Here are some tips for studying and doing a better job on your schoolwork.

 1. Know the rules and play by them.  Do you wonder what difference it makes if you put your name in the upper left-hand corner of the paper or the upper right-hand corner? It might be the difference between an A, a B, or no credit. There are lots of rules that don’t seem to make any sense but can greatly affect your grades.

 2. Get organized. Have your material ready. Have a place to study. Create a routine and stick with it. Keep your backpack cleaned out and your notebooks organized.

 3. Do the hardest work first.  Complete your weakest subject or the work you find most boring first while your brain cells are on full power and your energy level is high. Save the easier work for later when you are less motivated.

 4. Form a study group.  Study with people who share the same academic goals or who ask interesting questions in class. Decide how long you’ll work and what you hope to accomplish. Leave the music, computer and TV off while you work.

 5. Take quality notes.  Taking good notes is an art. Here are some tips: a.) put ideas in your own words, b.) don’t try to write down everything a teacher says, c.) really listen to the teacher, d.) focus on the bigger concepts and the main ideas, e.) using numbers or make up your own symbols (stars or double underline for the really important parts), f.) try using an outline.The goal of note-taking is to summarize and show the most important information. Review your notes as soon as possible after the class to help reinforce the information.

 6. Ask questions and get help when you need it.  There will always be someone at school who can answer your questions,provide help or point you in the right direction. Start with your teachers. Needing help doesn’t make you look foolish. Refusing to ask for help does.