7 Study Habits to Boost your Academic Performance

Improvements are not just a said-and-done task—to improve any aspect of your life, you need to make reasonable changes over time. 

Listed below are seven smart habits, with anecdotes from interviewed students.

**Anonymity will be upheld; all are high school juniors in rigorous courses.**

Habit #1: Active Recall 

This method refers to writing down a main idea and a corresponding explanation (without aid), verifying the answer, and correcting any mistakes. Rather than simply rereading the textbook or notes, this strategy demands active thinking, just like how an exam would. 

Habit #2: Solve, then Seek 

Intelligent learners have a growth mindset: the mentality that one can improve with dedication and hard work. They recognize that it is important to ask questions about what is difficult to grasp. However, before seeking help, they first try to solve their problems. 

To solve, you can reexamine class notes or textbooks and watch online tutorials. In the end, you can always seek help from teachers or peers. 

Habit #3: Organize

Often, students may fall behind in their studies because they lack organization and structure.

We suggest: 

• Using an agenda

• Preparing your backpack the night before

• Establishing a homework routine

Rather than rigidly planning out when you will do each homework assignment, set goals for yourself. Perhaps in one hour, you want to write two body paragraphs. If you don’t accomplish this goal, figure out if you can work faster or if you simply need more time writing. 

If you already maximized your schedule, minute by minute, you will inevitably fall behind. Don’t constantly rework your schedule, but also, don’t be afraid to. 

Struggling with SAT? Get tips from our blog on How to make a SAT Study Plan.

Habit #4: Avoid Cramming 

Intelligent students prepare for exams in advance, allocating themselves time to study every day. Waiting for the deadline develops a lack of urgency.

There is no denying that cramming can work. However, in the long run, it is important to grasp core concepts at a profound level.

No, sleeping on your textbook does not let the information soak into your brain. I wish. 

Habit #5: Spaced Repetition

Incorporate your study material every day (breaks are fine, of course). For example, with a test on Monday, study for an hour on Saturday, then thirty minutes on Sunday. Again, you want long-term memory for useful information, not “Great, I can now recite all of King Henry’s wives, but I have absolutely no idea his impact on English politics.” 

Habit #6: Study Buddies 

Find reliable friends that you can study with or get clarification. Discussing answers fosters critical thinking skills and active recall. 

Writer’s Note: Before a test on a novel, my friends and I will go over the novel by reviewing key plot details, then major themes and any other broader ideas to prepare for any free response questions. 

Habit #7: Mistakes are Welcome 

Remember not to dwell on nor avoid any academic mistakes. 

Growth is not linear; sometimes, you may be at a flatline on the curve to success.

Hence, believe in yourself and recognize your strengths. Use all the skills you have developed over years of schooling to help you grow as an intelligent learner. 

Get inspired by these 4 Books About Success and Motivation that Every Student Needs. 

Final Thoughts

Building good study habits takes time and effort. Perhaps after skimming this blog, you’ll go back to being a procrastinator. When you do begin studying, though, you start using active recall and not simply reading your textbook. That’s still an improvement, and you should be proud of yourself for that.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take it one day at a time and keep moving forward. With perseverance and dedication, you can achieve your academic goals.