Many students don’t know how to study.  They think that studying is something you do when there is a test tomorrow.  This is not true.  Studying is something you do to learn.  The most effective studying is done every day.  Homework is part of studying.  If you rush through homework just to be done, you don’t learn the material.  Take the time and effort to understand the subject.  This may include going to outside sources for answers to your questions.  Plan ahead to make the most of your study time.  Late-night, last-minute studying for tests is exhausting and leaves you too tired to do well.  When you make a plan and study regularly, the information becomes your own.

A good study plan includes:

Make a written schedule.
At the beginning of each week, write out exactly how you will spend your time when you are not at school.  Include time for each subject, extra-curricular activities, breaks, dinner and time with friends.  Be specific.  Use the exact time you will start each subject or activity.  Keep your schedule as regular as possible.  For example, you could schedule yourself to begin studying math every evening at 5:30.

Keep an assignment notebook.
Write down all of your assignments in your assignment notebook.  This way, you will have all of your assignments in the same place.  Make sure to include due dates and test dates.  Keep names and phone numbers of 3 classmates you can call for help in each subject or to get assignments you have missed.

Drink Water.
Get a glass of water before you begin your study session.  Drinking plenty of water helps your brain work properly.

Focus on your studying.
When you are studying, focus on the subject you are studying and work to develop an interest in it.  Avoid thinking about what you would rather be doing.  When you find yourself wandering, pull yourself back to your work.

Stay ahead on your reading.
Read the next chapter before you will be discussing it in class.  Take notes on your reading.  This way, you will know ahead of time what areas you don’t understand.  You will be prepared to ask questions that you help you excel.

Study your hardest subject first.
You will be fresher and less likely to skip the hard stuff if you do it first.  If you really don’t like a subject, make a real effort to make studying it more fun.  Make up silly stories to help you to remember the material.  Study with a friend who will help you stay focused.  Reward yourself when you make progress.

Don’t get overwhelmed.
Break down assignments into smaller pieces.  Focus on one piece at a time.  Keep to your schedule so that complete your work on time.

Ask for help.
Ask for help as soon as you need it.  Asking for help is part of the learning process.  Asking questions is a good thing.  Don’t wait until the night before an assignment is due.  The longer you wait, the harder it will be to catch up.

Do your honest best.
You know when you are putting forth your best effort.  Take the risk, you will be surprised at how well you do.  And, anyway, no one expects you to be perfect.

Be responsible for your own studying.
Don’t rely on your parents to tell you what to do.  Be self-motivated and you will feel really good about yourself.  Your parents are there to provide support; they can not learn the material for you.

Stick to your plan and you will be on the road to success.  You will have less stress, get more done in less time, be happier and be more in control of your life.