How to Avoid Sleepiness While Studying (13 Ways to Stay Awake and Focused)

August 31, 2022 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

Do you ever catch yourself nodding off even though you have a test the next day?

If so, does that make you wonder how you can avoid sleepiness while studying?

As a student, I know schoolwork can tire you out. Studying requires a lot of concentration and time, especially during exam season.

It’s only natural for feelings of fatigue to kick in after staring at your computer for hours or reading over pages and pages of notes – even if you’re well-rested.

But remember, you’re studying for a reason.

You want to master the concepts and get good grades. If you fall asleep while studying, you’ll waste valuable time.

To help you out, I’ve come up with 13 ways to stay awake during these crucial times.

Follow these research-backed tips on how to avoid sleepiness while studying, and you’ll ace your exams!

(Make sure to download the free quick action guide below too.)

FREE QUICK ACTION GUIDE: Get your copy of 12 Guaranteed Ways for Students to Improve Focus and Reduce Procrastination. The guide has already been downloaded thousands of times, so don't miss out!

1. Get out of your comfort zone

As tempting as it may be to crawl into bed, get cosy, and start reading through your notes, avoid doing this. You’ve probably done this before and unintentionally fell asleep.

Research has found that your learning environment significantly impacts how you study and, in turn, how successful you are in school.

A variety of factors can affect your learning ability, including lighting and noise. An environment that promotes learning has been shown to motivate, engage, and increase the potential of students to learn.

So step outside of your comfort zone. Literally!

Avoid any place you associate with sleep or naps. Instead, venture to a café, a library, or even outside in nature to stimulate your mind and activate that “study time” state.

2. Watch your posture

Sitting upright while studying has been known to enhance concentration and decrease fatigue.

Adopt a comfortable seated position and hold your head up high.

According to Upright, approximately 100 billion neurons and 1,000 trillion synaptic connections are found in the human brain. Your brain relies on these neurons and synapses for memory, concentration, and information transmission.

You’ll focus better once you improve your posture, by also improving your body’s oxygen and blood circulation. In addition, sitting upright helps to prevent you from falling asleep.

3. Create a study strategy

When it comes to avoiding sleepiness while studying, you need to have a plan in place that can guide you toward success.

Before you begin every study session, decide what you want to achieve during the session.

I recommend that you work in short, focused blocks of time of 30 to 40 minutes.

How does this method help you to avoid feeling sleepy while studying?

It allows you to devote your undivided attention to studying material for a set amount of time. You would also have specified exactly what material you intend to cover during the study session.

For example, you could break down the material into different sections and spend 30 minutes focused on each one.

Then you could take a break between each study session to recharge before diving into the next one.

Keep the breaks short – 5 to 10 minutes in general – so you stay on track to finish what you planned to work on.

4. Stay hydrated

The human brain is about 75% water.

When we don’t drink enough water, it leads to dehydration, which turns to fatigue, headaches, lack of mental clarity, stress, and sleep issues.

Of course, these are all issues that you want to avoid when studying.

Research shows that staying hydrated increases your academic performance. So always have a bottle of water next to you while studying to ensure that you stay hydrated.

5. Eat the right foods

If you want to feel energised and alert, choose a nutrient-rich diet high in protein to keep you going through your day (or night) of studying.

Add in fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats to your diet too.

Healthy brain food for studying includes protein from sources like meat, eggs, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

6. Use active learning methods

If you just read your notes or textbook passively, you’re bound to feel sleepy. But if you learn the material actively, your concentration will improve.

Here are some active learning methods I recommend:

Write down questions you have as you read
Create summary notes for every topic
Teach other people about what you’ve learned
Discuss the topic with your classmates
Think about real-world applications of what you’re learning
Explore case studies related to the topic

7. Switch tasks periodically

Doing too much of one thing can become tedious.

That’s why switching up your tasks periodically can keep things interesting and prevent your mind from straying while you’re studying.

If you switch tasks too often (e.g. every 15 minutes or less), you’ll have difficulty concentrating deeply on the task at hand.

