How to Become an Outstanding Student

Be Prepared. Bring all necessary supplies to class. You should carry books, folders, pens, pencils, homework, worksheets for review, and any other tools you might need.

Stay Organized. Maintaining organization in class is crucial. If you stay tidy, you’ll be one step closer to success. Use separate folders for each subject—math materials in a math folder, English practice materials in an English folder, science materials in a science folder, and so on. To make it easier, you can color-code or label your folders.

• If you prefer, you can use bookmarks to make finding materials quicker.

Pay Attention in Class. When the teacher is explaining, take notes, and if you don’t understand something, raise your hand to ask questions. Believe it or not, the more questions you ask, the smarter you’ll become. Note-taking helps you process and understand the lesson better.

• Teachers appreciate questions, and you’ll impress them by being eager to learn.
• Focus on staying attentive. Keep your eyes on the teacher, listen carefully, and take notes.

Avoid Distractions in Class. Don’t disturb others, and don’t let them disturb you.

• If friends are distracting you, don’t be rude; simply tell them you’re busy and will talk "later."

Review Notes During Free Time. Rewriting the notes you’ve taken in class can be especially helpful for challenging subjects like law, economics, engineering, etc.

Take time to write out a few problems, or ask someone to write them for you. Remember, reviewing what you’ve learned won’t do you any harm.

Read a bit more. If you’re not a fan of reading, start at your current level and gradually improve. You might not realize it, but tackling challenging books can expand your vocabulary.

Create a mind map. Mind maps are incredibly useful for understanding complex topics.

• Write down as many ideas as possible. If you run out of ideas, research more and repeat the process until you can’t find any additional information.
• It’s a great way to review before exams or tests.

Study effectively. Studying is a key factor at any academic level. Spending 2 hours a day on focused study can improve your grades. However, these 2 hours must be productive. Eliminate all distractions, including phones, TV, loud/fast music, and chatty friends or family, to create a quiet and conducive learning environment.

Avoid procrastination. Establish a daily routine for yourself—it will truly benefit you. Keep electronic devices like phones, iPods, and computers away, as they can be distracting. When you get home after school, review the material covered in class that day and practice solving a few problems to stay ahead.

• If you still procrastinate for any reason, ask family or friends to monitor you to ensure tasks are completed. Avoid asking chatty individuals, as they might distract you.

Take short breaks during study sessions. For example, take a 15-minute break after every 2 hours of studying. Don’t panic if you feel stuck. Just take a break, refocus, and you’ll succeed.

Identify the topics your teacher will cover tomorrow and review them before class. This way, you’ll be familiar with the material, allowing you to focus on areas you don’t fully understand. Highlight difficult concepts and ask questions if you’re unsure.

Push yourself further. Solve extra problems or complete bonus assignments for additional credit. Even if you’re scoring a 9 in class, you can still improve your grades and master the material.

• Once done, consult your teacher to see if you can take on extra assignments.
• Preview next year’s textbook and try solving problems. This will sharpen your thinking skills and give you an advantage in the upcoming school year. However, don’t overdo it to the point where you neglect foundational knowledge—it’s essential for deeper learning.

Study for exams. Ideally, start studying a few days before the test. Create a study schedule, and if extracurricular activities interfere, inform the activity leader that you can’t attend or need to leave early. For unavoidable situations, adjust your schedule accordingly. Write down your exam plan for the week and identify free time. Use your time wisely, and study as if your final grade depends on it.

Ask your parents or older siblings to review your notes and create a mock test three days before the exam. This will serve as a practice test for you. Never cram the night before the exam, as it will make it harder to focus the next day.

Do your homework. Teachers assign homework for a reason—it helps reinforce what you’ve learned during the day. Use your free time wisely to complete assignments. Work on homework on your way home or during any spare moments. Unless your school assigns homework for reasons other than review, most schools use it to help students practice. Try to complete as much work in class as possible, as your teacher will be there to assist if needed. Don’t rush through assignments; take your time, check your work, and do it neatly. If you truly want to excel, you must embrace the desire to succeed in a subject and accept that some challenges may seem unfair. Homework isn’t a big deal—it helps build good habits and attitudes. Always do what’s asked of you.