How to Become a Top Student

Top students know how to focus during crucial times and rest when necessary. They manage their time wisely, stick to a balanced study schedule, and make the most of their classroom time. During their learning process, top students also find time to play, are eager to learn, and enjoy the rewards of their hard work when they achieve excellent results.

Prioritize your studies. Top students achieve success by putting learning first. While spending time with friends, family, and participating in extracurricular activities, even enjoying some alone time, is important, never underestimate the time dedicated to studying. If an important exam is approaching and you're not fully prepared, you shouldn't attend a big party just two days before the test. If you're behind in English, you might have to skip the latest episode of a show you're following. This doesn't mean you should never enjoy your hobbies, but it's important to recognize when to prioritize studying.

• That said, you can't ignore everything around you just to study. If your friends or family are going through a crisis, you can't simply shut yourself off from them for the sake of studying.

Punctuality. Develop the habit of valuing time and make it a point to arrive on time wherever necessary. In fact, you should aim to arrive a little earlier than required to have time to prepare, focus, and be ready to study upon arrival. Whether it’s for a test or a study session with friends, arriving on time is always crucial if you aim to be a top student.

Honesty in studies. This means doing your own work, avoiding cheating, and never resorting to shortcuts. Cheating won’t bring you any real benefit. It might seem like a quick fix, but it can lead to trouble later, even if it helps you in the moment. Cheating in exams is never worth the risk. It’s far better to perform poorly due to lack of preparation than to be caught cheating. Even if you’re not caught, cheating can make you believe that shortcuts are acceptable in life and studies, leading to a harmful habit in the long run.

• Don't let friends pressure you. In some schools, cheating is seen as normal, and many students do it, which might tempt you to join in. This group mentality is dangerous and can prevent you from realizing your full potential.

Maintain focus. Top students are usually focused on the task at hand. If you need to study a history chapter for an hour, stay committed to doing it instead of letting your mind wander. If you need a break, take 10 minutes, but don’t let it stretch into an hour with only 10 minutes of studying. You can train your brain to focus for longer periods over time. Even if you think you can’t concentrate for more than 15 minutes, try working for 20 minutes, gradually extending to 30 minutes, and continue increasing.

• However, most people should not focus on a task for more than 60 or 90 minutes. A 10-15 minute break between work sessions can help you recharge and refocus.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Top students succeed on their own terms. They don’t concern themselves with how their siblings, neighbors, or friends are performing at school because they understand that the ultimate goal is their own success. Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to disappointment or excessive competition that clouds your mind. Learn to push others aside and focus on doing your best at your own pace.

• Never compare yourself to anyone else, because doing so undervalues your own worth.

Strive for gradual progress. If you want to become a top student, don’t set a goal to jump from a C to an A. Instead, aim for a gradual improvement, from C to C+, then B-, and so on, so you can manage your progress and avoid disappointment. Successful students understand that improving grades dramatically is difficult, so they focus on the details rather than rushing toward the final result. If you want to excel, be willing to accept steady, incremental improvements.

Passion for the subject. Successful students are not just hardworking machines aiming for A’s at any cost. They are genuinely interested in and excited about what they are learning, and their enthusiasm for exploration helps them progress. Of course, it’s impossible to be passionate about every subject, from photosynthesis to linear equations, but you can try to find something that sparks your interest in each lesson. This approach will help you stay focused and make the lessons more enjoyable.

• If you discover something that excites you in class, you should seek out more readings on that topic to deepen your interest. For example, if you enjoy the novel 'The Sun Also Rises' in your curriculum, you might want to read 'A Moveable Feast' or a work by Hemingway.

Focus your attention. If you want to become a top student, focusing in class is crucial. You don’t need to love every subject, but you should be eager to listen to the teacher’s lesson, avoid texting friends, and truly absorb the key points being taught.

• To focus effectively, it’s essential to pay attention to the teacher.
• If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification right away to avoid confusion. If the lesson continues and you get more lost, it becomes harder to concentrate.

Take notes during class. Note-taking is crucial if you want to study effectively. Not only does it help you in the future, but it also forces you to focus and engage in the lesson in real-time, as you’ll be writing in your own words. Some people even organize their notes with highlighters or different colored pens to make it easier to absorb the material. Taking notes will make you more responsible in class and ensure you're paying attention to the teacher.

Ask questions. If you want to succeed in the classroom, you need to ask questions at appropriate times to fully understand the material. Avoid interrupting the lesson, but don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about something, so you can avoid confusion and be better prepared for tests. Asking questions also encourages you to actively engage in discussions and learn the lesson content.

• At the end of each class, review your notes and prepare any questions for the next lesson if something is unclear. Some teachers prefer that students only ask questions at the end of class, so be sure to respect their request.