I recommend that you focus on one task for at least 30 to 40 minutes before changing to a different task.

You could begin with one “type” of studying, such as reading through your notes and highlighting the key points. Then you could move on to another type of studying where you complete a few practice problems.

If you use this approach while also applying methods that enable you to study smart, you’ll be on the right track!

8. Move your body

Daily exercise plays a big part in students’ mental and physical health. The benefits of physical activity are endless, from strengthening the body to refreshing the mind.

We are Fitness Freaks is an advocate of performing aerobic exercises to avoid feeling lethargic.

Starting your study session with a quick exercise like jumping jacks gets your heart rate up and improves your focus.

Adding jumping jacks to your daily routine elevates oxygen levels, boosts mental cognition, increases happiness, and enhances your overall performance.

9. Take power naps

You’ll be happy to hear that power naps are a good thing!

The health benefits of power naps include enhanced long-term memory, better logical reasoning, increased creativity, and improved cognitive performance.

The ideal time to take a power nap is between 12:30 pm and 2 pm. You’ll want to avoid taking one too late in the day because it will affect your ability to sleep later on.

But if you have no choice but to wait until later in the day, a 10-minute power nap is ideal and won’t mess up your sleep schedule.

10. Choose the right kind of lighting

Feeling sleepy while studying? Your choice of lighting could be an influencing factor.

Did you know that the colour of light that you use while studying can have an impact on your level of sleepiness?

LED Lighting Info states that cool light colours – blues and whites – are the best LEDs for studying. By mimicking daylight, they help you stay awake and focused.

You’ll feel more attentive and alert when studying under cooler colours.

But starting a few hours before bedtime, I recommend that you study under warmer colours, such as orange and red. This is so you won’t have trouble falling asleep.

11. Find a study buddy

Two minds are better than one – this also goes for motivation and moral support.

When you have a study buddy, you can motivate each other throughout your session. You can also test each other by asking questions and bouncing ideas off one another.

An advantage of this is that you’re less likely to fall asleep while studying in someone else’s company.

You’ll keep your mind stimulated and more alert. If you see your study buddy beginning to nod off, give them a gentle nudge and encourage them to keep going.

12. Prioritise quality sleep

It might be strange to see a tip related to getting more quality sleep on this list, but I put it here for a reason.

Quality sleep can do wonders for your study sessions. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that healthy adults sleep between seven and nine hours per night.

This research study explored the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance in college students. The results showed that academic performance was positively correlated with longer sleep duration, higher sleep quality, and more consistency in sleep.

So make it a priority to get to bed at about the same time every night, and wake up naturally without an alarm whenever you can.

13. Use your finger or pen as a guide while reading

Sometimes, using a guide to focus on while you study can help you stay alert.

For example, try using a pen as a guide while reading a textbook or your notes. You can also use your finger or any other suitable item you have on hand.

This will help you to concentrate and will prevent you from daydreaming. Your reading efficiency will also increase!

Conclusion

Studying can be a tedious task that may cause students to feel tired and fatigued.

But if you want to learn as effectively as you can, then it’s vital to find an approach that works for you to avoid sleepiness.

By following the tips in this article to stay awake while studying, you’re sure to become a better student!

When Is the Best Time to Study? Here’s What You Need to Know

Updated on May 24, 2022 By Daniel Wong 4 Comments

Do you ever wonder when is the best time to study?

I’ve spoken to and worked with over 20,000 students, so I’ve often heard some variation of this question:

“Will studying at a specific time help me get better grades?”

Here’s the truth…

How you study is more important than when you study.

Every student is unique. The best time to study depends on your circadian rhythm, schedule, extracurricular activities, and learning preferences.

What matters most is that once you determine your optimal time to study, you stick with that schedule.

Don’t wait until you’re feeling motivated to crack open your textbook. Instead, include study time in your daily and weekly routine.

For example, if you discover that you study best from 4 pm to 6 pm, set a recurring daily alarm at 3:50 pm to remind you of your upcoming work session.

