So you want to excel in high school?
It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it — we can promise you that. To help you reach that goal, here are 10 ways to get better grades in high school.
1. Write Creative Notes
Taking notes can be boring, but it’s an effective way to remember information. You can make it even more effective by adding charts, graphs, colours, doodles, and anything else to spruce them up and tie concepts together.
It will take more work to do but the process helps you remember the information anyway so it’s a win-win!
2. Put Your Deadlines on the Wall
A calendar book is helpful to carry around with you to class. However, a wall calendar with big fat deadlines written on it is more motivating.
At the very least, get your deadlines somewhere where you can see them.
3. Don’t Edit Your Work Immediately
The worst time to edit your papers is immediately after you finish writing them. Your brain remembers what is supposed to be there and will easily gloss over errors.
Finish your papers at least the day before they are due to give you a chance to come back and edit 24 hours later.
4. Take Frequent Breaks
Develop good exam study habits, which means don’t procrastinate and give yourself plenty of time to study. It also doesn’t mean cramming for hours the day before (or the night of) your exam.
When you do sit down to study, take frequent breaks to give your brain a rest. The Pomodoro technique of breaking it up into 25-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks between is quite effective.
5. Avoid Distractions
Breaks are good but don’t confuse them with distractions. You won’t get anything done if you’re constantly being interrupted.
Tell your family when you’re sitting down to study and make sure to turn off your phone or mute notifications.
6. Make Social Time
However, don’t sequester yourself away and spend all your time studying. The health of your brain will have a huge effect on your performance in school and social time is part of that.
So have a game night with your family, hang out with your friends, and don’t forget to enjoy high school!
7. Get Some Exercise
Another aspect of caring for your mental health involves your physical health. Exercise keeps both your brain and your body in shape. A quick walk is also a great way to wake up your brain on one of your 5-minute breaks.
8. Get Some Sunshine
Take that walk outside to get another benefit for your mental health. Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This essential nutrient for brain health and focus will help you score those coveted high marks.
9. Eat Healthy Snacks
Drink water and snack on healthy foods during your study sessions to help you power through. Avoid processed or sugary foods and go for nuts, fruit, and other healthy snacks.
10. Keep Your Brain Active
Is your brain stuck in a rut? Get it going by reading thought-provoking content that really interests you. You’ll find it much easier to dive into a study session afterwards — just don’t get carried away reading!
Ready to show high school who’s boss? Go get those good grades!
