Tips for Suceeding in School

Tip #1 — Improve Your Study Skills

Studying doesn’t come naturally. Like riding a bike or learning to dance, you have to practice. Start with the following:

» Form a study group. When you talk to each other about what you are studying—when you help one another remember and test each other—you get better grades. Meet with your group on a regular basis and stick to the agenda: Study first, socialize later. When you study with your classmates, your grades will improve, you’ll meet new people, you’ll develop discipline, and you’ll have fun!

» Set specific and reasonable study goals. For example, say “I’ll read ten pages of history tonight,” rather than “ I’ll read my entire history book this weekend.” Set yourself up to succeed, not fail!

» When re-reading before a test, pay attention to the first and last sentences of every paragraph. Typically, the first sentence introduces the material, the last sentence summarizes it.

» Take breaks while studying. If you’re feeling sleepy, get up, move around, or exercise lightly to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Tip #2 — Practice Time Management

1. Set goals
2. Plan a strategy to achieve your goals
3. Visualize yourself achieving your goals
4. Take action

GOAL
Read for an hour every day

STRATEGY
Create a schedule including everything you do in a day and find out where you have free time

VISUALIZE
Imagine yourself reading every day at the appointed time and location

ACTION
Read!

Tip #3 — Make Your Classes Count

» Sit up-front in class. You’ll have an easier time seeing, hearing, and following the material being presented.

» Take an active role in class discussions.

» Keep-up with class assignments. Finish them before they are due so that you are sure to turn them in on time.

» Ask questions in class. If you are in doubt about something, your classmates probably are, too.

» Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Remember, your teachers want to help you succeed. If you find yourself falling behind, then take advantage of all available resources such as tutoring.

» Look for ways to sharpen your basic skills in each of your classes. For example, practice your reading skills in history and your math skills in science.

» Take notes that are accurate, complete, and well-organized. Review your notes and reading oin a daily and weekly basis.

» Use your school library and computer laboratories in support of your coursework.

» Rewrite and correct your assignments and school work. Ask to review your friends’ work and ask them to review yours.

Tip #4 — Learn How to Take Tests

Even “A” students get etst anxiety. Fortunately, you can ease test anxiety by trying the following:

» Be on time for the test. Make sure you have pens, pencils, and erasers so that you don’t panic at the last minute.

» Take a moment to calm down before looking at the test. Close your eyes and remind yourself that you know the answers. Take a deep breath and relax.

» Before answering any questions, briefly review the test to determine its length and content, then answer those questions you know. Put marks next to those questions you don’t know.

» Re-read the questions you marked. Look for clues to their answers in other items. For example, if a question reads “Humans are mostly made up of: a) air, b) water, c) kryptonite, or d) rocks” and the next question begins “Because humans are 70% water...” then you know that the answer to the first question is: b) water.

» Review the test a third time and make educated guesses—eliminating obvious wrong answers—for all remaining questions.

» End the test by commending yourself for trying your hardest and doing your best.