Tham gia xây dựng bài. Nếu muốn trở thành học sinh giỏi, điều quan trọng là bạn cần tham gia tích cực trong lớp. Ngoài việc đặt câu hỏi khi có thắc mắc, bạn cũng nên trả lời khi giáo viên hỏi, tham gia vào các hoạt động trong lớp, xung phong trợ giúp giáo viên trong giờ học, và có thái độ thật tích cực để có thể tận dụng tối đa khả năng học trong lớp. Việc tham gia đóng góp trong giờ học cũng giúp bạn xây dựng mối quan hệ tốt với thầy cô giáo, và điều đó cũng có lợi cho bạn trong lớp.

• Bạn không cần phải giơ tay mỗi khi giáo viên đặt câu hỏi, nhưng nên cố gắng phát biểu mỗi khi có điều gì đó muốn nói.
• Nhớ nguyên tắc 3-3-3. Trong mỗi giờ học, bạn hãy trả lời ít nhất 3 câu. Như vậy bạn có thể được cộng điểm tham gia bài học.
• Việc tham gia bài học cũng là điều quan trọng khi làm việc nhóm. Các học sinh thành công có thể học tốt một mình và cả khi học cùng những người khác.

Tránh những yếu tố gây xao lãng trong lớp. Nếu muốn tận dụng tối đa thời gian học trong lớp, bạn nên cố gắng tập trung hết mức có thể. Tránh ngồi cạnh bạn bè thân hoặc các học sinh hay nói chuyện, cất hết đồ ăn vặt, tạp chí, điện thoại hoặc bất cứ thứ gì có thể khiến bạn phân tâm. Bạn có thể tự đền bù cho mình sau đó bằng cách nói chuyện với bạn bè, xem tạp chí hoặc làm bất cứ việc gì bạn thích, nhưng đừng để chúng chen vào việc học tập của bạn.

• Nếu xung quanh bạn có các học sinh dễ khiến bạn xao lãng, hoặc bạn cảm thấy muốn nói chuyện với họ vì buồn chán với bài học, hãy hỏi giáo viên xem bạn có thể đổi chỗ được không. Nếu không, bạn cần phải cố gắng phớt lờ đi. Nếu họ vẫn tiếp tục gây phiền nhiễu, bạn hãy nhỏ nhẹ yêu cầu họ ngừng lại.
• Cố gắng khi đang ngồi học môn này thì không suy nghĩ về môn khác. Tập trung vào tiết học hiện tại, chỉ lo cho giờ học sắp tới khi nó đến.

Xây dựng mối quan hệ tích cực với thầy cô giáo. Một cách nữa giúp bạn thực sự thành công trong lớp học là xây dựng sự kết nối với giáo viên. Mặc dù bạn không muốn nịnh nọt hoặc cố tỏ ra mình là học sinh giỏi nhất lớp, nhưng việc tạo mối quan hệ tốt với giáo viên có thể giúp ích khi bạn cần hỏi thêm điều gì đó, đồng thời giúp bạn có sự hứng thú hơn với bài học. Cố gắng đến lớp đúng giờ và tuân thủ quy định của thầy cô giáo để có thể có biểu hiện tốt nhất trong lớp.

• Đừng lo mọi người nghĩ rằng bạn là “con cưng” của thầy cô nếu bạn tỏ ra ngoan ngoãn với giáo viên. Bạn chỉ đang cố gắng làm một học sinh tốt.
• Nếu các thầy cô giáo quý mến bạn hơn, họ sẽ sẵn lòng giúp đỡ và trả lời các thắc mắc của bạn, hơn nữa họ sẽ thông cảm hơn với bạn nếu có sự cố gì xảy ra.

Ngồi gần giáo viên nếu có thể. Nếu lớp học cho phép chọn chỗ ngồi, bạn nên nghĩ đến việc ngồi ở bàn đầu, gần với giáo viên. Vị trí này sẽ giúp bạn tập trung hơn vì bạn sẽ khó bị xao lãng hoặc làm gì khác ngoài việc tập trung vào bài học khi thầy cô đang ở ngay đó. Điều này cũng giúp bạn tạo sự kết nối tốt hơn với thầy cô giáo, đặc biệt là khi bạn học trong giảng đường lớn, vì giáo viên thường chú ý hơn đến những học sinh ngồi bàn đầu.

• Đừng lo mọi người nghĩ bạn là kẻ nịnh nọt. Bạn chỉ đang cố gắng hết sức để tiếp thu bài học mà bạn cần biết.

Tận dụng các tín chỉ phụ! Tranh thủ lấy thêm tín chỉ phụ bất cứ khi nào có thể. Nhiều trường không cho học sinh nhiều tín chỉ phụ, nhất là ở các lớp lớn, vì vậy bạn phải nắm bắt cơ hội.

Create a clear plan for each study session. One effective way to ensure success in your studies is by preparing a clear plan before each study session. This will help you stay focused, achieve your goals, and make your study time more effective. Break your study time into smaller chunks of 15 or 30 minutes, and create a to-do list for each segment, whether it’s reviewing flashcards, going over notes, or taking practice tests. This method will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and losing motivation.

