10 Study Habits That Will Improve Your Grades Fast

Every student wants to improve their grades, but not every student is aware of how to study well. Succeeding in school is about studying smart, not necessarily studying harder. With the right study habits you will be able to refine your attentiveness, remember and retain more information, and do better on tests. The following are ten study habits that will help you achieve better grades in no time.

1. Establish Specific Goals for Each Study Session 

You should begin with an accurate picture of what you want to accomplish. For example, instead of just saying, “I am going to study Math,” say to yourself, “I am going to study two chapters in Algebra today.” Specific goals keep you focused but provide you with a point of reference. You might want to consider using a planner or even an electronic app to still keep track of what you need to do. 

2. Set a Study Schedule 

Consistency is key. Block off reserved time to have study sessions. Each day you should try and stick to the plan. This gets the brain accustomed to your study schedule, and it will make the study process easier. Just don't wait until the last minute to develop a study schedule. If you do that you have created a recipe for increased stress, and poor remembering of knowledge. Well structured learning goals will make a big difference in your ability to learn.

3. Figure Out Your Ideal Study Environment

The environment you are in can affect your focus tremendously. Find a quiet space with good natural light that is free from distractions when you study. Keep your desk clean and free of everything except your teaching materials. This includes your phone! Some students can study with light music playing in the background, while others like a quiet environment. The key is to figure out what works best for you.

4. Engage in Active Learning

Reading passively isn't effective. Engage with the material instead; take notes, write down key points, ask questions, and summarize what you learned in your own words. Teaching someone else what you learned is also a great way to ensure you learned it correctly.

5. Give Yourself Breaks

Your brain needs rest to do its best work. Studying for hours without a break can lead to burnout, and in turn, lead to a smaller concentration capacity. Use the Pomodoro technique — study for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minute break. After completing four (25 minute) sessions, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. Having short breaks gives your brain a chance to recover and will make you work more efficiently.

6. Keep Materials In Order

Keep your notes, books, and assessments organized, either physically or digitally. Use folders, color-coded notebooks, or apps that help keep the material organized. Knowing where everything belongs creates time-saving habits and lowers anxiety. When you are organized, your mind can concentrate on the learning, not finding what is misplaced.

7. Review and Revise

You shouldn't review the material only during exam week. Review your notes immediately after each class while the material is fresh in your brain. Review once a week, which will further increase retention and understanding of the material. The more you review a subject, the more you will remember the subject.

8. Practice Exams and questions

Practicing tests is a great way to get used to exam style and practice answering under time constraints. Practicing tests and questions will also help you identify areas of improvement. It is beneficial to review what you got wrong or unclear. This habit helps build skill and confidence for situations close to a real exam situation.

9. Look after your Physical and Mental Health

Healthy bodies support clear thoughts! Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy meals, and drink plenty of water every day. Include exercise to relieve stress and improve your focus. Don't forget your mental health—practice relaxation techniques, spend time with friends, and try to avoid burnout.

10. Inspire Positive Thoughts and Motivation 

Your mindset also has a huge influence on your achievement. Be sure you show yourself you have faith in yourself and try to be motivated and positive when the road gets rocky. Reward yourself for executing what you plan; this could be completing a chapter, or scoring higher on a quiz than the previous or completing your study plan. The positive reinforcement will keep you going.

Final Reflections

While you will not see improvement in grades in a few days, you will achieve gradual improvement when implementing the ten study habits. Be patient, consistent, and devoted to the process of learning! Remember, success does not mean perfection, it means creating the habit of studying well every day.

Begin to create these habits in your daily life today, and you will be amazed to see how quickly your grade point average — and confidence — grows!