If you do this, you’ll find it easier to stay on track with your study habits — and get better grades in the process, too.

Now, how do you determine the best time of day to study? That’s what the rest of this article is about.

Top benefits of studying in the morning

Most students I’ve worked with find it hard to study before school.

You want to arrive at your classes refreshed and ready to learn — not mentally exhausted from an early morning study session.

That being said, some students function best in the early hours of the day. So you can consider these benefits of getting your work done in the morning:

1. Your mind is fresh

Do you feel most alert and motivated at the start of your day?

Are you refreshed and raring to go after a good night’s sleep?

If so, you might find that the best time to study is in the morning, before daily decisions, chores, and to-do lists cloud your mind.

2. You won’t disrupt your sleep schedule

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re studying in the evening. Before you know it, the clock reads 11:30 pm — and your alarm is set for 6:00 am the next day!

If you want to do better in school, it’s crucial that you get enough sleep.

Now, you don’t have to follow a morning study routine to become a top student. But you might find it easier to stick to a sleep schedule if you’re not tackling assignments late into the night.

3. Brain-boosting natural light

Studies show that natural light affects our hormones and circadian rhythm while enhancing brain activity. Natural light can improve learning, cognition, mood, and even sleep.

I realise that my own sleep quality is much better when I get natural light in the morning!

If you have a study area where you can get natural light in the morning, you’ll be able to focus and retain new information more effectively.

4. A positive start to your day

When you start the day productively, you’ll often carry that positive energy with you throughout the rest of the day.

Plus, you’ll likely feel more in control and less stressed when you know you’ve completed a challenging task to start the day – before most of your classmates have even rolled out of bed!

Top benefits of studying in the afternoon

Let’s continue exploring the question of when the best time to study is by looking at the benefits of having afternoon study sessions:

1. Easy access to peers and teachers

One study tip that works for most students is to form a homework group.

Everyone has questions from time to time. When you study with a small group of motivated peers, you’ll have someone you can turn to for help.

If you always study alone, you might get discouraged when you’re faced with a hard assignment.

And if it’s early in the morning or late at night, your teachers and peers might not be available to support you.

2. Public spaces and libraries are open

Many of the students I’ve worked with tell me that it isn’t effective to study at home.

Distractions like video games, siblings, and the TV can make it tricky to focus on the task at hand.

If you focus best in a quiet space where there are other students (like a library or study room), the afternoon might be the best time to study for you.

3. Opportunity to integrate new information

I’ve said it before many times in my previous articles, but it bears repeating: cramming doesn’t work.

What approach works better instead?

Studying smarter by periodically reviewing the new material — starting on the day that you learn the new information.

If you choose to study in the afternoon, you’ll have the advantage of reviewing your notes while the information is fresh in your mind. This is because you would have just covered the material in class earlier that same day.

4. Fewer restrictions on your study time

If you get your work done in the afternoon, you’ll have more control over your schedule.

Your study sessions won’t get cut short because you need to go to school or because of late-night fatigue.

Top benefits of studying in the evening

Are you a night owl?

Maybe you realise that you have more energy in the evening and at night, and you can concentrate better during those hours.

Here are a few benefits of doing your schoolwork in the evening:

1. Fewer distractions and noise

Many students excel during the quiet and peaceful nighttime hours because there are fewer distractions.

But be sure to go to bed at a reasonable hour so that you still get sufficient sleep!

2. More conducive to a busy student’s schedule

I’m sure you’re a busy student. Between school, hobbies, chores, and exercise, sometimes the only opportunity to study is in the evening.

That’s fine, so long as you keep track of your homework assignments and prioritise them accordingly.

3. Retention of new information could improve

Some research suggests that students are better able to retain new information when they learn it before going to sleep.

Why?

Because when you’re sleeping, your brain is consolidating the new information so that you can retrieve it later on.

I encourage you to try it out and see if it works for you!

In closing…

Deciding on (and sticking with) a study schedule is a great way to improve your academic performance.

