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TEN TIPS FOR BEING SUCCESSFUL IN HIGH SCHOOL

 

  1. Get organized! If you are an organized person, you have what you need when you need it. Use a notebook every day and write down all assignments and when they are due. Organize your book bag and get it ready for school the night before. 
  2. Manage your time well. Take advantage of class time. At home, plan when and where you will do your homework. On nights you don't have a lot of written homework, review your class notes and study for upcoming quizzes and tests. Work on long-term projects ahead of time. Don't procrastinate and wait until the last minute! If you do, you will be too overwhelmed to do a good job.
  3. Be a model student in the classroom. Attend class every day and be on time. Have all of your supplies and materials with you. Listen and participate - don't daydream. Don't misbehave or allow other student to draw you into situations.
  4. Take good notes in class. Be an active listener and learn to pick out important information and write it down. Develop your own system and make sure your notes are easy to read. Read over your notes from every class day - your retention rate increases dramatically if you re-read your notes within 24 hours of writing them.
  5. Know how to use your textbook. Remember - Scan, Question, Read and Review. Look for boldface items and break down the chapter and read what is assigned!
  6. Study smart. Know your learning style. Some people cannot study with any distractions. Some people learn better if they study with a partner. Understand that you may need to study more than your best friend and accept that fact!
  7. Use test-taking strategies. Watch your time. If you get stuck on one question, mark it and return to it later. Narrow down your choices on a multiple-choice test. Look for key words on true/false questions such as "always, never, seldom." Make sure you answer all parts of an essay question. Review quizzes when studying for tests, and review old tests when studying for exams.
  8. Reduce test anxiety. Start studying early for a test. - don't try to cram it all in the night before! Get a good night of sleep and eat breakfast every day. If you know you get anxious, knowing that you really studied the material will help alleviate that anxiety. Take a deep breath and think relaxing thoughts before you begin a test.
  9. Ask for help when you need it! Don't wait until you are either overwhelmed or hopelessly lost before seeking help from your teacher. Speak up and ask for help, and don't fall behind! Free after school tutoring is offered in English and Math. Please take advantage of this awesome service.  
  10. Believe in yourself! Think positively, be confident and know you can do it!