may sit down and read their notes every day for three days before a test, but still not have much of the material memorized. This may very well be because they are an auditory or visual learner, and the only way for the information to become connected with them would be to re-write all of their key points from their notes. Remember, every individual learns at a different pace, and style.

Some students may need to read their notes once, while others need to re-write them three times. The best way to determine the best course of action for yourself is to practice. Prepare yourself ahead of the time by tackling the material in different ways well before the test.

Once you focus on studying it is usually apparent which style of note-taking, reading and memorizing works best for you. If you can’t seem to keep focus, or retain information we suggest speaking to your guidance counselor or teacher for help. Many people (including Albert Einstein) have learning disorders, and if a student is struggling determining the root of the problem will only get you one step closer to becoming a successful studier.

Being a teenager is very stressful. It may seem as though you have no time to fit studying in between classes, work or friends, but school should always be one of your priorities. Maintaining a healthy balance between school and your social life is crucial to becoming successful later in life. By following some of the suggestions we’ve given you we hope that you will be able to find studying more accessible, and less painful. Always remember to keep sight of the future, and how good that A will feel when you get your test back.