But it’s only one step.

If you want to become a focused and effective student, you need a plan.

That’s why I’ve created The Perfect Study Plan. It’s a proven, step-by-step formula to help you become a straight-A student. Learn more about this exam preparation and study skills course here.

8 Bad Study Habits You Need to Eliminate Immediately

April 19, 2022 By Daniel Wong 16 Comments

Are you ready to get rid of your bad study habits permanently?

Maybe you’ve picked up a few ineffective study habits over the years.

Maybe you’re tired of feeling stressed out and overwhelmed — like no matter how hard you study, you’re always behind.

Well, I’ve got good news for you…

With the right strategies and mindset, you can achieve academic success.

Once you eliminate the 8 bad study habits discussed in this article, you’ll become a better student. You’ll also be more prepared for life after school.

So let’s explore this list of bad habits for students — and my tips for what to do instead — so you can start getting better grades today.

Bad habit #1: Procrastinating until the last minute

Do you wait until the night before an exam to crack open your textbook and review your notes?

Do you struggle to begin homework assignments, even when your stress levels are rising and the deadlines are fast approaching?

If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 80 to 95% of college students and 86% of high school students struggle with procrastination!

But just because procrastination is a common problem, that clearly doesn’t make it an effective study habit.

Cramming doesn’t work. So if you want to do well in school, you need to study smarter.

You need to get the basics right and do things like:

Plan out your day and week in advance.
Set aside regular blocks of time for homework and study sessions.
Periodically review the material covered in class.

(If you still feel too overwhelmed to get to work, learn how to motivate yourself to study with these 23 tips.)

Bad habit #2: Studying in front of the TV or with digital devices next to you

After an exhausting day at school, you still have a long list of homework assignments to complete.

You’re tired of sitting at a desk, so you cosy up on the sofa with your textbook and homework. It’s too quiet, so you turn on the TV.

What’s the problem with this?

Soon you have one eye on your homework and the other on the TV.

To avoid poor study habits, it’s vital that you remove as many distractions as possible. That includes your smartphone and tablet, too.

I recommend setting up a dedicated study space where you can control the environment for optimal study sessions.

Leave your digital devices in a different room so you’re not tempted to use them. By doing this, you’ll learn how to focus when studying and have more time to enjoy your favourite shows later.

Pro tip: Any place you associate with relaxation — like your bed — isn’t an optimal place to study. So make a commitment today not to do any work while lying in bed!

Bad habit #3: Memorising your notes without fully understanding the material

Memorising your notes might help you ace a test in the short term, especially if it’s an easy test.

But rote memorisation won’t help you retain information for the long term.

So focus on understanding all the new material that’s covered in class. Process and summarise what your teacher says by jotting down notes that make sense to you.

You’ll retain information more effectively and set yourself up for success when you learn how to take notes properly.

Put any new information into context by connecting it to your existing knowledge.

And if you just can’t understand certain concepts or equations, ask your teacher for help. Do this as soon as possible so you can clarify your doubts way before the next test or exam.

Bad habit #4: Being disorganised

No list of bad study habits for students would be complete without mentioning a lack of organisation.

I know it’s hard to stay organised as a busy student. But being disorganised leads to forgotten exam dates, missed assignments, and plenty of stress.

So take 5 to 10 minutes each day to put things in order. Do things like:

File your class notes and material.
Write down the tasks you need to complete for the day.
Check your calendar or planner to see what events and deadlines are coming up.
Clear your desk.
Throw away or recycle old papers or brochures that you no longer need.

It doesn’t take much time to create a calm, organised environment so that you can achieve your academic goals and be successful in school.

Bad habit #5: Not asking for help when you need it

Like we talked about briefly earlier, if you have a question about a concept or an assignment, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for guidance.

Everyone has questions — it’s just that straight-A students ask for help when they need it.

Regularly review your notes and flag any questions you might have by highlighting the relevant section or by using sticky notes.

Find an opportunity to speak with your teacher (or a knowledgeable classmate) to get these questions answered.