• Having a list that you can check off after completing each task will motivate you even more.

Schedule study sessions into your calendar. Another important method for academic success is to have a well-structured study schedule. You should try to dedicate time for studying on most days of the week, even weekends if necessary. While it’s essential not to overload yourself, avoid filling your calendar with social events and extracurricular activities that could leave you with little time to study.

• By prioritizing study time, social events won’t interfere with your learning schedule. Sometimes, you may not even realize how other activities fill up your calendar until you try to find time for studying.
• You could also set a monthly schedule to make sure you’re organizing lessons each week, especially when preparing for an important exam.

Find a study method that suits your learning style. Everyone has a different learning style, and not every study technique (such as using flashcards or reviewing notes) works well for everyone. It’s crucial to understand your own learning style so you can tailor your study approach to your needs. Many people have a mix of learning styles, so you may be drawn to several methods. Here are some of the most common learning styles and tips for each:

• Visual learners. If you’re a visual learner, you should focus on studying through images, drawings, and spatial knowledge. Diagrams, charts, and color-coded notes work best for you. When taking notes, diagrams or even visual associations might be more effective than words alone.
• Auditory learners. Auditory learners thrive by listening. You can try recording lectures and replaying them, or simply paying close attention to your teacher’s lecture and taking notes afterward. You might also reread your notes aloud, engage in discussions with experts, or participate in group study sessions for better learning results.
• Kinesthetic learners. Kinesthetic learners excel when they engage their bodies, hands, and senses. You might study by tracing words to reinforce lessons, memorize notes while walking around, or incorporate activities that involve movement or tactile interactions during your learning process.

Take breaks. You might be surprised to know that taking breaks can be key to your success. No one can study continuously for 8 hours, not even those with extraordinary motivation or those constantly fueled by caffeine! Breaks are essential for effective learning, as they allow your brain to rest. When you return to your studies, you’ll feel recharged and more energized. Aim to take a break every 60 or 90 minutes, doing something to relax your eyes, nourish your body, or breathe in some fresh air.

• Breaks help you break down complex information into manageable pieces.
• During breaks, you can engage in activities such as:
  • Listening to music
  • Reading books
  • Taking a nap
  • Taking a shower
  • Playing games
  • Browsing social media
• Top-performing students know when they need to take a break. They can sense when they’re tired or when studying becomes less effective. Remember, taking a break isn’t lazy; it’s one of the best things you can do for your studies.

Avoid distractions. To study effectively, it’s essential to avoid distractions when preparing to study. This may mean steering clear of studying with ineffective study partners, turning off your phone, and making sure the internet is only used for academic purposes rather than wasting time on celebrity gossip. While it’s impossible to eliminate all distractions, you can take steps to minimize them before you sit down to study, which will help you stay focused and on track.

• You can even disconnect the internet if you don’t need it for studying, to prevent distractions. If your phone isn’t necessary, consider turning it off as well.
• If something is bothering you, take a moment to address it before returning to your studies. If you feel anxious all day, it will be hard to accomplish anything.

Select the best study environment. The environment in which you study plays a crucial role in your academic success. However, everyone is different. Some people prefer studying in a quiet room by themselves, while others enjoy sitting outside on a blanket, listening to their favorite music. Some may study well on their bed, while others prefer a library or a café, surrounded by others who are also working. Try studying in various environments to see what works best for you.

• If studying in a noisy café hasn’t been effective, try a quieter place, like your room, or even a peaceful park where you can enjoy solitude.

Utilize available resources. Another way to maximize your study sessions is by using all available resources. You can talk to teachers, librarians, and knowledgeable friends for help with concepts you don’t understand. Use the library and online resources to supplement your lessons; check additional topics at the end of your textbooks for deeper insights. Do whatever you can to make the most of the resources at your disposal.

• Top students are creative. When textbooks can’t answer all their questions, they seek out other people, places, or websites for support.

Find a study buddy or group. Some students perform better when studying with others or in groups. Studying with peers can motivate you and make you feel like you're not alone in your learning journey. You can also learn from others, and even teach what you know to help reinforce your understanding. Although this approach doesn’t work for everyone, it’s worth experimenting with to discover the best study method for you.

• Not everyone is a social learner. You could try studying with a friend and then invite other students to join in.
• Ensure that your study group is structured and focused to avoid going off-topic. If the discussion starts to drift, don’t hesitate to gently steer it back on track.

Don't forget to have fun. While fun might seem unrelated to academic success, it’s actually key to achieving your goals. Just as breaks during study sessions can help you refocus, taking time off to do things like practicing yoga, hanging out with friends, watching a movie alone, or simply relaxing can recharge you, providing the energy needed to become a top student.

• Playtime doesn’t hinder your academic success. In fact, taking time to relax can improve your performance during study hours.
• Spending time with friends can also help you feel better when you don’t achieve the results you hoped for. If studying is your only focus, you may be putting too much pressure on yourself.