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It's disappointing when your grades are lower than you want them to be, but don't get discouraged! It happens to almost everyone at some point. If it's early enough in the term, you may even be able to get a better grade in the classes you're struggling in now, but even if not, you can apply these tips to help you do better in your next course. Just keep trying—when you find the study habits that work best for you, you're almost certain to see it reflected in your grades!
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I have a big psych test coming up and I need your studying tips! I've never been good at studying, I always lose focus or get too anxious about a... Read More
1. If you're having trouble focusing it's important to study somewhere your mind won't wander. The library is my go-to.
2. Be selective ab... Read More
2. Be selective ab... Read More
Good advice. I'll add to the library one: as someone who has spent a lot of time in university libraries, it is best to choose a day and time tha... Read More
Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series
Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.
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QuestionHow can I be more productive after school?Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.Allow yourself a set amount of time to unwind after school, like 30 minutes, and have a snack, relax, check Instagram, etc. Then commit to diving into your homework right away; procrastinating until late at night when you’re exhausted will generally result in lower quality work and mean you are up later (and thus getting less sleep) than you should be. Treat things like watching TV or playing around online as rewards for finishing your work: don’t let yourself do it until you’ve completed all of your assignments.
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QuestionIs it better to wake up early or stay up late to study?Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.The most important thing is that you are getting enough sleep for your brain and body to recharge fully, or at least as much as it possibly can. You know better than anyone whether you are a morning person or a night owl, so try to set a schedule that best suits your natural rhythm. When deadlines are imminent and you don’t have this luxury, it is typically better to stay up and work late the night before rather than wake up early to get it done right before a test—if there is more work than you anticipated, you have a greater buffer to get everything done (and done well).
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QuestionHow can I stop myself from getting sleepy when I study?Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.First of all, snacks—but the right snacks. Feeding your body can also feed your brain: choose something somewhat healthy (chocolate-covered almonds, for instance) that you also enjoy. Particularly when reading a textbook, it’s easy to drift off—even if your eyes are moving over the words, your brain isn’t necessarily processing it. Stop after each paragraph and ask yourself to summarize it. Don’t let yourself get too far without making sure you’re actually retaining what you’ve read. Finally, find other ways to engage in active (instead of passive) studying. For instance, rather than reading or rereading a chapter, create physical flashcards that cover the material and quiz yourself.
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Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Take short 10 minute breaks every hour while studying. Get up, move around, stretch. This gives your brain time to process new information before diving back in. Marathon study sessions are counterproductive.
- Ask your teacher directly for advice if you are struggling. Be honest about what you think the issue is, and take responsibility. Most teachers are happy to provide guidance to students who care.
- Don't just read chapters once. Try summarizing key points aloud after reading, making flashcards, or explaining it to a friend. Engaging with the material in different ways improves retention.
- When taking exams, read through the entire test first to assess timing. Then do the questions you know best first before going back to trickier problems. Using time efficiently reduces stress.
- Set a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. Oversleeping can negatively impact attention span just as much as lost sleep. Keeping your body's clock regular optimizes mental sharpness.
- Switch up your study space if you're having trouble retaining material. Try a new room, the library, or anywhere free of distractions. Finding an optimal environment can really help.
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References
- ↑ https://www.livecareer.com/resources/careers/recent-grads/getting-better-grades
- ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/improve-underperforming-grades.html
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/improve-underperforming-grades.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-anxiety.html
- ↑ https://pennstatelearning.psu.edu/test-taking-tips
- ↑ https://www.livecareer.com/resources/careers/recent-grads/getting-better-grades
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/improve-underperforming-grades/
- ↑ https://www.livecareer.com/resources/careers/recent-grads/getting-better-grades
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/improve-underperforming-grades/
- ↑ https://collegeinfogeek.com/how-to-take-notes-in-college/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/health_and_academics/index.htm
- ↑ https://time.com/5689957/sleep-college-students-grades/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-terror.html
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/improve-underperforming-grades/
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/improve-underperforming-grades/
About This Article
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To improve your grades, start by studying continuously so that your brain has time to process the material you're learning, rather than cramming the day before a test. Wen studying, make study cards with a few facts or concepts on them so you can brush up on some of them each day. During class, stay focused on the information by asking questions and taking notes for future reference. Before a test, practice time management by studying in an area free from distractions and aiming to complete tasks within a set period of time. For tips on how to identify your learning style and when to ask teachers for extra help, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I'm in grade 9, third report card out of 4! I failed gym with an 40 and French with a 51. I need to pass everything, I can't do summer school. This helped me learn how to study and that I need a healthier way to lose weight and get more sleep. I also learned to study more, and that I need to clean my room!" ..." more
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"I'm in grade 9, third report card out of 4! I failed gym with an 40 and French with a 51. I need to pass everything, I can't do summer school. This helped me learn how to study and that I need a healthier way to lose weight and get more sleep. I also learned to study more, and that I need to clean my room!"
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"This is one of the best strategies for studying well. I took lots of notes in the class I was failing, which was AP biology. It helped me get all A's on the tests, so I got an A- on my final grade and I got a 3.8 GPA for freshman year of high school."
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