If you do this consistently, you’ll keep up with the material and avoid feeling stressed the night before the exam.

Bad habit #6: Multitasking

What looks like multitasking is really switching back and forth between multiple tasks, which reduces productivity and increases mistakes by up to 50%.
– Susan Cain

We’ve all been there before…

A few minutes into a study session, you remember that you need to reply to a text about a group project. So you unlock your phone and send that text.

Then you read another page of your textbook, and a line in the chapter reminds you of a video you’ve been meaning to watch. The video is only a few minutes long, so you decide to watch it right away.

Now you’re back to studying. But wait — do you have a math test next week? You’d better check on that now before you forget.

You then realise that you’ve been “studying” for an hour, but you’ve hardly made any progress!

Here’s the thing…

Multitasking doesn’t work. It makes you less productive and more distracted because you’re just switching between tasks.

Instead of switching between assignments or trying to do multiple tasks at once, focus on one thing at a time.

If a distracting thought pops into your head, jot it down on a notepad. You can return to this list at the end of your study session.

Bad habit #7: Neglecting your physical health

Exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep are essential habits that will impact your health and well-being.

You might think that you’re too busy to take care of your physical health.

But if you take care of your physical health, the science shows that you’ll actually be more focused and productive!

It is possible to become a top student while leading a healthy, well-balanced life. You can start with these simple tips:

Do some form of exercise every day, even if it’s just a brisk 10-minute walk.
Keep a water bottle and healthy snacks on or close to your desk.
Stick to a bedtime routine that helps you to wind down.
Wake up and go to sleep at around the same time each day.
Do deep breathing exercises to help you manage stress.

Bad habit #8: Always studying alone

Sometimes you need to study alone to maximise your focus and understand new material.

Other times, you might find it helpful to study with a small group of motivated students. Studying in a group is a fun way to keep yourself accountable and eliminate bad study habits.

When I was in university, I remember taking a class where the homework assignments were extremely tedious and challenging. By doing the assignments at the same time as my study groupmates, I felt far more motivated to complete the work.

Another advantage to studying in a group is that you can support one another when you have questions.

You can get the answers you need while helping your groupmates to do the same.

Pro tip: Keep the size of your study group to 3 or 4 students to minimise distractions.

In closing…

If you eliminate these 8 bad study habits, you’ll be on your way to becoming an effective student.

But I know that students often need some extra support.

That’s why I’ve created The Perfect Study Plan online course. It’s a proven, easy-to-follow course that will enable you to stop procrastinating and to start acing every exam you take.

Learn more about the study skills and exam preparation course here and discover the step-by-step system you need to become a top student who leads a balanced life too!

How to Take Notes Effectively (So You Get Better Grades)

Updated on April 18, 2022 By Daniel Wong Leave a Comment

Wondering how to take notes more effectively?

You’re not alone.

Taking great notes isn’t easy. A lot is going on in the classroom, and knowing what to write down (and how to organise it) can be confusing.

Maybe you take notes during class, only to get home and find a jumble of facts and dates.

Or maybe you feel as if you’re constantly behind because you can’t take notes fast enough while the teacher is talking.

Don’t worry. Learning how to properly take notes is easier than you think.

With the right study tips and note-taking techniques, you’ll improve your focus in the classroom. You’ll also recall information more effectively and get better grades.

In this article, we’ll explore different note-taking styles, so you can choose the system that works best for you. Then, we’ll review my top 12 tips for better note-taking.

Let’s get started!

Note-taking strategies

There’s no perfect note-taking technique. Try a few of these popular strategies to determine which system works best for you.

You might want to use different note-taking methods for various situations and subjects — that’s great!

What matters most is that your notes help you understand and remember the information more easily.

Here’s the first strategy…

Outlining

Outlining is a helpful way to break down complex ideas into logical, bite-sized points.

It creates a well-organised and hierarchical structure. As such, you can easily pick out the main ideas and supporting information.

