10 Tips to Achieve Your Best

Not all successful students are the same in their approach to learning, however, from secondary school to college there are common traits that students apply in order to achieve their best. Learning isn’t always easy, but applying these ten habits could make large differences in the grades which students get in the end. 

Firstly, be organised. Always having a plan of what you're going to do and when you’re going to do it will make sure that you don’t get lost in a sea of work. This involves not taking on too much work than you can cope with at one time, estimating the time you need, and actually doing what needs to be done. Making sure you are accountable for your work is also important so making a timetable or checklist can be particularly important. 

Secondly, do not multitask. This relates to the previous point about being organised. Poor organisation or lack of motivation can lead to multitasking. Studies have shown that this is impossible for your brain to do without resulting in a large decrease in the quality of work. 

Sleep is also a particularly important habit of successful students. The brain's ability to focus, memorise new information and recall past learning is dependent on the amount of time sleeping. Getting 8 hours of sleep a night can definitely go a long way. 

The fourth and fifth key skills of successful students are dividing your workload up and taking breaks. The mind can easily get fatigued whilst studying, hence allowing time to properly digest information by taking regular, frequent and short breaks is essential to allow our brains to fully engage with the task at hand. Work schedules are an important tool used to help divide your workload up and allow for regular breaks. Schedules also allow for easier time management and a chance to engage in the other important aspects of your life, like socialising and playing sports. Furthermore, finding a schedule that works for you is essential, not everyone works their best at the same time. Do you work better right after school or after you've eaten dinner? Are you more productive in 90-minute blocks or half-hour spurts? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself. 

Taking notes whilst in lessons whilst in lessons will help you engage your mind and help plan a basis for revision when exam times roll around. Not everyone takes notes in the same way, some colour code, some use diagrams and some just scribble everything they can down. Finding a note taking style that best works for you and your style of learning is just as important in taking the notes themselves. 

Minimising distractions and having a well managed study space can prove quite effective when it comes to studying effectively. This space should be quiet, void of distractions and relatively tidy. This can be in a bedroom, office or library. Maximising the space that you have is the key. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is no thing as a ‘bad question’ and your teacher will always welcome you to query things that you do not properly understand. If you are unsure about something, it is very likely that one of your classmates may not understand it too. 

For some, having a study group can prove to be successful. Sitting down with a group of people who are all learning the same things is a great way to go over confusing class content or prepare for exams. You can quiz each other, reteach one another, and make sure that everyone fully understands. Teaching someone else is the best way to learn.

All of the above tips and techniques will, sadly, be unsuccessful unless you take the time to study and revise for your exams. Remember to start with plenty of time, revise in small bursts and in numerous different forms (for example, write flashcards one day and take practice tests the next). In other words, don't cram. Take your time and get the best results you can get. Good luck!