We went on Reddit recently, and one hot question piqued our interest: “What are some study tips for high school students who are struggling and want to improve?”
So this one’s for the freshmen and seniors and everyone in between! If the pressure of high school is hitting hard, if you’re struggling with all the expectations of success (both in the regular and advanced track!)—we’re here to tell you you’re not alone, and how to get better. After all, we've been there too, and trust us, it's only natural to face difficulties when you're pushing yourself to learn more challenging material in high school.
There’s always someone to help! Whether you're feeling stuck in a tough math problem or overwhelmed with an English essay, remember that help is always around the corner. It could be a friend who's acing the class, a supportive teacher, or a virtual tutor – there are people who want to see you succeed and will put in the effort to help.
Let's talk about the common struggles many high school students face when it comes to hitting the books. Here are some of these key challenges, so together we can figure out how to tackle them head-on:
1. Procrastination: Ah, the classic battle between what you need to do and what you'd rather be doing. Procrastination can sneak up on anyone, leaving assignments unfinished until the last minute. But fear not! You can beat this beast by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and setting realistic deadlines for yourself. You can also try techniques like the Pomodoro Method (look it up!), or making a work playlist that gets you in the zone (don’t spend all your time making the playlist and not working, though!).
2. Lack of Organization: Ever find yourself buried under a mountain of papers or lost in a sea of digital files? It happens to the best of us. Get organized by using planners, folders, or apps to keep track of assignments, due dates, and important notes. Pick an organization style that works best for you: if you work better with a mess that you know your way around, there’s no need to clean it up!
The key here is knowing what works for you, and building a system around it. Making an organization system that you understand can go a long way in reducing stress and keeping you on top of your game.
3. Difficulty Understanding Material: Raise your hand if you've ever felt like you're drowning in a subject you just can't seem to grasp. Yep, been there too. Don’t let advanced math or other challenging subjects intimidate you. Reach out to your teachers, join study groups, or check out online resources like Mentor Match, Khan Academy, Crash Course or any other online course help for extra support.
4. Distractions: Whether it's your phone buzzing with notifications or your favorite Netflix series calling your name, distractions are everywhere. It's all about finding a balance. Create a designated study space free from distractions, turn off notifications, and try using apps like Forest or Freedom to stay focused during study sessions.
5. Time Management: With classes, extracurricular activities, and maybe even awesome community work, managing your time can feel like a juggling act. Take control of your schedule by prioritizing tasks, setting aside dedicated study time each day, and learning to say no to things that don't align with your goals. You can even find balance by alternating between hard tasks and easy tasks—small wins are still wins, and motivate you to do harder tasks.
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and mastering these skills takes time and practice. So, stay patient, and keep pushing forward. With the right strategies and a little persistence, you'll learn from your mistakes and find yourself overcoming obstacles you never thought possible.
So, take a deep breath and know that struggling is just a part of the process. You've got this.
[High school study tips, procrastination, organization, distractions, time management, study resources, online tutoring US, personalized course help, K12 education]