Here’s a quick example of what an outline might look like:

Main topic

Subtopic 1

Supporting point
Supporting point

Subtopic 2

Supporting point
Supporting point

Using Roman numerals, bullet points, or dashes to structure your outline is not essential. But you should be consistent with the symbols you use.

Outlining is one of the most popular note-taking methods for a reason. It’s easy to learn, and it works well for most subjects.

But this method might not be suitable for topics or subjects that don’t follow a linear structure. So here’s the next strategy you can try…

The Cornell Method

The Cornell Method is a simple system for taking, organising, and reviewing notes.

The technique was created at Cornell University in the 1950s and is a popular way for students to take notes.

Here’s how the Cornell Method works:

Divide a sheet of paper into four sections: a small area at the top and bottom with two columns in between. The right column should be about three times as wide as the left column.

The top section is for the title or header so that you can keep your notes in order.

Your notes go in the two columns.

Use the column on the left for questions, ideas, or main topics. The right column is your primary note-taking column. Finally, summarise all the information in the blank space at the bottom.

When reviewing your notes after class, return to the left-hand column to establish connections and write down key facts or insights.

Many students enjoy using the Cornell Method because their notes become a handy study guide. Simply cover up your notes in the right column, then use the questions and cues in the left column to recall the key information.

Like outlining, the Cornell Method might not be well suited to every single topic or subject. But if you need to break down complex subjects into core concepts, the Cornell Method might be for you.

Let’s move on to the next method…

Make a mind map

Are you a visual learner?

Then you might like using mind maps when taking notes.

This note-taking strategy is a diagramming technique used to brainstorm ideas and show the connections between key concepts.

You can think of a mind map as a tree.

The central topic is the “tree trunk” – write it in the centre of your paper. All major themes and points branch out from your main idea. Sub-points and smaller ideas grow off your branches.

You can use lines, bubbles, or arrows to show connections between different topics. The idea is to structure your thoughts by relationships rather than linearly.

A mind map is a helpful solution to the question of how to take notes when you’re visualising ideas, connecting concepts, or outlining essays.

Here’s another note-taking approach that you can use…

Create charts of key information

Do you like to see your notes sorted into clear blocks of information?

If so, you might gravitate towards using charts when you take notes.

With charting, you’ll split your sheet of paper into several columns and rows. Each column gets its own category; use the rows for summarising information and writing down details.

Charting is an efficient way to take notes if you’re comparing topics and information. But it might not be the best approach when you’re learning complicated topics that discuss many interrelated ideas.

Here’s what I want you to keep in mind…

Different note-taking techniques (and memory techniques too) work for different students.

Don’t worry about choosing the perfect method. There’s no such thing! Try out a few different strategies and see which ones help you understand and recall information the best.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how to take better notes and maximise your studying efficiency — no matter which note-taking method you decide to use.

12 tips to take better notes (and make the most of those notes)

Getting good grades isn’t mainly about studying harder. It’s about studying smarter.

Use these note-taking tips to set yourself up for more productive study sessions.

You’ll retain more of what you learn, so you’ll stop getting bad grades — and you’ll enjoy a better school-life balance, too.

1. Don’t copy what your teacher says word-for-word

You’ll never be able to keep up if you try to do this.

Plus, your notes will be a mess to work through later on. Instead, focus on writing down the key phrases and ideas that matter most.

2. Add visual interest to your notes

Make it fun and satisfying to look at your notes!

Highlights, diagrams, and bullet points are just a few ways to make your notes visually appealing.

You definitely don’t have to go overboard and spend many hours doing this.

But if you put in the effort to add visual interest to your notes, you’ll enjoy the process of studying more too.

3. Write notes that make sense to you

Memorising the words and sentences on a page will only get you so far.

You’ll retain more information when you understand the concepts. So process and summarise what your teacher says by taking notes that make sense to you.

4. Take notes by hand

Using a laptop to take notes is a sure-fire way to get distracted.

Studies show that students who take notes by hand tend to perform better on tests and exams. So, if you’re asking how to take notes effectively, then swap the computer for pen and paper.

