Studying Options

[swishersweet]

So I'm a junior in highschool and I just cant seem to get straight A's or even B's. The first grading period is already over and I have 3 C's on my report card, but they were pre-ap classes.

I usually don't study unless if I have a test the next day. I'm trying to break this habit by studying/reading information and notes from my classes every night.

So do you study? For how long? And does it actually help you?

[Tomates]

of course studying helps you.
I usually study 2-3 days before the test for about a half hour or so.

[Gigi]

I've never done the "read notes after class" thing, although I've been told I should. It's just a waste of time. If you understood and listened in class, there's no need to do it.

I only study if I HAVE to, like for tests. The amount I study depends on what kind of test it is or how much I know about it. Say for a math test, I would probably spend a maximum of half an hour, the night before, to study for it, if not at all. If for something like Biology, I would definitely try to study the week before. I make my studying feel a little less overwhelming by breaking down what I need to study for each day. It's not that bad.

I get A's. *shrug*

[Melissa]

I got straight A's in high school. The major thing that helped me was paying attention in class, taking notes, and reading the book. I don't ever actually "study" my notes or anything until the night before the test, just to solidify everything.

[Gigi]

^ Yeah, me neither. It was really more the action of writing it down that verified I really understood what I was reading. So I never really looked at the notes after I was finished with them.

[swishersweet]

Oh, Dang.
I guess I'm just retarded then.
I must have down syndrome or something.. Buaha. jk.
Jeez, I wish I got good grades.

[Joanne]

Don't take their word for it... everyone has a different way of taking in information.

As for me, I take notes and try my best to pay attention in class. Then I read the textbook. And before a test, I try to reread my notes over and over again a couple of days before and just try to make sure I understand the concepts. I usually did better in the classes where I'm actually interested in the topic. I did pretty horribly in most of my science and social studies classes, but pretty well in psychology and sometimes math...

[Gigi]

^ I didn't say anything that was unreasonable. I do study, for a substantial amount of time, and not the night before like he said he did. I just lay off the studying for easier subjects (for me personally), and I only study if I absolutely have to. Like how I will never understand keeners who study at every possible second.

It really depends on your own...studying habits. lol obviously right? But you certainly can't study just the day before for everything.

[shanaynay]

Well I'm pretty much a sponge. I've never studied a day in my life.

[swishersweet]

Well I'm pretty much a sponge. I've never studied a day in my life.

and i freaking envy you for that.

I just want good grades so my parents will be happy and get off my tip!
T_T

[Melissa]

^ I didn't say anything that was unreasonable. I do study, for a substantial amount of time, and not the night before like he said he did. I just lay off the studying for easier subjects (for me personally), and I only study if I absolutely have to. Like how I will never understand keeners who study at every possible second.

It really depends on your own...studying habits. lol obviously right? But you certainly can't study just the day before for everything.

Yeah, I totally didn't mean that I never, ever studied. If it's a science or math class, I generally do all the practice problems, etc.

[Comptine]

I got a really low GPA freshman year college and hated all the required classes I took. This year, I'm doing much better and I'm actually having fun learning.

I definitely learned to study and it helped me just relax a bit. I think most of the tips here are spot on.

No matter where you go, make the MOST of your resources. If your teachers provide outside help and you really don't get it, go ask questions or go to their office hours. Do read the chapters before hand or at the very least skim the summaries at the end of the chapters. See if your textbook has a companion website! I think that is the best resource because they have bonus material to help you understand the text.

For things like this, unless you're naturally gifted, you need to put in the work. I can give you tips on what worked for me but ultimately, you have to try things yourself. If you put in the effort, you'll see the results.