Is there a magic formula for achieving academic success? Does it require a potion of bat’s wing, frog’s head, and a magic incantation? Fortunately, success in school does not require magic potions and spells. If not that, then what exactly is required?
First of all, good study habits are essential. Does that mean slaving away for 12 hours a day, every day? Absolutely not. It means having a study rhythm, or having a regular study ritual. Such rituals should factor in natural energy levels of the student; some people are most alert in the early morning, others in the evening. A study ritual, for example, could consist of studying each weeknight from after dinner until bedtime. Or studying 2-3 hours every day before school. The exact study plan is less important than having a plan, and sticking with it.
Second, during your study time, minimize distractions. A TV in the background is disturbing to many people, in which case it should be turned off. Some people find that white noise, such as a fan in the background, can help to minimize distractions. For some, quiet music such as classical or jazz can be a study facilitator. Turning off cell phones, instant messaging, video games, and the internet are recommended to help minimize distractions.
Third, focus on effective time management. Time management is the art and science of using your time wisely. It has to do with setting priorities, accomplishing goals, managing calendars, and avoiding tangents that hijack your time and energy. Know your mission at all times, and execute your mission. If you don’t know your mission, school may not be the right place for you; consider getting a job or joining the military where someone else will give you your mission.
Fourth, keep a Master Calendar with important dates on it. What this does is help you to see the big picture. You will see that term paper, due in 3 weeks, way ahead of time, instead of having it jump up on you at the last minute. When you see that next week is academic Hell Week, you can get cracking on it early instead of having an 11th-hour heart attack.
Fifth, pay attention to your teacher’s or professor’s syllabus. It is the roadmap for your course. It provides key information on such issues as grade weighting of exams and projects, due dates, important policies, and the professor’s contact information.
Sixth, follow instructions. If a paper’s guidelines state that it should be 10-12 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font, any paper that does not meet those criteria will automatically lose points, probably at least a full letter grade. If instructions require citations using endnotes, a paper with footnotes will be unacceptable.
Seventh, read ahead and plan ahead. Let’s say that you are in nursing school and you are mortally afraid of Pharmacology. Use that fear as motivation to do what everyone should be doing anyway, especially in hard classes: reading ahead. That means identifying what will be covered in the next lesson, reading through the section/topic, and preparing questions ahead of time. That way, when the teacher is delivering the lecture, she is confirming what you already know rather than sitting there for an hour without a clue about what is being said while scrambling to write your notes.
Eighth, work ahead; that is, get assignments done before the due date. Then submit the assignment to your teacher/professor and ask for criticism and constructive feedback. Almost all professors will be willing to review your work and offer helpful comments, so long as you allow adequate lead time. Expecting your teacher to review your work at the last minute is neither realistic nor considerate.
Ninth, remain balanced. Pace yourself for the long haul. Don’t get so absorbed in academics that you forget to take care of yourself. Leave some time for fun and enjoyment. Don’t let your important relationships fall by the wayside due to your academic commitments.
Tenth, don’t overload yourself. Figure out a schedule that you can reasonably manage, and don’t try to go past that. Withdrawals and/or poor grades on your transcripts are more significant negatives on your academic record than a lighter course load.
Eleventh, stay organized. This means having all your work in one place; creating traffic flows for your work (Inbox/Outbox/On-Deck); and having an uncluttered workstation. This ties in to calendar and time management as well. Your folders should be tabbed by topic. Use a day planner or personal digital assistant (PDA) to keep track of where you have to be, when you have to be there, what homework you have in each of your classes, and when teachers are available for extra help. If you find that you show up to class sometimes and are surprised to learn that a test is scheduled, a paper is due, etc., that is a good indicator that you need to work on your organization.
Twelfth, listen carefully and take good notes during class. Good teachers will test over what they teach. You will even save yourself extra study time if you show up every day and pay attention during class.
Finally, don’t neglect your body. Work an exercise routine into your schedule. Thirty minutes a day is all you need to keep in great physical shape. When your body is in shape, you will think clearer, sleep better, and be more productive with your study time.
To review, below are the 13 keys to achieving your academic potential. If you follow these guidelines, you will optimize your academic outcomes.
How to Succeed in School
1. Practice consistent study habits
2. Focus during your study time; avoid distractions
3. Practice effective time management
4. Keep a calendar with important dates
5. Read your syllabus carefully
6. Follow instructions on assignments
7. Read ahead; go to class with questions ready
8. Remain balanced; pace yourself for the long haul.
9. Don’t overload yourself; know your limits
10. Stay organized
11. Finish assignments early for feedback
12. Listen carefully during class
13. Stay in shape physically
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