5. Review your notes later that same day

Don’t wait until the day before an exam to discover that you don’t fully understand a topic.

As far as possible, review the notes you took in class later that same day. This will help to keep the material fresh.

If you realise that you have doubts to clarify, approach your teacher the next day or as soon as you can.

6. Takes notes during every class

We forget about 40% of the new information we learn within 24 hours.

So I encourage you to always take notes, even if you think you already have a firm grasp of the subject material.

You might be surprised at what information you need to reference later on.

7. Use mnemonic devices in your notes

A mnemonic device is a system or trick that helps you better understand and remember information.

“Rebecca Of York Gave Birth In Vietnam” is an example of a mnemonic device you can use to remember the colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet).

Create your own mnemonic devices or word associations in your notes to help you remember key points while you’re studying.

8. Connect new concepts to ideas you’re already familiar with

You’ll learn new information faster when you connect it to a concept with which you’re already familiar.

So write down handy references or topics in your notes that bridge ideas together.

9. Stay organised

We’ve all been there before… frantically searching our backpacks or desks for that particular set of notes we need, the night before a huge exam.

Avoid this type of unnecessary stress by using organisational tips for students. Keep your class notes organised, separated by subject, and sorted by date.

Here’s a simple trick for how to take notes more effectively: Write the date, subject, and topic at the top of every page.

You’ll be glad you did later on because there won’t be any confusion about when you created that set of notes, etc.!

10. Use abbreviations and symbols

Use abbreviations and symbols (like e.g., @ and arrows) when you’re taking notes.

These shortcuts will allow you to focus on what the teacher is saying without falling behind.

11. Sit at the front of the class

Studies show that students who sit at the front of the class tend to get higher exam scores.

So, if you have a choice, grab a seat at the front!

You’ll be able to see the board more easily and hear the teacher more clearly. You’ll be able to focus better, too.

This way, you’ll make the most of every class you attend.

12. Compare notes with a classmate

Do you have a study buddy?

Or at least a classmate you get along with fairly well?

Periodically review your notes with this classmate. You might discover that he or she picked up valuable information that you missed — and vice versa.

Conclusion

When you learn how to take notes effectively, you’ll set yourself up for success for years to come.

You don’t need to implement every single tip in this article right away.

Get comfortable with a note-taking style that works for you, then try incorporating a new tip every week. Soon, you’ll master the art of note-taking!

Taking better notes is an excellent start to attaining academic excellence.

But if you want to become a focused student who doesn’t procrastinate and who aces every exam, you need a proven, step-by-step system.

If you’re ready to become a successful student who consistently gets straight A’s, check out my study skills course called The Perfect Study Plan.

Through taking the course, you’ll get better grades, cultivate lifelong habits for success, and find time to do the things that matter most.

The course comes with a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk at all. Give it a try today!

20 Test-Taking Strategies and Tips for Anxious Students

Updated on July 14, 2021 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

Looking for the best test-taking strategies to stop anxiety in its tracks?

Let’s imagine the ideal morning of your next exam for a moment.

It’s early when your alarm goes off. You stretch as the sun peeks through your window. Usually, you’d hit the snooze button a few times, but today you don’t. You feel well-rested and ready to conquer the day.

As you climb out of bed, you realise there’s no swarm of butterflies fluttering about in your stomach.

Instead, you feel successful and resilient. You’re calm as you eat a leisurely breakfast, chat with your parents, and head out the door. Maybe you’re not excited about the big exam, but you’re not worried about it, either.

Now you’re seated at your desk with the test in front of you.

You feel prepared. You know which test-taking skills to use if you get stuck on a question. Later, when you submit your exam, you feel fantastic because you know you did your best.

Sounds like an incredible morning, right?

But if you’re a nervous test taker, this dream scenario might sound like exactly that: a dream.

After speaking to and working with more than 20,000 students, I’m here to tell you this…

With the right tips, you can perform better on exams and overcome test anxiety, too.

Ready to learn more? Let’s explore my top test-taking strategies so you can ace your next exam.

How to improve your test-taking skills

If you want to learn how to improve your test-taking skills, start by studying the different question styles.

I go in-depth on this in The Complete Guide to Taking Tests and Exams — and reveal my top clues for choosing the correct response when you don’t know the answer.

In this article, let’s look at some tips for popular types of test questions: [Read more…]

How to Get Good Grades: 10 Useful Strategies for Students

Updated on March 3, 2022 By Daniel Wong 13 Comments

Are you struggling with how to get good grades?

Don’t worry — you’re not alone.

I’ve spoken to thousands of students around the world, and many are quick to say:

“I study hard but I still get bad grades.”

Here’s the thing…

Those successful students that you know? They aren’t necessarily any more intelligent than the rest of the class.

They’ve simply developed study strategies that help them perform better in school.

You can get good grades, too. Your academic goals can be achieved by studying more effectively, not by studying “harder”.

In this article, I’ll cover the winning habits I used to be a straight-A student throughout my academic career — no all-nighters required.

Ready to stop stressing about grades and start doing better in school? Then let’s explore the useful strategies that will help you do just that.

Why is it important to get good grades?

The first step to doing better in school isn’t cracking open a textbook — it’s understanding why good grades matter.

Now, let me say this…

Your grades do not define your intelligence or self-worth.

Your academic record is only one part of your education, and you can lead a successful life with or without straight A’s.

That being said, there are real benefits to getting good grades.

For example, a solid academic record provides more opportunities for scholarships, higher education, and employment. Academic excellence may be the bridge to your dream career.

More significant, though, are the life-changing skills you’ll gain as you work toward becoming a top student — traits like focus, determination, discipline, and confidence. These values are crucial to achieving any of your goals, inside or outside the classroom.

A good grade is more than just a letter on a page. Achieving academic success after learning how to focus when studying is a rewarding experience that offers long-lasting benefits. [Read more…]

How to Be a Disciplined Student: 25 Proven Strategies That Work

Updated on July 4, 2022 By Daniel Wong 26 Comments

Do you find it hard to be disciplined when it comes to studying?

There are so many things competing for your attention.

It’s so much easier to text a friend or watch a video than it is to study. But while doing those things, you’re probably feeling guilty.

You think to yourself, “If only I had more self-control…”

In this article, I have 25 strategies to share to help you be a more disciplined student.

(To learn 5 bonus strategies, download the free PDF below.)

FREE BONUS

Enter your email below to get a PDF summary of this 4,000-word article. The PDF contains all the strategies found here, plus 5 exclusive bonus strategies that you’ll only find in the PDF.

1. Change your environment.

When you try to study, you may think it’s all about willpower and self-discipline.

Those things are important, but are you aware that your environment matters even more than self-control?

Some environments make it difficult to study. For example, if there’s someone in the next room playing music or talking loudly, it will be hard for you to get to work.

Even studying in your bedroom can be hard if you’re surrounded by distractions.

In contrast, have you noticed how easy it is to study when you go to a library?

In a library, there’s an atmosphere of quiet concentration – everyone is focused on their work. That’s the kind of atmosphere that will help you to be a productive student.

Of course, you don’t necessarily have to go to the library.

You could go to a different room in your house that you use exclusively for studying. If there’s a place like that in your house, it will remind you of your purpose – you’re there to study.

As such, you’ll get a lot more done.

2. Do one small thing every day that you dislike doing.

Of course, willpower is still an important part of being a disciplined student. After all, studying requires effort and focus.

These are things that don’t come naturally to most of us. You may even find yourself resisting the idea of studying.

This is where willpower comes in.

You can build up your willpower through habits. One way to do this is to perform a small task every day that you dislike doing.

For example, you could try…

Cleaning your room
Making your bed
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
Taking a cold or lukewarm shower
Reading a book for a few minutes instead of watching videos

When you do one small thing every day that you would prefer not to do, you’ll become more disciplined.

It’s like working out: your willpower “muscle” will get stronger every day. [Read more…]